What Recent History Suggests About Washington Redskins' 2015 NFL Draft Plan

A month out from the 2015 NFL draft, the Washington Redskins stand to be one of the biggest wild cards on draft day. Not only is this the first time in three years the team actually owns a first-round pick, but it has a new shot-caller in the war room: general manager Scot McCloughan.

While he wasn't around to bask in his own glory, namely through the draft, McCloughan is the man responsible for the star-studded rosters both the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers utilized to reach the Super Bowl. 

But you're here for the specifics, though. With that in mind, let's delve into what history suggests the Redskins' draft plan will be under McCloughan:

Washington Will Make a Draft-Day Trade

We may not know which pick specifically McCloughan has designs on trading, but rest assured he will be wheeling and dealing on draft night if history is any indicator.

In addition to stockpiling eight compensatory draft picks as the general manager in San Fran, per ESPN's John Keim, he made trades involving draft picks in each of his five seasons under the helm. Most notably, he traded a 2008 first-round pick, along with one in the fourth round, to the New England Patriots for Joe Staley in 2007.

McCloughan already ruled out trading up in the first round, according to CSN's Tarik El-Bashir. So knowing his history, doesn't it seem more plausible he'd shop the No. 5 overall pick in an effort to move down?

Looking to the comments he made to El-Bashir, this is something he'd consider, and not just in the first round:

"

I cannot see us really moving up, but I can see us moving back. Not just in the first round, but [moving back] in the second, third or fourth round.

I have a lot of other GM’s that I’m really close with, that I’ve traded with before, and if I can add more young, good football players—definitely.

"

With paydays on the horizon for the likes of Trent Williams, Ryan Kerrigan and Alfred Morris, the need to stockpile inexpensive talent will only grow in D.C..

Why not start now?

An Offensive Lineman Will Be Drafted Early

We all know the need is there. Washington allowed an NFC-high 58 sacks last season. And yet, all McCloughan has done to bolster this unit is bid farewell to the demoted Tyler Polumbus.

Not enough, right? Well, there happens to be a method to his madness. Opposed to throwing money at the offensive line, McCloughan has instead been more inclined in the past to bolster this position through the draft. And at a high price.

Of the five offensive lineman he selected in San Francisco, four were selected within the first four rounds.

The presence of Spencer Long and Morgan Moses, both high draft picks themselves last season, could throw a wrinkle into this plan.

Take into account how little they contributed last season, though—in addition to Pro Football Focus rating Trent Williams and Kory Lichtensteiger as the lone above-average starters up front in 2014—and their presence shouldn't preclude McCloughan from going this route again.

Size Matters in the Secondary

The signings of Chris Culliver and Jeron Johnson help, but for a secondary that was rated as the league's worst pass defense by Football Outsiders last year, more reinforcements are needed.

And by all accounts, they'll have to come at a prerequisite size later in the draft. McCloughan selected eight defensive backs in San Fran, and none were drafted prior to the third round.

As for size, the shortest defensive back was 5'10". Looking to safety specifically, headlined by Dashon Goldson, his safety prospects measured in at 6'1" or taller. Already a weak class, the 'Skins' limited options at safety only amplifies the team's need to bolster a pass rush that tallied just 36 sacks last season.

Unless otherwise state, all draft history is courtesy of ProFootballReference.com.