2015 Washington Redskins Mock Draft: Early Offseason 7-Round Predictions
The Washington Redskins won just four games in 2014 despite playmakers at the skill positions and talent along the defensive front seven. That's a sure sign the team is failing to do the basics right.
Sure enough, the current roster isn't built on a foundation of steady and solid players in the trenches. Those are the types of building blocks that underpin every consistently successful NFL team.
It's high time the Redskins started making a few solid citizens their priority on draft day. To that end, this early mock projection for the 2015 NFL draft isn't loaded with glamor picks.
Instead, it features prospects considered to be smart and competent in the basics and able to make a quick transition to the pro level.
The areas targeted will be familiar to all regular readers and Redskins fans by now. Fixing the offensive line remains the priority. This barely shades the secondary as the top need on draft day.
The thinking here is that when everybody's healthy, along with some better coaching, Washington boasts a destructive defensive front seven. Further improvement in that area can aid a leaky defensive backfield.
That doesn't mean the secondary is overlooked here—far from it. But it does mean that the team's fifth overall pick doesn't have to be expended in that area.
Take a look at the full seven-round projections for Washington now that the 2014 regular season is in the books.
Round 1: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
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Brandon Scherff almost makes too much sense for the Redskins at the fifth overall pick. He's a powerful, mobile and scrappy offensive tackle who can play on the left or right side. Scherff even has crossover potential to shift inside to guard.
But whether he lines up on the edge or along the interior, Scherff would be a major boost to a truly dire O-line. This season's group surrendered 58 sacks and has question marks at every position bar left tackle Trent Williams.
Scherff could start answering those questions, particularly if he slotted in at right tackle. That's a position where Tyler Polumbus, Tom Compton and 2014 third-rounder Morgan Moses all floundered last season.
The best thing about Scherff is his smart and steady overall game. That's something endorsed by SI.com's Chris Burke, who describes Scherff as the "safest, most NFL-ready bet."
A prospect who doesn't represent a major gamble should be the first off the board for the Redskins. Rolling the dice on players like quarterback Robert Griffin III and cornerback David Amerson has hardly payed off.
Scherff won't ever wow onlookers, but his ability to quietly go about his work would be more than welcome at a chaotic position for a franchise that already makes too much noise.
Along with Burke and yours truly, CSN Washington reporter Ben Standig also champions the idea of Scherff making the tip to D.C., believing he'll remain the top tackle on the board during the predraft process.
There are other options for the fifth pick. USC all-world defensive tackle Leonard Williams immediately leaps to mind.
Yet it's difficult to imagine either of the defensively challenged Jacksonville Jaguars or Oakland Raiders, both of whom have young quarterbacks they believe in, passing Williams before Washington picks.
Also, veteran D-tackle Jason Hatcher should be given the chance to revive his so-far mediocre Washington career. His "disappointing" first season in the nation's capital was bookended by injury, per Tom Schad of The Washington Times.
The smart move is to let the 2013 Pro Bowler remind the rest of the NFL how disruptive he can be when fully healthy.
It's also tough to justify drafting an outside pass-rusher with the team's first pick. CBS Sports analyst Dane Brugler clearly doesn't agree. He's tabbed Nebraska's Randy Gregory as Washington's best pick, partly and reasonably based on Brian Orakpo's status as a pending free agent.
Bleacher Report draft analyst Matt Miller thinks Washington would be best served opting for Alabama safety Landon Collins. In truth, general manager Bruce Allen could flip a coin between Scherff and Collins and not go far wrong in his bid to upgrade a major weakness. But as good as Collins can be, bolstering the line should come first.
There's little point in trying to develop Griffin into a pocket passer, or surrounding him with weapons the calibre of DeSean Jackson, Andre Roberts and Pierre Garcon, if the team can't keep him upright.
Bookend Williams with a quality right tackle, before adding a guard (or two) via free agency, and suddenly the O-line will look a lot stronger.
Scherff makes the most sense for Washington in Round 1, and that's unlikely to change between now and draft day.
Round 2: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
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The closest thing to a gamble in this mock, Washington cover man Marcus Peters is nevertheless worth the risk for this secondary-needy team.
Safety is undoubtedly the biggest weakness on the Washington defense, but cornerback isn't far behind. The one silver lining is provided by 2014 fourth-round pick Bashaud Breeland.
He's a keeper and could become a star once he stops being a magnet for penalty flags. But while Breeland has been a pleasant surprise, fellow starter David Amerson was just shockingly poor in 2014.
After some understandable rookie bumps, Amerson was expected to make great strides during his second pro year. But instead, he regressed to the point where he became every opposing quarterback's favorite target.
Amerson can still improve—he certainly has the raw tools to do so. However, his status as a starter will remain dubious.
The same will be true for veteran DeAngelo Hall after he twice tore the same Achilles this season. The 31-year-old is planning a strong return to form in 2015, per Redskins.com reporter Stephen Czarda.
But given the extent of his injury woes, combined with some spotty years and a fairly heft contract, the team could justify being ruthless. Hall's going to count for just over $4.8 million toward the cap, per Spotrac.com.
If he's moved on, or even if he stays, this defense needs another quality cornerback. Step forward Peters.
He's worth the risk to any team that can overlook his being kicked off the program at Washington. NFL.com's media analyst Bucky Brooks detailed the apparent reason behind the dismissal:
"From speaking with several scouts familiar with Peters and his interaction with the Washington coaches, I've been told that the dismissal stems from his inability to get along with coaches and team officials. Peters reportedly has a strong personality and didn't mind challenging authority about various situations on and off the field.
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These issues prompted one ex-NFL scout, John Middlekauff, to indicate some pro teams have already decided to shy away from Peters on draft day.
Assuming for a moment the Redskins aren't one of those teams, there's still plenty to recommend taking a chance on Peters. From a physical perspective, the 6'0", 198-pounder is one of the few stout corners in a class otherwise loaded with tiny tots, particularly at the top end.
Peters is an aggressive cover man who prefers to bruise his receiver at the line, rather than trail him down the field. Pairing Peters with Breeland may have NFL officials working overtime, but it would also ensure no receiver would get an easy ride against this pass defense in 2015.
Round 3: Jordan Richards, SS, Stanford
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Jordan Richards is exactly the kind of level-headed player this defense needs at both safety positions. The Stanford man is not a highlight-reel-worthy athlete, but he is a solid hitter who rarely makes a mistake.
Richards is a natural strong safety who combines a cerebral approach with tough-as-nails physicality. His savvy streak means he's never likely to let his innate aggression lead to the type of penalties reckless veteran Brandon Meriweather has incurred in recent seasons.
Richards also won't put himself in bad positions by taking poor angles and making wild guesses in coverage. However, he won't ever offer a secondary eye-popping speed or tremendous range.
But Richards will stay active in the box every week and rarely leave the last line of coverage vulnerable.
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Round 4: B.J. Finney, C, Kansas State
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B.J. Finney symbolizes this particular draft's nod to players who won't necessarily perform like a force of nature on tape but are all solid at their respective crafts.
The Kansas State center is a pivot man who is steady in every area. His beefy frame lends itself particularly well to knocking open holes in the running game.
But Finney also rarely puts a foot wrong in pass protection. He quickly gets his hands on the man in front, often relying on a punch or strike to take the steam out of an enthusiastic pass-rusher.
The notable weakness in the 6'4", 303-pound anchor man's game is leverage. But that's nothing that can't be worked on and eventually solved.
Finney fits Washington because he'd provide strong competition for inconsistent starter Kory Lichtensteiger. Young pair Spencer Long and Josh LeRibeus hardly offer that.
Finney is also tailor-made for a possible shift over to guard. Dependable cover at two positions along the offensive front for the price of a fourth-round pick is a deal not to be missed.
Round 5: J.R. Tavai, OLB, USC
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While outside linebacker doesn't have to be a priority at the top end of either free agency or the draft, it wouldn't hurt to add an extra body from the lower rounds.
J.R. Tavai fits the bill as a player with all the versatility a modern NFL hybrid-style 3-4 defense demands. The USC stalwart is less a true tweener and more a walking Swiss Army knife able to align as a rush linebacker or at various spots along the defensive line.
Tavai is reminiscent of another USC standout, Devon Kennard, who was drafted in the fifth round of the 2014 draft by NFC East rival the New York Giants. Kennard also flips-flops between end and blitzing linebacker.
His skills as a pass-rusher earned him 4.5 sacks as a rookie, along with NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors in Week 10, per NJ.com reporter Jordan Raanan.
Kennard is a player the Redskins would have been wise to pursue in 2014. Now Allen can make amends by selecting Tavai this time.
Even though Orakpo can't stay on the field and his contract situation is a problem, things aren't so bleak at outside linebacker. Ryan Kerrigan logged 13.5 sacks this season in a true breakout year.
Meanwhile, 2014 second-rounder Trent Murphy struggled to make an impact as a rookie. But the raw tools are there to believe he can still make the grade.
Meanwhile, rookie free agent Jackson Jeffcoat certainly got himself noticed during the season's final two weeks. He registered a sack against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 16.
Jeffcoat topped that effort in the otherwise-depressing season finale against the Dallas Cowboys. Redskins.com writer Brian Skinnell detailed Jeffcoat's moment of highlight-reel glory:
"Along with three total tackles and a pass deflection, Jeffcoat recorded the Redskins only takeaway on the day, setting up the offense with excellent field position inside the Cowboys’ red zone.
With a fresh set of downs at their own 18-yard line, Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo dropped back to pass. While his intended target was running back Julius Randle, Jeffcoat dropped back into coverage and plucked the touch pass out of the air.
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It's worth taking the risk that Murphy and Jeffcoat can and will get better. Adding Tavai alongside them would only strengthen the rotation.
Round 6: Henry Anderson, DE, Stanford
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If there's a perfect template for a 5-technique defensive end, Stanford's Henry Anderson would be pretty close. At 6'6" and 295 pounds, he has all the physical requirements for the demands of a 3-4.
Anderson won't get knocked off the ball by an offensive tackle and can use his length and power to control double-teams out on the edge. He's also flexible enough to adopt other roles in a three-man front scheme, with CBS Sports analyst Rob Rang noting Anderson's experience playing over the center.
Anderson would add quality depth at a key position, one where Jarvis Jenkins and Chris Neild are set to be free agents. Meanwhile, Stephen Bowen's hefty contract makes him a prime candidate for the axe.
He won't ever live in an offensive backfield or feature in the nightmares of quarterbacks, but as a scheme fit with natural 3-4 skills and temperament, Anderson could be a late-round steal for Washington.
Round 7: C.J. Uzomah, TE, Auburn
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It would be smart to consider reaching into the depths of this draft for a project at the tight end position. Niles Paul is about to venture off into free agency following a productive season.
If he doesn't come back, the burden will increase on Jordan Reed. Unfortunately, a player who should be a young star is currently struggling to shine. Meanwhile, Logan Paulsen, as willing as he is, will never flourish in any area.
One prospect definitely worth considering is Auburn's contrast of frame and style, C.J. Uzomah. He stands a towering and seemingly formidable 6'4" and 264 pounds.
Yet despite those figures, the strength of Uzomah's game is anything but physicality. In fact, he's at his best when he's on the move and isolated in coverage.
That's when his height and size create mismatches. In this sense, Uzomah is reminiscent of Detroit Lions tight end Joseph Fauria, whose finesse style condemned him to going undrafted in 2013.
The 6'7", 267-pounder doesn't play to his size, particularly when it comes to blocking duties. But Fauria is a matchup nightmare as a "move" pass-catcher, one with a real niche for winning in the red zone.
Uzomah is the same type of intriguing product. He's one Washington should give a chance.
Many of the players on this list are never likely to send scouts into hysterics or encourage pundits to redefine Shakespeare in order to do them verbal justice.
But in a way, that's the point. This is a franchise that suffers because it's too often easily wowed by star power, apparent or real.
That folly was behind the king's ransom paid to draft Griffin in 2012. It was also behind the decisions to sign wide receiver DeSean Jackson and inside pass-rusher Hatcher in free agency last offseason, instead of spending big money on more pressing needs.
Winning programs are constructed with solid citizens. Finding more of those has to be Washington's main focus in the 2015 NFL draft.
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