2011 Washington Redskins: Does the 2011 NFL Draft Hold the Key at QB?

What to do with that 10th pick?  

Despite all the hype over Cam Newton or Shanahan's rumored infatuation with Jake Locker, the Redskins will pass on a quarterback with the 10th pick and choose to upgrade their 3-4 defense. Whether that is with a NT, DE, or LB the new 3-4 scheme showed glimmers of unity towards season's end, and it appears to be the biggest need.

Although the situation at quarterback in Washington appears to be an ugly one, it won't be addressed until at least the 41st pick. Shanahan will most likely look to find a guy that fits his system and has already had experience in a pro-style offense. However, there is a lot of raw talent in the draft with no prospect that stands out as a true top QB this year.  

When the clock starts for Washington in Round 2, who will be the guys on the board?

1. Andy Dalton, TCU

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FORT WORTH, TX - NOVEMBER 28: Quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the TCU Horned Frogs drops back to pass against the New Mexico Lobos at Amon G. Carter Stadium on November 28, 2009 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Andy Dalton may be one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the draft.  

One thing is for certain: TCU doesn't defeat Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl, much less make an appearance, without him. This kid is full of potential and possesses the determination to improve. He is a hard worker and is dedicated to improving at his position.  

There is a big possibility that the team that takes Blaine Gabbert in the first round might look back at the team that took Dalton with envious eyes a few years down the road. Ask the 49ers how it felt watching Aaron Rodgers win the Super Bowl after they took the perceived best QB in the draft.  

Does he fit Shanahan's system? Yes. Is he ready to take the helm as the starter?

Not yet.

2. Cam Newton, Auburn University

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Cameron Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers scrambles against the Oregon Ducks during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Peters

Yes, despite the media going gaga over his size, speed and strength, the Heisman Trophy winner isn't picked up in the first round. Unlike Tim Tebow who had years to showcase his skill, Newton has just one year.  

Was it an incredible year? No question.  

Unfortunately, he is still far too raw for teams to burn their valuable first round pick. Around the beginning of the second round, Newton will begin to see pursuers. Although many believe that the Redskins will take Newton in the first round due to their history of bad off-seasons, Shanahan will have none of it.

Cam Newton is stacked with all the necessary talent to develop, but is not proven enough for the Redskins' needs.

3. Colin Kaepernick, University Of Nevada

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LAS VEGAS - OCTOBER 02: Quarterback Colin Kaepernick #10 of the Nevada Reno Wolf Pack runs for a touchdown against the UNLV Rebels in the first quarter of their game at Sam Boyd Stadium October 2, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Nevada Reno won 44-26. (Photo

Colin Kaepernick is a diamond in the rough.  

His size is such that NFL analyst Mike Mayock described it as "similar too Ichabod Crane." Whatever the case, one can't overlook his talent. He looked sharp at the Senior Bowl and has risen above a lot of prospects in value.  

I can see Shanahan really liking what he sees in this kid in watching his workouts at the combine. He definitely fits the Redskins' system, which requires a somewhat mobile quarterback, and he is twice as fast as Tebow will ever be.  

Look for the Redskins to focus a lot of attention on the Nevada QB as the draft approaches.

4. Christian Ponder, Florida State University

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RALEIGH, NC - OCTOBER 16: Christian Ponder #7 of the Florida State Seminoles runs with the ball during the game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Carter-Finley Stadium on October 16, 2008 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Get

If anyone has improved his draft stock over the past few weeks, it's Christian Ponder.  

He showed up to the Senior Bowl weigh-in and shocked everyone with his impressive build. He stormed through the Senior Bowl as he led the South to a surprising win over the North with two passing touchdowns.

He played in a pro-style offense at Florida State and is mobile enough to fit Shanahan's system perfectly. He appears to be very similar in play to Jake Plummer, Mike Shanahan's QB in Denver. He may not be ready for the next level quite yet, but he possesses the talent to mature into a possible starter in Washington. 

5. Ricky Stanzi, University Of Iowa

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - JANUARY 05: Quarterback Richy Stanzi #12 of the Iowa Hawkeyes rolls out of the pocket against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the FedEx Orange Bowl at Land Shark Stadium on January 5, 2010 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Iowa won 24

The Iowa QB has a lot of work to do if he wants to succeed in the NFL, but the potential is there.  

He turned in an average performance in the Senior Bowl, and still has some problems with his mechanics. I don't see the Redskins going with Stanzi, but it's possible.

Shanahan would only take Stanzi in the later rounds as a long-term project if he were to pick him up at all.

6. Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech

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MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: Quarterback Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Virginia Tech Hokies runs with the ball against the Stanford Cardinal during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3, 2011 in Miami, Florida. Stanford won 40-12. (Photo by

Described as the second coming of Michael Vick, Tyrod Taylor is definitely mobile.  

Though maybe too much for Shanahan.  

Taylor has a lot of talent when it comes to evading tackles and extending plays, but he isn't very accurate. He has the arm that Kyle Shanahan likes when it comes to the deep ball, but his ability to hit his receivers in stride is hit or miss. When he tucks the ball and gets out of the pocket, lookout. He takes the appearance of a speed back when he gets into space.  

If the Redskins are looking for a long-term developmental speedy quarterback, Taylor is their guy.