Washington Redskins: Looking Ahead at the NFL Draft UPDATED

With the playoff chances now a mere glimmer, here's a look at possible draft picks in the five positions that the Redskins most need help. The Redskins do not have a first round selection (barring a trade up), so they will likely begin drafting early in the second round. 

The positions that the Redskins need the most help at are offensive tackle, cornerback and safety, wide receiver and tight end. The O-line has not been consistent in years and the club needs to make protecting Robert Griffin III it's top priority. The secondary is one of the worst in the league, ranking thirtieth in pass defense. Great quarterbacks need great receivers, or at least really good receivers. The Redskins do not have a single player in the top-50 in receiving yards. RG3 needs a go-to receiver, a playmaker that consistently makes the big catch. 

The five players featured are players that are likely to be available in the second and third rounds and would upgrade the Redskins' roster. 

Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington

Heights: 6'  Weight: 186

Projected Round: 2

Robert Lester, S, Alabama

Heights: 6'2  Weight: 210

Projected Round: 2

Robert Lester is an experienced free safety and another player in the long list of  defensive players from Alabama that have been drafted into the NFL the past few seasons. Lester is a ballhawk that can tackle and cover the field. 

The Redskins' free agent acquisition Brandon Meriweather has yet to play due to his injured knee. Reed Doughty and Madieu Williams are an average tandem, but there is nothing scary about those two players. The Redskins need a legitimate playmaker in pass coverage. 

Terry Hawthorne, CB, Illinois

Heights: 6'  Weight: 190

Projected Round: 3

Terry Hawthorne is an exceptional athlete with great speed and awareness. He is a polished player with shutdown ability and can also return punts. He has faced some injury issues, but none of great concern.

DeAngelo Hall has been dismal all season and routinely writes checks he cannot cash. He is also due to make 7.5 million dollars next season, making him the most likely first offseason salary cap casualty.

Josh Wilson has not played much better, but his salary for next season is half of Hall's so he might be safe. Either way, the Redskins need upgrades at the cornerback position or their defense will continue to suffer against the pass.

Marcus Davis, WR, Virginia Tech

Heights: 6-4  Weight: 232

Projected Round: 2-3

Marcus Davis is an underrated wide receiver who is quietly putting together a very nice season with 38 receptions, 754 yards and four touchdowns. Davis is a big and tall receiver with a frame similar to Chargers' Vincent Jackson. The wideout possesses good leaping ability and speed. 

The Redskins have suffered from a lack of production from their wide receivers. Newcomer Pierre Garcon has been injured most of the season and Leonard Hankerson, Josh Morgan and Aldrick Robinson have not been impressive. 

Joseph Fauria, TE, UCLA

HEIGHTS: 6-7 WEIGHT: 255

PROJECTED ROUND: 2-3

A big tight end reminiscent of  Saints' Jimmy Graham, Joseph Fauria is having a solid season with 31 catches, 417 yards and nine touchdowns.

His size alone makes him a great red zone threat. Suspensions, poor blocking and injury have limited Fred Davis from reaching his full potential as a Redskin and he is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.