Washington Redskins: An Early Look at Potential 2015 Schemes and Best Draft Fits

The NFL draft is a balancing act of need versus want versus availability. The Washington Redskins have made a handful of staff changes this offseason, which will no doubt change their schemes and what it is they're looking for in draft prospects.

With their full allotment of picks, they won't have to worry about having to reach for a need or settle for what's available.

Talent isn't a concern in this year's draft, especially at positions the Redskins may have their eyes on.

Danny Shelton, NT, Washington

Barry Cofield has been hurt, Chris Baker is better suited as a defensive end, and no one else at the nose tackle position seems capable of providing the push and eating up the space the Redskins need.

Shelton is a rising prospect, definitely the best nose tackle in the draft, and could end up being the second-best defensive player on the board.

Nose tackle isn’t a sexy position, but it is a position of need. Adding a potential stud like Shelton would change everything for the Redskins defense, as their front seven would get an instant upgrade.

If the defensive front is generating pressure, the secondary isn’t going to be as hard-pressed to sustain coverage and risk an outright breakdown.

Shelton produced a gaudy nine sacks in 2014 as well as 14.5 tackles for loss. No 3-4 defense is complete without a disruptive force, and the Redskins could do worse than a Vince Wilfork-like player like Shelton in the middle.

Eli Harold, OLB, Virginia

Joe Barry is said to be keeping the 3-4 scheme in place, but it is bound to be different from Jim Haslett’s variation.

Having experience as a linebackers coach may mean Barry will want to utilize his pass-rushers differently than Haslett. Ryan Kerrigan is already a stud who continues to develop a repertoire of moves, while it is uncertain if Brian Orakpo will be re-signed or Trent Murphy can step up in his second season.

Harold in the second round of the draft would be an excellent fit for Barry’s first season as defensive coordinator.

What he lacks in strength in run support he makes up for in a quick first step and a nose for the quarterback. He left Virginia having amassed 17.5 sacks and 36.5 tackles for loss in three seasons.

His sack totals may not jump off the page, but he clearly has the ability to be a disruptive player and could be the type of prospect who moves around the formation for the Redskins.

Barry brings pressure with his linebackers. Adding Harold to go with Kerrigan and Murphy would make for a dynamic group for the Redskins.

Nick Wass/Associated Press

Kurtis Drummond, S, Michigan State

Ryan Clark looked his age last season and then some, proving that he probably should have stayed retired and that the Redskins still have a void at free safety.

Without the support of a reliable free safety, David Amerson regressed mightily in his second season.

Though he lacks the notoriety of Landon Collins out of Alabama or Gerod Holliman from Louisville, Drummond may be the best free safety in the draft.

He has the range for the position and reacts well to the ball. Unlike Holliman, he’s not quite as much of a liability as a tackler, and he has the potential to be a heavy hitter.

Drummond would be a starter from the outset and could easily smooth out some of the wrinkles that have ailed the Redskins secondary for several years.

No prospect is perfect, but Drummond is an excellent fit for the needy Redskins.

Brandon Scherff, T, Iowa

The Cincinnati Bengals had the biggest offensive line in the NFL during Jay Gruden’s tenure as offensive coordinator. Washington’s line is a bit behind in the size department, as Mike Shanahan had assembled a smaller, more mobile unit to accommodate the zone-run scheme.

The Redskins added Shawn Lauvao last season, but they could use an upgrade in talent and beef at the right tackle spot.

Scherff is arguably the best tackle in the draft and would give the Redskins a mauler on the right side.

He’s already an excellent run-blocking prospect who is solid in pass protection, both of which would be upgrades over Tom Compton and Tyler Polumbus, who were underwhelming at the position last season.

Scherff would balance out the line and allow the Redskins to run confidently to both sides of the formation as well as not having to constantly keep a blocker in to help out with pressure off the right edge.

There's always the potential for plans to change, prospects to rise and fall, and the Redskins could very easily end up with a guy like Leonard Williams, who would be both impossible to pass up and an incredible addition.

With so much staff changing in an offseason, it is nearly impossible to see beyond need to best fit. Nevertheless, the Redskins would have a nice collection of talent if they grabbed a couple of the prospects named.