2012 NFL Draft: 6 Day 3 Targets for the Washington Redskins

After engineering a third-round trade with the Buffalo Bills, the Washington Redskins now have six picks to work with on Day 3 of the 2012 NFL draft. The Redskins acquired another seventh-round selection and are in a position to strengthen depth across the roster.

There are a number of enticing options available to the Redskins in rounds four through seven. The team still has needs to address.

Most notably, the Redskins could use a young inside linebacker to groom behind London Fletcher and more help in the secondary. So players like Arkansas bruiser Jerry Franklin and Alabama cover man DeQuan Menzie should certainly appeal.

Here are the six best options available to the Redskins on Day 3 of the draft.

1. Markelle Martin, S, Oklahoma State

Markelle Martin is one of the best all-round safeties left on the board. He would provide a major boost to a questionable position group.

The 6'1", 207-pounder is a natural free safety with the range and instincts to be a productive ball hawk in the Redskins coverage schemes. He is a lengthy defensive back, able to lock up in single coverage.

Martin also possesses the recognition skills to pounce on any errant throws in zone coverage. He is not a strong tackler in space and can rely on only a limited range of movement. However, Martin could be effective in the right scheme, particularly as a Cover 2 safety.

2. DeQuan Menzie, CB, Alabama

DeQuan Menzie would be a late-round steal for a Redskins secondary still in need of quality options. He is a physical defensive back with good zone awareness and is a natural fit at slot corner.

Menzie played in a complex defensive scheme at Alabama and is used to handling the responsibilities of multiple coverage concepts. He is also a stout force player against the run, an asset in 3-4 schemes.

Where he struggles is in man coverage. Menzie lacks the fluidity and vertical speed to comfortably lock up one on one on deep and sideline patterns.

Yet as a press corner in the slot, with above average blitz skills, Menzie would be an excellent addition to the Redskins nickel and dime packages.

3. Andrew Datko, OT, Florida State

A favourite pick of this author for the Redskins, Andrew Datko will still be on the board on the draft's final day. The Redskins should take a chance on the talented, but often-injured, Florida State offensive lineman.

Datko is a mobile blocker, possessing the degree of athleticism Mike Shanahan favours for his zone-blocking schemes. Datko combines elite size, at 6'6" and 315 pounds, with quick feet and excellent slide technique.

Consecutive shoulder surgeries have damaged Datko's standing and raise legitimate questions regarding his long-term durability. However, if he can stay healthy, Datko has genuine starter's potential.

Given the health issues and poor form of right tackle Jammal Brown, there is no harm in adding Datko to the mix.

4. Edwin Baker, RB, Michigan State

Edwin Baker could be a nice fit in Washington's zone-based system. The Michigan State product has the coordination instincts to be a successful cutback runner at the pro level.

He has the lateral vision to be very effective on the Redskins familiar stretch plays. However, Baker is no receiving threat and his pass-blocking skills are mediocre at best.

Yet he could push for a number of carries amongst a young running back rotation in D.C. The Redskins have yet to re-sign Tim Hightower and Shanahan always likes to take a chance on late-round runners.

5. Jerry Franklin, ILB, Arkansas

Jerry Franklin is a natural run-stuffing inside linebacker, who could be a diamond in the rough for the Redskins. The Arkansas tackling machine could provide excellent depth behind starters Perry Riley and London Fletcher.

The 6'1", 242-pounder is built with a stout frame and wide base. He is a big hitter who attacks gaps with a healthy amount of aggression and physicality.

Sideline-to-sideline athleticism and a full range of playmaking skills are beyond Franklin. However, he has the raw traits to be a plugger in a 3-4. Franklin could be the ideal remaining choice to groom behind Fletcher.

6. Brandon Washington, G, University of Miami

Despite reaching for Josh LeRibeus in the third round, the Redskins could still use additional help along the offensive line. Miami guard Brandon Washington is a nice fit.

At 6'3" and 320 pounds, Washington has good size and still plays with the kind of athleticism and movement skills to suit a zone system. His footwork is excellent, as his ability to disengage from his initial block and go and attack defenders in space.

Washington can struggle in pass protection, mostly due to weak hand technique. He has also been guilty of setting into a poor stance at times. Yet his ability as a run blocker and raw physical attributes could be assets to the Redskins offense.

Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen have a great opportunity to boost depth and keep adding youth to the roster. There is still plenty of talent left and the Redskins must not waste six Day 3 picks.