2011 NFL Draft: Washington Redskins Seek to Trade Back in First Round

The draft is less than two weeks away and the rumor mill is abuzz as always. Several teams in the top 15 have been rumored to want to move back in the first round for various reasons. In particular, the Washington Redskins are looking to trade out of the 10th spot to acquire more picks while still staying well within reach of the elite talent this draft class has to offer.

Since the Redskins do not have either a third or a fourth round pick this year, moving back for more picks makes perfect sense.

Jake Locker, Robert Quinn, and Julio Jones are among the popular names being attached to the Redskins with the 10th pick. It is no secret that the needs a quarterback, a pass rusher and a receiver, among other things, but they wouldn't suffer from dropping down to the 15 to 20 range if it means getting another second round pick or some combination of a second and a third or fourth.

There are plenty of players that fit their needs, though some would be considered a reach at 10.

Locker, who was touted as the potential first overall pick last year, suffered from a rough senior year that failed to live up to expectations. He is currently considered the third best quarterback in the class, and even that rating is falling. His mobility and strong arm fit the style of offense that Mike Shanahan runs, and he should be available if the Redskins choose to trade back.

His accuracy and struggles to adjust to the pro-style offense are the primary concerns, but Shanahan is a great quarterback coach, and found success with the likes of Brian Griese and Jake Plummer.

Some say that Locker would be a reach with the 10th pick, which opens the door for trade rumors.

Miami, Minnesota and Seattle all need a quarterback, and may angle for the Redskins pick just to assure they get their choice.

Quinn was ruled ineligible last season for violating NCAA rules, but remains a highly rated prospect. He is seen as one of the top pass rushers of the class, with the ability to translate to the NFL as a 4-3 defensive end or a 3-4 outside linebacker. The Redskins released Andre Carter this offseason and desperately need a pass rusher opposite of Brian Orakpo.

Despite being out of football for a year, Quinn doesn't carry a huge risk in the eyes of most experts. At 265 lbs., he would provide an equally imposing pass rusher opposite Orakpo, who has 19.5 sacks in his first two years.

Minnesota, Jacksonville, and New England each have need for a pass rusher, and could be considered as potential trade partners if the Redskins decide to address another need.

The Patriots have two first round picks, and three in the first 33 selections. They need a pass rusher, and have plenty of picks to spare.

Jones is probably the longshot pick for the Redskins even though they are desperate for a playmaker on offense with Santana Moss getting up in years, and still being unsigned. Jones is the most physically gifted receiver in the draft, though many rankings put him a shade behind A.J. Green in terms of being a complete player.

He wowed scouts with a 4.39 40-yard dash, 38.5" vertical leap and 11'3" broad jump. All of which he accomplished at the combine with a broken foot.

St. Louis needs a big play receiver for franchise quarterback Sam Bradford to thrive, and could package their first and third picks to match the value of Washington's 10th overall pick.

The key to any scenario is finding the right value relative to the team's needs. Based on the value of the 10th pick, the Redskins would most likely gain a third round pick through trades in the 11-15 range. However, if they were to trade with Tampa Bay at 20, they could get a package with the Buccaneers second and third picks.

Tampa Bay would only be enticed to make such a move if one of the top cornerbacks or defensive linemen were still available at 10.

One recent rumor that goes against the Redskins trading backs involves the team trading up with Denver to grab quarterback Blaine Gabbert. While there is little substantiation to this rumor, it would not be so shocking given Mike Shanahan's history of falling in love with prospects. If Washington was to make this move, they would have to give up more than they can afford in picks in this and future drafts.

More than likely, the Redskins will only move back since they need more picks to fill their numerous needs.

There are plenty of trade partners to consider, and there are more than enough elite prospects in this year's draft class to make any try any move that will net more chances to add youth and talent to an aging and undermanned roster.