The Washington Redskins' Round 1 Big Board Before Combine
Pass-rushers are the order of the day for the Washington Redskins' pre-combine Round 1 draft big board. That's a reflection of the recent trends in mock drafts that have last season's pressure-shy defense recruiting a replacement for free agent Brian Orakpo with the fifth overall pick.
It makes sense for new general manager Scot McCloughan to target playmakers for last season's 30th-ranked scoring defense. The team has added a new coordinator in Joe Barry and is already hinting at a philosophical shift, one based on more aggressive principles.
But the need to add more big plays defensively can't come at the expense of adding a quality player in the trenches. This board still features touted offensive linemen and the most destructive and versatile defensive tackles in this class.
Here's what Washington's big board for Round 1 should look like as McCloughan counts down to the combine.
8. Landon Collins, SS, Alabama
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Landon Collins keeps his place on this big board because of the team's pressing need for help at safety. This year's class may not be stellar, but Collins justifies his place as its headline act.
The Alabama ace is a rugged hitter with the attacking skills to suit this defense. He's also an excellent zone defender in short-range areas.
Collins is essentially the classic box safety. He's never going to shy away from providing a thump in the running game and is also an asset on the blitz.
The obvious worry would be the Crimson Tide man's lack of range. Walter Football writer Charlie Campbell detailed some of Collins' struggles:
"Sources with NFL teams say that Collins has some limitations in pass coverage. Those could be seen in a few games season like contests against Auburn and Mississippi State, but especially taking on Ole Miss. Versus the Rebels, Collins was picked on and burned for two touchdowns, but it should have been even worse as he was beaten for another long touchdown by a tight end who ended up dropping the pass.
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Those weaknesses could worry a team that has seen its safeties get burned all too often during the last five seasons. Collins would need a covering complement at free safety.
One could be provided by shifting veteran cornerback DeAngelo Hall to the position. That has already been considered, according to Mike Jones of The Washington Post.
With a center fielder behind him, Collins could be a major asset in a more attacking scheme. Of course, that's provided McCloughan is sufficiently impressed by the player, or determined enough to fix safety, to justify selecting him with a top-five pick.
That's not an idea many Redskins fans would be in favor of. But drafting a safety so high is not without precedent.
The Kansas City Chiefs snagged Eric Berry fifth overall in 2010's draft, the same year the Seattle Seahawks took Earl Thomas toward the end of the top 15. Trading back within the first 20 picks and still landing Collins would be a solid opening move from McCloughan.
7. La'el Collins, OT, LSU
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La'el Collins has to be on this team's big board for two key reasons. The first is his size. At 6'5" and 321 pounds, the LSU behemoth has the size the Redskins may covet along the offensive front this season.
McCloughan has already stressed his belief football is a "big man's game," per CSN Washington writer Rich Tandler. More beef up front would also fit with head coach Jay Gruden and new O-line coach Bill Callahan's preference for more power-based blocking.
Collins has the ideal attributes to fit such a scheme, as NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein noted: "Collins plays with a mean streak that is evident in every game and could come in and start right away in a power running game as a guard."
His potential to slide inside is the other reason he should be on this board. The road-grader has the versatility to help out where Washington's line is weakest.
Specifically, he is a terrific potential fit at right tackle, per NFL.com Media draft analyst Mike Mayock (h/t NFL.com College Football 24/7 writer Bryan Fischer):
"Mike Mayock calls @NFL_CFB ‘Path to the Draft’ featured player La’El Collins the best RT prospect in the 2015 NFL Draft.
— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) February 16, 2015"
Washington's front five has been severely undermined by problems at its right edge since 2010. The likes of Jammal Brown, Tyler Polumbus and Tom Compton have auditioned for the role but failed to convince.
Snagging Collins and moving him from left to right could finally provide a natural bookend for Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams. It would also provide a line that has been too soft in recent seasons with a nasty mass of humanity eager to punish defenders.
Not many teams would go shopping for a right tackle armed with a top-five pick. But when your line yields 58 sacks, as Washington's did in 2014, no scenario for improving the group should be ruled out.
6. Danny Shelton, NT, Washington
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There may be a ton of questions about ton-sized defensive tackle Danny Shelton. But his potential fit as the natural anchor of a 3-4 means he has to be in contention on Washington's opening-round big board.
Speaking of big, that's the word for Shelton. No other adjective is appropriate for a player who is 6'1" and 343 pounds.
Those are the perfect measurements to play nose tackle in the modern NFL. Shelton can be the sumo-sized space-eater Washington's 3-4 scheme has needed since the team made the switch in 2010.
When he's playing all out, the Huskies mammoth is guaranteed to occupy multiple blockers, clog running lanes and apply plenty of push on the heart of the pocket.
Those are invaluable qualities in a three-man front, linebacker-led defense. They are valuable enough to justify expending a top-five pick to acquire.
That may seem fanciful when you consider most 3-4 nose tackles tend to leave the field in passing situations. In fact, with many pro defenses relying on a nickel front on early downs, the overall status of the nose tackle position has been devalued slightly.
But there are two obvious reasons why none of that should affect Shelton's status on draft day. The first is his uncanny quickness for someone so large.
Bleacher Report Draft Analyst Matt Miller has detailed Shelton's move skills: "First-step and short-area quickness are off the charts for his size." He also compared Shelton to Kansas City Chiefs linchpin Dontari Poe, another wide-bodied plugger who doesn't leave the field even when his unit is obviously playing pass.
The comparison to Poe could be apt in more ways than one as far as Washington goes. Gruden has stated the intention to change from two-gap techniques to a more "shoot-the-gap-type of 3-4," per Mike Jones of The Washington Post.
Poe struggled in a more traditional scheme as a rookie in 2012. But the arrival of Bob Sutton as new defensive boss in 2013 introduced more one-gap fronts and an attacking mindset. The change liberated Poe's talents.
Shelton could play a similar way as the focal point of Washington's front seven. Of course, that's assuming McCloughan isn't among those who have real doubts about him.
Some, including NFL Media analyst Charles Davis and CBS Sports pundits Rob Rang and Dane Brugler believe Shelton will be a top-10 pick. The Redskins could certainly justify using the fifth pick on a player that Walter Football writer Walter Cherepinsky called "phenomenal" at the Senior Bowl.
But there's no doubt Shelton divides opinion. B/R National Lead Writer Michael Schottey offered this cause-for-concern assessment in his latest mock draft: "That said, his consistency and form are awful, and he's an awfully big project with an awfully weak motor at the moment."
Yet ESPN reporter John Clayton believes Shelton's value could be enhanced by the growing number of teams ready to switch to a 3-4 scheme ahead of the new season: "That would bring the number of 3-4 defenses in 2015 to 17, the most since 1990. This will have a huge impact on the 2015 draft."
The Redskins need a dominant nose tackle as much as any of the newbies. So expect McCloughan to take a close look at one of this year's most intriguing prospects during the combine.
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5. Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
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Whether he's projected for right tackle or either guard spot, Brandon Scherff belongs on this big board. He's the most complete lineman and best run-blocker in this class.
If you don't think a team that surrendered 58 sacks in 2014 while struggling through with a 19th-ranked running game needs Scherff's help, you're optimistic to the point of delusion.
Yet the real question will be what the team thinks about its incumbent blockers. Specifically, what the front office and coaching staff think is their best method for getting better up front.
Real Redskins blogger Rich Tandler has stated there's a view at Redskins Park that the current line is not as bad as the numbers suggest. The belief could be founded in optimism concerning some "in-house answers," per Walter Football writer Charlie Campbell.
Those answers are probably thought to be 2014 third-rounders Morgan Moses and Spencer Long. The pair failed to make positive first impressions as rookies, but it's too early to call time on their development just yet.
There's also the matter of Scherff's best fit in D.C. NFL.com Media draft analyst Mike Mayock thinks the 6'5", 320-pounder belongs at guard.
Meanwhile, CBS Sports writer Rob Rang has tabbed Scherff as the ideal solution to Washington's ongoing problems at right tackle.
Ultimately, versatility and raw power in the trenches would make Scherff a safe pick for McCloughan's first draft with the burgundy and gold. If he delivers big at the combine, a team with this many weaknesses up front will have to move Scherff up the board.
4. Leonard Williams, DT, USC
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Leonard Williams belongs on the big board of every team in possession of a top-five pick. His mix of scheme flexibility, stunning takeoff speed, agility and fearsome power makes him the game-wrecking lineman all modern NFL defenses want.
Of course, that will make him a hot commodity, one who might not even be left on the board when McCloughan makes his selection. One popular scenario involves the USC stalwart travelling to the Music City to join the Tennessee Titans at second overall.
NFL.com draft analysts Lance Zierlein and Bucky Brooks endorse this idea. So does Sports Illustrated scribe Chris Burke.
But there are three reasons why this theory seems like something of a stretch. First, the Titans already boast Jurrell Casey, one of the best interior D-linemen in the NFL.
With Casey along the front, it seems more plausible the Titans will add to their front seven by acquiring a dynamic edge-rusher. The Tennessee D collected just 39 sacks in 2014, largely because there was no pressure from the outside.
The team even waved goodbye to talented rush linebackers Akeem Ayers and Shaun Phillips during the season. Entering a draft class loaded with talented pass-rushers, the Titans could finally get a pressure specialist the coaches are comfortable with.
CBS Sports pundit Dane Brugler believes Randy Gregory will be that player. Adding Gregory at the edge seems a more likely move.
Yet Tennessee's most sensible idea may be adding a quarterback. It seems a major risk for head coach Ken Whisenhunt to trust Zach Mettenberger at the most important position on the team, especially when he's already under pressure after going 2-14 in his first year in charge.
If Williams is there at No. 5, McCloughan has to take him. He's already stressed the "best player available" approach, per ESPN.com Redskins reporter John Keim.
He won't find a better available talent than Williams. He's unbelievably quick out of his stance and with his hands. The Trojans ace also creates a powerful push that's a nightmare for blockers.
But it's the versatility that makes Williams stand out. He often played on the edge in USC's hybrid system. Williams has also slid inside and played both 3-technique, between the guard and tackle, as well as 0-technique over center.
Williams has the skills to transform Washington's defense into a multiple-front unit. He'd be the focal point of a more expansive playbook, enabling Barry to show many different looks to offenses.
The current D-line doesn't have a game-changer up front. Williams would immediately address that need.
3. Shane Ray, DE, Missouri
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At this point, the order of Washington's big board will be determined by how McCloughan and the front office rate the draft's top pass-rushers. The need for a player who can generate extra pressure is both obvious and pressing.
The Redskins registered a mere 36 sacks last season. The team also seems set to lose its most natural pass-rusher, Brian Orakpo.
He was given the franchise tag last season but sadly responded with yet more inconsistency and injury woes. Orakpo notched only half a sack through seven games and missed the following nine due to a torn pectoral muscle.
Now, ESPN.com Redskins reporter John Keim thinks the free agent is a long shot to receive a decent new contract. To make matters worse, Washington has no obvious replacement on the roster.
Last year's second-round pick Trent Murphy failed to impress as a rookie. Meanwhile, undrafted rush end Jackson Jeffcoat is instinctive but raw.
So there's no bookend for outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan, who still recorded 13.5 sacks in 2014. Fortunately, this draft is fully loaded with prospects whose reputations depend on their ability to harass and hit quarterbacks.
Shane Ray is one particularly intriguing candidate. He logged 13 sacks as a 4-3 defensive end last season. But the Mizzou star can also rush from a standing position.
He's also capable of aligning inside in certain fronts, according to NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein. So Ray is another player who would add to the variety the Redskins are able to show up front.
That has to make him worth strong consideration in the first round. NFL.com Media analyst Charles Davis and ESPN draft writer Todd McShay both believe Washington should take Ray off the board at No. 5.
However, although he has the speed and skill, Ray may face a tougher transition to the 3-4 than the next two pass-rushers on this big board.
2. Dante Fowler Jr., OLB, Florida
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Dante Fowler Jr. is another flexible, "Joker-style" pass-rusher who could expand Washington's repertoire for getting after quarterbacks. He has a leaner frame and greater length than Ray, making him more of a terror for offensive tackles off the edge.
But that wouldn't be the only position where he'd make a difference in Barry's new-look scheme. CBS Sports analysts Dane Brugler and Rob Rang detailed Fowler's hybrid skill: "Depending on the situation the Gators line him up at RDE, LDE, DT, and OLB, ask him to rush from the two-point and three-point stance and occasionally drop him into coverage—including after he has started the play with his hand in the dirt."
Unpredictability and moving pieces are key characteristics of all effective 3-4 units. Washington could move Fowler around the front seven in both base and sub-package situations. The flexibility he possesses would let Barry do more to create extra pressure.
Fowler is still unrefined and essentially learning his craft. But the core athleticism and instinct for the big play are already there. Putting him within a scheme that maximizes everything he can do could turn Fowler into an instant star.
B/R's Michael Schottey and Brugler both see the Gators product as the ideal first-round target for McCloughan and the Redskins. Ultimately, that will likely depend on just how creative the team is prepared to be defensively in 2015.
1. Randy Gregory, OLB, Nebraska
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Randy Gregory is perhaps the most obvious fit for any potential vacancy the Redskins will have at outside linebacker. His quickness, frame and agility scream 3-4 pass-rusher.
Gregory has the potential to be the classic open-sided "Will" 'backer who usually gets the most sacks in this scheme. He's in the mold of a player such as one-time New Orleans Saints great Pat Swilling.
Whatever tweaks Washington's staff makes to the scheme this offseason, what this defense really needs is a pass-rusher that opposing teams will fear and be forced to game-plan for.
Gregory has that sort of potential, even though he's not without his question marks. He had knee problems in 2014 and also suffered an "ankle injury and a concussion," according to Walter Football writer Charlie Campbell.
Given Orakpo's catalog of physical woes, using a first-round pick on another injury-plagued flexible pass-rusher may be risky. The real issue is whether that risk can be mitigated by what a true pressure specialist could add to this rebuilding defense.
Campbell also noted how Gregory's troubles to stay healthy still didn't prevent him from logging "56 tackles with 8.5 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, one forced fumble, three passes broken up and one interception for the year."
Gregory is the playmaker on the edge that Washington's front seven desperately needs. A strong combine, along with favorable medical reports, will make him hard to pass on for McCloughan come draft day.
The depth and star power of this big board reflect the options open to the Redskins with a top-five pick. McCloughan has a great chance to add a genuine blue-chip talent to start his full-scale rebuild of the roster the right way.
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