Washington Redskins NFL Draft Big Board: Position-by-Position Rankings

Years from now, the Washington Redskins want to look back on the 2015 NFL draft as the catalyst for something special, the start of a first period of sustained winning since Joe Gibbs originally patrolled the sidelines.

New general manager Scot McCloughan knows delivering that level of success is his remit. The former San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks personnel man has identified the draft as his best tool for the job.

Scoring big with his first draft for the Burgundy and Gold will rely on finding the right talent at as many as seven key positions. It makes sense the Redskins need help at this many areas considering seven is the number of games the franchise has won in the last two seasons combined.

McCloughan can engender optimism that 2015 will bring at least the same number of wins by finding a quality edge-rusher or two. Some skilled and bulky behemoths for a dire offensive line should also be considered priority recruits.

These are the two areas that should be the main focus of McCloughan's draft plan.

Yet he must also make room for some fresh faces in the secondary, as well as finding a hitter at inside linebacker and a dynamic, change-of-pace running back.

It's a long list for one draft, but top-notch personnel wizards—that's what McCloughan's reputation says he is—make their names by finding value others miss.

Find out what Washington's position-by-position big board looks like on the eve of McCloughan's first draft running the show.

Edge-Rusher

Want to know how important the Redskins deem finding a pass-rusher or two in this year's draft? Then listen to the man himself:

"A pass-rusher, that’s the most important thing. They’re hard to find. We’re very lucky to have Ryan [Kerrigan] on the team, he’s one of those players, and hopefully not just in the first but throughout this draft we’ll add more pass-rushers."

Those are McCloughan's own words, per Pro Football Talk's Michael David Smith. It makes sense he'd feel that way considering the defense he's spent most of this offseason retooling notched just 36 sacks in 2014.

The same unit also waved goodbye to Brian Orakpo during free agency. He may have had his critics, but when healthy, 2009's first-round pick was a highly capable edge-rusher.

That's what Washington hoped to get when Trent Murphy arrived via the second round of last year's draft. Sadly, the former Stanford man struggled as a rookie, logging a mere 2.5 sacks.

It also doesn't help when the depth behind Murphy and the dominant Ryan Kerrigan is wafer thin. Within this context, expect McCloughan to give the following pressure specialists a long look during this draft.

Dante Fowler Jr., Florida

Probably most people's dream fit for the more dynamic and versatile front seven Washington is banking on for a defensive revival in 2015. Dante Fowler Jr. is a multiuse weapon who can attack the pass pocket from every spot along the front seven.

At 6'3" and 261 pounds, he has the prototype size of the modern edge player. Adding Fowler opens up every level of a creative defensive coordinator's imagination.

Flexibility and speed are the primary reasons why ESPN.com's John Keim believes Fowler will head to Washington. Yet there are those who think Fowler won't make it as far as No. 5. NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah and CBSSports.com's Dane Brugler believe the ex-Gators standout will come off the board when the Jacksonville Jaguars pick third overall.

As talented as Fowler is, the Redskins may live with that scenario. In fact, McCloughan may pass on Fowler even if he's still there after the third pick.

Vic Beasley, Clemson

Sports Illustrated's Peter King believes McCloughan "really likes" Vic Beasley. So much so in fact, King thinks McCloughan will let the Atlanta Falcons trade from No. 8 to fifth overall to get Fowler.

NFL Network's Albert Breer has confirmed the Falcons are talking about a trade. Netting Beasley and a few extra picks would be a coup for McCloughan and Washington.

In Beasley, the Redskins would get a pure speed-rusher for the edge. There are concerns about the 6'3", 246-pounder's size, specifically his ability to keep weight on and stand up to pro rushing attacks.

But there's no dispute about Beasley's flair for chasing down quarterbacks after he recorded 12 sacks in 2014, per CFBStats.com. Beasley has been dubbed one of this draft's "safest" picks by CBSSports.com's Chris Trapasso, who compares him to a pair of lightweight hazards to the health of NFL quarterbacks, Von Miller and Cliff Avril.

Beasley and Fowler are the two edge-rushers McCloughan is most likely to target if he remains in the top 10 of the first round. Randy Gregory and Shane Ray's off-field concerns will prove too much of a deterrent.

But if he trades back toward the middle of the opening round, McCloughan will likely have another target in mind.

Bud Dupree, Kentucky

There's obvious interest in Bud Dupree when the Redskins send their defensive staff to meet with him. Like Fowler, Dupree has the frame and flexibility to make an instant impact on this year's defense.

He stands 6'4" and tips the scales at 269 pounds. More impressive than the numbers is how Dupree shifts that ample frame with fluidity and athletic range.

A one-time basketball prospect, Dupree has physical qualities that can't be taught. But the technique to use those skills more effectively certainly can.

While he'll need that teaching, Dupree's more direct instincts may make him a quick hit early on in his pro career. An unnamed NFC East regional scout described the dichotomy between what Dupree knows and what he can just do, per NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein:

"He's a little slow to diagnose, which causes him to get a late start on plays. I would ask him to drop into space in zone dog looks and that's about it. To me, he's a pure see 'em, get 'em 3-4 rush end."

The final part of that description just so happens to be what Washington needs at the edge of the defense.

Owamagbe Odighizuwa, UCLA

If Owamagbe Odighizuwa is still on the board when the Redskins choose sixth overall in Round 2, McCloughan shouldn't hesitate calling his name. The former UCLA standout is a potential steal for any team willing to gamble on his 'tweener qualities and potential for improved production.

Odighizuwa registered just six sacks for the Bruins in 2014, per CFBStats.com. But this is an athletic phenom still learning the position, still exploring what he can do.

In reality, there isn't much this 267-pound hybrid ace can't do. He can certainly make an impact as both a standing rusher and whenever he aligns with his hand down.

Hau'oli Kikaha, Washington

McCloughan's made it clear he wants more than one skilled pass-rusher in his first draft class for the Redskins. So maybe he uses his selection in Round 3 to take Hau'oli Kikaha off the board.

He'd be getting a player who took down opposing quarterbacks a whopping 19 times last season, per CFBStats.com. Regardless of how he may have benefited from the attention paid to formidable Huskies nose tackle Danny Shelton, that's still an outstanding number.

Kikaha boasts good size and seems a natural for the edges of a 3-4. He's also still expected to be available in the third round, per CBSSports.com projections.

This would be one of the better value picks of this draft for the Burgundy and Gold.

Guard

Seeing how the offensive line needs help everywhere but left tackle, with equal problems at guard and on the edge, there are fewer prospects under the microscope at each position.

The fact is McCloughan can score big no matter where he chooses to reinforce a dismal group that surrendered 58 sacks in 2014. Mitigating factors did contribute to that number, such as snail-like decision-making from the quarterbacks in the pocket, along with feeble supporting blocking from tight ends and running backs.

But, ultimately, protection starts and ends with the quality of a team's front five. So does competency knocking open holes for the run.

Washington was barely competent in this area last season, slipping to 19th on the ground. That decline has prompted big changes.

Big is the word as head coach Jay Gruden and new offensive line coach Bill Callahan covet beefier road-graders for more power-based schemes. McCloughan's made it clear changes will happen, per Stephen Czarda of the team's official site: "I think with the idea that the past position coach that went on from here was more into undersized, quicker, faster guys, more athletic guys. Coach Callahan totally agreed with my same philosophy that we want big, tough, nasty, strong guys."

With those changes in mind, here are three mammoth maulers McCloughan should be keeping his eye on.

Brandon Scherff, Iowa

The best lineman in this class, Scherff was a left tackle at the collegiate level, but projects best inside at guard. It's along the interior where his 6'5", 319-pound mass will make the biggest difference.

So will Scherff's downright nasty approach to making would-be tackers pay in the running game. This is a smart and savvy blocker with a legitimate mean streak.

Scherff has all the drive-blocking qualities Washington's current regime wants on the ground. He can also engulf interior rushers and respond quickly to stunts and games in protection.

Scherff is an obvious upgrade on slight right guard Chris Chester, the 32-year-old with the big cap number whose picture should have been the health warning symbol for Washington's quarterbacks the last four years.

But this prospect even fits as an upgrade on 2014's new arrival, Shawn Lauvao, at left guard. Scherff also has the potential to finally solve this team's annual riddle: Who can possibly play right tackle? At least, who can play it well?

Laken Tomlinson, Duke

If the Redskins are really committed to making a power-based rushing attack work, McCloughan will put himself in position to take Laken Tomlinson off the board in Round 2.

It's a move sure to earn Washington one of this draft's most accomplished drive-blocking behemoths. WalterFootball.com's Charlie Campbell detailed just how dominant the former Duke star is on the ground:

"

Entering the NFL, Tomlinson's run blocking is ahead of his pass blocking. He is very strong and a people-mover at the point of attack. Tomlinson can power his way through defenders and push them out of their gap. He also is quick to fire to the second level and can pack a punch when he gets there. Tomlinson has the power to function in a man-blocking scheme and is athletic enough to play in a zone scheme.

"

At 6'3" and 323 pounds, Tomlinson would add the bulk Gruden and Callahan need to make the change in philosophy and style work. Gruden is so far entrusting the right guard spot to Chester and Spencer Long, the 2014 third-rounder who couldn't win the job last offseason, per ESPN.com's John Keim. Nobody should feel confident about this duo.

Tre' Jackson, Florida State

Tre' Jackson is another man mountain who would ensure a quick transition from the mini mobile men in the trenches the Redskins have favored since 2010 to a group capable of blocking out the sun.

Jackson has the ideal size for the interior wars at 6'4" and 330 pounds. He works best at guard but can also slide over to center.

Like Tomlinson, his best attributes are his core strength and ability to make potential tacklers disappear. NFL.com's Lance Zierlein projects Jackson as either a second- or third-rounder. He'd be a great get at either stage for Washington.

Offensive Tackle

Rightly or wrongly, it's tough to believe McCloughan will trade back for an offensive tackle in the opening round. That as good as rules out several prospects, including La'el Collins, Andrus Peat, Ereck Flowers and T.J. Clemmings.

But that doesn't mean there aren't still a few quality tackles McCloughan should consider. To be more accurate, he virtually has to consider them to avoid entering the season with the usual gaping hole on the right side.

At the moment, that spot will be contested by Tom Compton and Morgan Moses, per 247Sports' Jamie Oakes. Both are conversion projects from the left side who've so far convinced nobody.

Here are a trio of potential instant upgrades.

D.J. Humphries, Florida

Maybe it's pie-in-the-sky stuff hoping D.J. Humphries falls to Round 2. WalterFootball.com's Walter Cherepinsky thinks it's a possibility, after revealing scouts believe Miami's Flowers is a potential "NFL difference-maker at left tackle." Cherepinsky ranks Humphries fourth on his list of tackles, projecting him as a late first- or early second-round selection.

Frankly, McCloughan ought to jump for joy if he sees Humphries still waiting to hear his name called at the start of the second. The player has natural switch potential to the right side, because like many, his run-blocking outstrips his pass protection.

NFL.com's Lance Zierlein had an interesting note on Humphries that could make him a quick fit in Washington:

"

Gets down blocks secured and transitions quickly into second-level stalker with ability to mirror moving linebackers in space. As base-blocker, hustles feet into position and works to wall defender off. Has desired foot quickness combined with proper angles to be effective blocker on play side and back side on stretch plays.

"

Stretch runs have been the staple of the ground schemes in D.C. for the last five seasons. Outside zone plays have helped Alfred Morris produce a trio of 1,000-yard campaigns.

Even though the system is undergoing some changes, it would be foolhardy to abandon stretch plays altogether. In the new scheme, perhaps sweeps would maximize Humphries' second-level malevolence.

While his pass protection may not rate as high as a team that gave up 58 sacks would probably like, there's certainly plenty of potential to get better. Most important, Humphries is a mean blocker with a gruff disposition, welcome traits for a front that's been bullied too often in recent years.

Jake Fisher, Oregon

Jake Fisher is a Day 1 starter at right tackle, according to NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah. He sends the former Oregon linchpin to Washington in Round 2, a true steal.

ESPN.com's John Keim believes Fisher fits with the need for speed McCloughan has often shown in a draft's opening round: "If they go with an offensive lineman, just basing off speed, then Texas A&M’s Cedric Ogbuehi (4.95) and Oregon’s Jake Fisher (5.01) were the fastest of the tackles who would be considered in the first round."

Fisher's quickness makes him an obvious asset in space. He releases well from double teams, per CBSSports.com's Rob Rang. That's a key part of zone techniques. But at 6'6" and 306 pounds, Fisher is also big and forceful enough for gap-blocking plays.

Daryl Williams, Oklahoma

If greater size is the main requirement for rookie linemen in McCloughan's first draft, Daryl Williams has to merit strong consideration, all 6'5" and 327 pounds of him.

He fits as a third-round gem who's most comfortable on the right side. Sports Illustrated's Doug Farrar described Williams' fit at the one spot that's blighted Washington's O-line for too long: "Williams looks and plays like the right tackle you'd find if you looked the term up in the dictionary."

Finding a guard in Round 2 and taking Williams one round later would add the power and mass Callahan will need to put the new schemes into practice.

Running Back

Running back is a bigger need than you might think for a team boasting a three-time 1,00-yard rusher. The problem is Morris is pretty much all the Redskins have in terms of a backfield playmaker.

Brittle Chris Thompson and raw and relatively untested Silas Redd hardly qualify as depth you can feel confident about. Neither is equally skilled enough as both a pass-catcher and ball-carrier to offer the complement of styles Washington's offense needs for Morris.

But any of the following three prospects might.

Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska

It's Ameer Abdullah time again. There's a reason the ex-Nebraska dual-threat ace is appearing in these articles more than references to the Kansas City Chiefs.

It's because Abdullah is the type of backfield weapon the Redskins haven't had in years. Specifically, he's a speedster who stretches defenses and can turn any carry into an instant big play.

Those same skills apply whenever he catches passes, something Abdullah can do from multiple positions. He's a back who can stretch the field on any down and be moved around to create matchup problems in coverage, or just take a handoff and provide some lightning to Morris' thunder.

Jeremy Langford, Michigan State

Jeremy Langford would be an under-the-radar steal for Washington. He's got traces of former NFL great Curtis Martin in the way he waits for his blocks to develop to set up his runs and the way he makes subtle cuts.

He's a true workhorse grinder, meaning Langford wouldn't just do the things Morris can't, such as catching passes and stretching the field. Instead, he'd be a legitimate option to split and share carries with 2012's sixth-rounder.

A little more variety on the ground would be more than welcome. In particular, so would another backfield threat defenses have to worry about. Langford fits the bill.

John Crockett, North Dakota State

If McCloughan is willing to wait for the draft's latter stages for help, North Dakota State's John Crockett is a name to watch. B/R's Mike Tanier has pinpointed Crockett's core strengths as both a runner and a receiver:

"

Crockett is an old-fashioned, I-formation, one-cut runner. On power runs, traps and sweeps, he patiently follows his blocks and bursts when a hole is about to open. On zone-blocking or designed-cutback runs, he has very good vision and anticipation, particularly when cutting back against the flow of the play.

[...]

Crockett caught 30 passes last season. While many were screens, he has shown downfield receiving ability, sneaking out of the backfield on a wheel route for a huge gain against Sam Houston State in the FCS playoffs.

"

It's this blend of skills that's currently missing from the Washington backfield. Crockett has a lot of tread on his tires from this collegiate days, but is a natural at the position.

He gets stronger as games progress and takes to every new demand asked of him with willingness and expertise.

Inside Linebacker

When the only starter you can count on is a player who's missed 24 games in three seasons and depth is threadbare, inside linebacker becomes a need.

That's why McCloughan should target one of the following three prospects to both push Perry Riley Jr. for playing time, as well as provide better cover than Will Compton and Steve Beauharnais.

Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi State

If it's versatility and destructive instincts McCloughan puts first, he'll hope Benardrick McKinney falls his way. That would mean the Redskins earning a linebacker able to thrive on the outside as well be a formidable presence in the middle.

McKinney is terrific on the blitz and can also be a factor in coverage. But perhaps his best asset is the ability to quickly diagnose the intentions of an offense.

The transition between thought and action happens at speed for this 6'4", 246-pounder. McKinney could still be on the board in Round 2. His arrival would increase the flexibility of new coordinator Joe Barry's schemes.

Stephone Anthony, Clemson

Stephone Anthony is the player most think of when they picture the classic NFL middle linebacker. His stout build, appetite for hitting and eagerness to be a force in the box make Anthony a more-than useful playmaker between the A-gaps.

Sometimes his keenness for contact gets the better of him, meaning overpursuit can be a problem. But there are few thumpers who pack the punch this ex-Clemson tackling machine delivers, while still being comfortable in coverage.

That's the type of versatility modern defenses need from the men in the middle. So Anthony will be difficult to overlook.

Eric Kendricks, UCLA

If Eric Kendricks is available at the top of Round 2, the Redskins simply have to position themselves to take him. This is a cerebral player who can quarterback a defense and join Robinson to form a superb brain trust at the heart of the front seven.

Kendricks has risen up draft boards, but it's not unreasonable to suppose he's still there in the second. For one thing, he lacks elite size at 6'0" and 234 pounds.

Yet that might not be such a problem in Washington, where Barry will transition this 3-4 to include more one-gap alignments up front. Single-gap 3-4 fronts tend to do a better job of covering up their middle 'backers.

But size isn't the only concern with Kendricks. Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel cited an unnamed scout pointing to other concerns: "Just hurt all the time. He can blow stuff up if he wants to. He may be blown up, too."

Yet none of these issues prevented Kendricks from winning the Butkus Award in 2014. He's been dubbed "one of the best coverage linebackers I have seen," by Rotoworld's Josh Norris (h/t CSNBayArea.com).

Kendricks would be the perfect complement to Robinson's all-action style. Redskins fans should cross fingers the one-time Bruins sensation is still there in Round 2.

Defensive Backs

After McCloughan's excellent use of the veteran market to help retool a dreadful secondary, it's safe to package cornerback and safety together for this draft. Neither position represents a pressing need following the arrivals of Chris Culliver, Jeron Johnson and Dashon Goldson.

In terms of safety, it's also wise to assume Washington will target help at the free position. Strong safety seems set with Johnson headlining a group also featuring Phillip Thomas, Duke Ihenacho and Akeem Davis.

Here are two free safeties who play with contrasting styles that may offer depth behind Goldson.

Gerod Holliman, Louisville

The book on Gerod Holliman has been read so often its corners are now dog-eared and the pages are turning color. Yes, the wiry former Louisville ball magnet has an in-built resistance to tackling.

But can any team ever put a price on a natural flair for playmaking? It's tough to argue they can. Holliman certainly showed that flair when he snatched 14 interceptions during his final year playing college ball.

This is a natural center fielder who would allow Washington to show the single-high coverage looks very popular in today's NFL.

Durell Eskridge, Syracuse

If the unwillingness to hit really deters the Redskins from adding Holliman's coverage skills to their turnover-shy defensive backfield, perhaps they'll roll the dice on Durell Eskridge.

At 6'3" and 208 pounds, Eskridge has a solid frame and isn't afraid to make tackles. What he lacks is the obvious big-play potential, having intercepted just one pass in 2014, per CFBStats.com.

But he's a big safety who offers the same kind of physicality Goldson brings to the field. During his stints in both San Francisco and Seattle, McCloughan had a hand in building physically imposing secondary units whose members took as much pride in bringing the thump as they did staying with receivers in coverage.

Things are a little deeper at cornerback. Veteran DeAngelo Hall is back from injury, while fellow experienced cover man Tracy Porter remains on the roster, at least for the moment.

They join David Amerson, who was a one-man disaster in 2014, as well as Bashaud Breeland. In contrast to Amerson, Breeland was an instant hit as a surprise fourth-round package. He brought some much-needed aggression to the coverage schemes.

Here are two more cornerbacks who could do the same.

Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest

Standing 6'0" and weighing 188 pounds, Kevin Johnson is described as "very natural in man coverage" by NFL.com's Lance Zierlein. That's a quality this secondary needs.

One of the main problems the Redskins have had in coverage has been never settling on a preferred way to travel, meaning what's the bread and butter of these defensive backs, how do they attack receivers?

With Breeland and Johnson roughing up pass-catchers on opposite sides of the field, that question would finally be answered. Washington would boast the kind of press-based secondary the Seahawks have made the vogue in today's league.

Alex Carter, Stanford

How about a corner with some crossover potential to safety to finish things off? Alex Carter offers the size McCloughan has traditionally preferred in the defensive backfield at 6'0" and 196 pounds.

He's also not afraid to use his bulk to clamp on receivers at the line. Carter rarely gives his opponent time to breathe, let alone progress through routes and adjust breaks.

But a lack of top-end speed means this is a cornerback who often needs the security of a deep safety hovering over the top. The risk of leaving Carter on an island is one reason why some see him at safety.

NFL.com's Lance Zierlein and Chad Reuter mocked Carter to the Redskins in Round 3. That's the definition of a value pick for a team with as many problems repelling the pass as Washington has had.

Washington's big board isn't just about positions of need. It's also about finding the right fits for the schemes this regime prefers.

That means bigger O-linemen, bulkier and tougher cover men, more versatile pass-rushers and more explosive running backs. Make no mistake, a lot is changing in Washington this offseason.

Whether those changes improve results will depend largely on the quality McCloughan's first draft in charge yields.