2011 Washington Redskins: Comparing the Top 5 Internet Selections for 10th Pick

Day 5 of the negotiations between the NFL and the NFL Players Association is in the books and they appear no closer to a deal than they did when they began. The door of free agency as we know it is closing, but one thing remains certain—the NFL Draft.  

The Washington Redskins, who have always been known for splashing big waves through free agency, may be forced to hone their attention to the draft. There are five players that those around the world wide web have destined to be on the table for the Redskins and their 10th overall pick.  Some of these players have been decided based on the teams needs, while others made based on Dan Snyder's past history.  

There is a big possibility the 10th overall selection is none of the five, but so far, this is what we have been forced to believe.  Determining which player will ultimately be the selection will have to wait until April, but until then, we can have fun analyzing the mocks.

1. Cam Newton (Auburn University)

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Quarterback Cameron Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers drinks water in the hallway minutes after the Tigers 22-19 victory against the Oregon Ducks in the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on J

The entertainer.  The icon.  The best player of the draft.  Cam Newton has the makings to be a great athlete in the NFL.  He also has all the makings of the biggest bust we've seen in years (that includes JaMarcus), yet this guy has been predestined by every mock draft creator and God himself to be the Redskins next QB.

The Under Armour posterboy will enter the draft as the defending Heisman Trophy winner and BCS National Champion, but he comes from a gimmicky offense and offers little experience.  I personally don't see the Redskins going with Newton.  Does he have incredible athleticism? Yes.  Is he worth a spot at 10 or above?  Not a chance. There are too many needs to place the future in the hands of a guy that looks like a project at best.

2. Julio Jones (University Of Alabama)

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 16: Julio Jones #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide fails to pull in this touchdown reception against the Ole Miss Rebels at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Julio!!!!!

Can't you hear it?

It sounds good right next to Coooooollleeeeeeyyyy!!!!

The fact that the Redskins need a wide receiver isn't really a mystery.  The fact that A.J. Green will be gone by 10 isn't really a mystery either.  This makes Julio Jones the best receiver the Redskins could pick up.  Not so sure about drafting Julio Jones. Maybe it's the nightmares about Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly (who is still a Redskin).  

Julio does have a lot of talent and would instantly become the Redskins' best receiver regardless of whether Moss is back or not.  I just don't know about Shanahan drafting a wide receiver in the first round.  I can see him picking up a Leonard Hankerson in a later round, but I would not be surprised (or disappointed) if Jones holds the burgundy and gold jersey with the number 1 on it. 

3. Blaine Gabbert (Missouri University)

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ST. LOUIS - SEPTEMBER 4: Blaine Gabbert #11 of the University of Missouri Tigers looks to pass against the University of Illinois Fighting Illini during the State Farm Arch Rivalry game on September 4, 2010 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missouri.

Not quite sure where all the hype about Blaine Gabbert came from, but oh well, let's all jump on the band wagon too. I never saw this guy get all the attention until about a month ago. The fact that he is remaining relatively quiet and won't be throwing at the combine is somewhat concerning.  

Hey, if I were praised to be the best QB of the draft, I wouldn't do much either.  Gabbert has a long time before he will be close to a NFL starter, but he does have talent and is a smart quarterback.  If he does succeed at the next level, he will have a form similar to that of Matt Ryan.  I don't see Shanahan biting on the Gabbert hype.  He doesn't have the tangibles that the Redskins offense demands.

4. Marcell Dareus (University Of Alabama)

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 02: Marcell Dareus #57 of the Alabama Crimson Tide against the Florida Gators at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 2, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Marcell Dareus can best be remembered for his interception return in last year's BCS National Championship, but he is a big part of why the Tide were in that game to begin with.  Dareus is one of the best DE's of the draft.  

Although not on the same level of Nick Fairley or Dequan Bowers on the defensive line, he is a disruptive force that has to be taken seriously.  Dareus would step into Washington as the best defensive end on the team and could be a reliable starter for years to come.  If Dareus falls to 10th, I see the Redskins taking this route.  Although there are needs on offense, the infant 3-4 defense is the team's primary need.

5. Robert Quinn (University Of North Carolina)

Robert Quinn is a great player.  Like Brian Orakpo, he is a player who is constantly after the quarterback.  He was the best player on the Tar Heels and his draft position is proof of that.  The Redskins have one piece of the puzzle at outside linebacker in Brian Orakpo.  Adding Quinn to that attack would solidify the Redskins in the pass rush for years to come.  

Granted, to make the most out of the blitz they would need help at defensive line, but Quinn puts the Redskins on the right track on defense.  If Dareus is off the board and Quinn sits available, Bruce Allen and Mike Shanahan won't hesitate to pull the trigger.

Conclusion

The Redskins have a lot of needs.  Contrary to the opinions of 90 percent of Redskins nation and the Internet, their biggest one is not at quarterback.  The Redskins would pass on Newton and Gabbert if they were both still available at 10.  They certainly won't be trading up to grab any one of the two.  The Redskins will focus their attention to improving their defense in the first round, and will shift gears to offense in the later rounds.  Given the choice of all five players, the Redskins would prioritize their options in this order:

1. Marcell Dareus DE (BAMA)
2. Robert Quinn DE/OLB (UNC)
3. Julio Jones WR (BAMA)
4. Blaine Gabbert QB (MIZ)
5. Cam Newton QB (AU)

Thanks for the read.  Feel free to comment and voice your opinion.