NFL Draft 2011: Top Defensive Prospects for the Washington Redskins in Round 1
The latest rumors surrounding the Washington Redskins and their No. 10 overall pick seem to be about University of Washington quarterback Jake Locker. Because Locker has drawn comparisons to current Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and former Denver Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer, many believe that Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan has a man-crush on the 22-year-old signal-caller.
Although I may be in a small minority, I think Shanahan and the Redskins will target a defensive player with the No. 10 pick later this month. I’m also siding with the idea that the Redskins will not trade back, though I realize that is a very realistic possibility.
That being said, even taking into account the possibility of a trade-back, I’ve created a list of the top 12 prospects that the Redskins could target in the first round in order to address the team’s struggling front-seven. Here goes nothin’…
Note: This is a list of defensive linemen (minus Marcell Dareus, because he won’t last to No. 10) and potential linebackers. Defensive backs were not considered for this list.
12. Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
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Not only do I believe that the Tennessee Titans will bite on Fairley at the No. 8 spot, but I also believe that Fairley has a number of different issues that Mike Shanahan would want no part of.
For starters, Fairley is better suited for a 4-3 defensive scheme. As we all know, the Redskins have moved to the 3-4 scheme under second-year defensive coordinator Jim Haslett, and everyone knows how 3-technique tackles work out in Washington (see: Albert Haynesworth).
Secondly, Fairley has been described by some NFL scouts as a “typical JUCO player.” Also thought to be a possible “one-hit wonder,” Fairley attended a community college in Mississippi for two seasons before playing at Auburn (and this is after he was a 5A Lineman of the Year finalist in high school).
And lastly, scouts have questioned Fairley’s work ethic, and the 23-year-old junior has been tagged with the “dirty” label on the field. From what I’ve read, Fairley’s best friend is former No. 1 pick JaMarcus Russell (who actually just had a life coach quit...on him) and there are just way too many red flags with this guy.
Redskins fans should be glad to see Fairley either drafted before the No. 10 pick comes up, or purposefully passed on by Washington.
11. Justin Houston, DE, Georgia
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Don’t get me wrong on Houston—I enjoy his production on the field and his style of play, but I don’t think I’d like him here in Washington.
If the Redskins want Houston, they should trade back into the 20s, as I firmly believe he is not worth taking before that.
On paper, Houston is extremely productive, and he is known as the typical workout warrior. Although he has experience in the 3-4 scheme, is explosive off the line, successfully hunts down quarterbacks and impresses scouts with his speed and strength, I still believe that Houston is a one-dimensional player at this point.
Do the Redskins need another pass-rusher opposite Brian Orakpo’s side? Yes.
But they also need to be sure that pass-rusher has the ability to drop back in coverage, and I don’t see that in Houston. This young man has loads of potential and a very high ceiling, but I think there are more complete defensive prospects in this draft that the Redskins would rather have.
10. Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor
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Following the unsuccessful experiment with Haynesworth as a nose tackle in the 3-4 scheme, the Redskins could really use a natural at the position. Although Anthony Bryant, a 360-pound fourth-year tackle out of Alabama, finished last season pretty strong at the nose-tackle position, I think Haslett and Shanahan realize that an upgrade wouldn’t necessarily hurt.
Phil Taylor is an absolute load on the defensive line, providing a good combination of speed, strength and agility. I also like the fact that Taylor has a mean streak in him that becomes noticeable as he eats up space and penetrates the pocket.
My main concerns regarding Taylor have to do with his motor and character. While playing at Baylor, Taylor could be seen taking some plays off when he became winded, and he’d often allow his body to lengthen, leaving him out of position.
As for character, Taylor was originally a part of the Penn State Nittany Lions ’06 freshman class before being dismissed from the team in 2007 following his alleged involvement in a fight at a fraternity function. Although the charges were dropped and Taylor has moved on, scouts still show concern.
And, as if his play isn’t enough to sway me, I’m also a bit biased because Taylor hails from the DMV (Gwynn Park High School, MD).
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9. Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA
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Before the NFL combine, Ayers was one of my favorite players in this draft. And while I’m not a combine freak who believes that results without pads or adversity is of the utmost importance, I do like to see nice things when a player is on stage for the most important workout of his life.
Ayers did improve his weak 4.8-second combine 40 time by running a 4.69 on his pro day, and I honestly believe that it helped his draft stock rebound. What I like most about Ayers is his versatility and instincts; he can get to where the ball is no matter where he starts from on the field.
In my opinion, Ayers does a lot of things well, but he doesn’t do any of them great. It's not that this is necessarily a bad thing, but I believe it places Ayers in the latter part of the first round, and his pass-rushing ability won’t increase his stock any.
While I wouldn’t be disappointed to see Ayers in a Redskins uniform if the team traded way back, the more I watch him, the more I believe that Ayers would be better suited on the inside in a 4-3 scheme.
8. Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
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After passing on the draft last season and deciding to return for his senior year, Heyward was thought to be a surefire top-15 pick. However, after much inconsistency and a lack of production last season, Heyward has found himself white-knuckling on the first round.
Regardless of that derogatory tidbit, Heyward could become a solid pro in the NFL. In a 3-4 scheme, Heyward could hold down the end position, but he’s not going to impress anyone by getting after the quarterback.
Ironhead Jr. (his pops is former fullback Craig Heyward ) is very strong; he thoroughly understands the game and he uses his physical attributes to the best of his ability.
But, as I mentioned before, the Redskins are in need of a dual-threat pass-rusher with some coverage skills, and I don’t think Heyward fully fits the mold. In the case of Heyward, we’d be looking at another trade-back and a non-flash defensive end.
7. Brooks Reed, DE, Arizona
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That particular position listing (DE) may be a little off, as I’d describe Reed as more of a 'tweener at the next level than a true defensive end.
Perhaps even more impressive than Reed’s relentlessness when rushing the passer and his high football IQ are his high character, non-stop motor and experience as a leader.
Reed would be a perfect fit with Shanahan in Washington, but his lack of a true position in the NFL is a concern. Many have compared Reed to Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews, both in style of play and looks, but I don’t think he’s quite at that level.
Of course, in time, Reed could work on his approach against the run and really improve with an NFL team and coaching staff, but I still believe Reed is only a Redskin in the scenario of a trade-back.
At first, I thought of Reed as a late first-rounder, but thanks to the value I place on character and work ethic, there’s no reason in my mind why he couldn’t be a top-17 selection.
6. Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
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When a team drafts Aldon Smith, that team is drafting a boatload of potential. It's not that Smith wasn’t productive in his short time at Mizzou—which included a medical redshirt—but I don’t think anyone has really seen enough of this young man to make a concrete decision on whether or not he’s going to be dominant at the next level.
Smith, similar to Reed, is a natural pass-rusher, but probably with better speed. He has the potential to be an absolute freak as an outside rusher in the 3-4 scheme, but again, it’s very hard to tell based on his collegiate play.
Fortunately for Smith, his potential, toughness and athleticism will have him drafted no later than 13th overall by the Detroit Lions.
5. Muhammad Wilkerson, DL, Temple
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With the main concern only being his level of competition in college, Wilkerson is a very intriguing prospect in the first round of this draft.
While at Temple, Wilkerson primarily played the defensive tackle position and was very productive (16.5 sacks in two seasons). But his stock increase is a direct result of his ability to play the end position in a 3-4 scheme and how well his frame fits the position.
Wilkerson is extremely strong and he can penetrate an offensive line, but he’s far from flashy and reverts to a power-rush tactic nine times out of 10. Although his style is effective in both pass-rushing and stopping the run, I have a feeling that opposing coaches would adjust by halftime.
That being said, Wilkerson would flourish in the Redskins system, and I think he’d take very well to solid coaching from guys like Shanahan and Haslett. If the Redskins want Wilkerson in burgundy and gold, they could trade back, but he might be gone as early as No. 17.
4. J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
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It wasn’t that long ago that Watt was catching passes as a tight end at Central Michigan. But, since transferring to Wisconsin in 2008 and redshirting that season, Watt has been on a tear, and his draft stock is feeling the effects.
Watt is a great athlete with the potential to be a very solid 5-technique player in the 3-4 scheme. I still consider Watt to be a work-in-progress because of his inexperience and minimal array of pass-rushing moves, but his strength, tackling and high motor really make him an opposing team’s priority.
Like Reed, Watt is a great locker-room guy, and his character is one of the most attractive traits for teams. I have seen Watt compared to Redskins defensive end Adam Carriker, but I think that Watt has a higher ceiling, and he could benefit from being placed in the 3-4 right out of college.
3. Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
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Kerrigan reminds me a lot of J.J. Watt, but without as much athleticism. I won’t go as far as some people and say that Kerrigan isn’t an athlete, but his speed won’t wow you, and he’d definitely need to improve his ability to drop back into coverage in a 3-4 scheme.
Local sports-radio talk show hosts have mentioned the possibility of Kerrigan lining up as a 3-4 linebacker, and I’m here on record expressing my discouragement of that move. Kerrigan’s pass-rushing ability off the end and his relentlessness are what will make him a player in the NFL, not his ability to stand up in the second level.
Like Reed and Watt, Kerrigan is a leader and has an outstanding work ethic—something that Shanahan and the gang would really appreciate. I do believe Kerrigan would look good in a Redskins uniform, but I don’t see him falling past the Jaguars at No. 16 (they apparently really like him).
In the case of Shanahan selecting Kerrigan, I’d be excited to have a great young talent like him along the line, but I wouldn’t expect immediate stardom by any means.
2. Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
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Although I admittedly place a lot of emphasis on a prospect’s character and work ethic, I can also say that it’s sometimes worth the risk when you’re talking about a player with as much potential as Robert Quinn.
With the ability to do just about anything on the field defensively, there’s a strong possibility that Quinn won’t be around when the Redskins pick at No. 10.
The ideal scenario would be to have a guy with Quinn's talent and the work ethic of Reed, Watt or Kerrigan lining up opposite Orakpo. Unfortunately, Quinn has some character issues that have raised concern with certain NFL scouts.
Coming out of South Carolina as a highly touted defensive end (even after battling back from brain surgery to remove a benign tumor), Quinn went on to have a productive freshman season and an even better sophomore season at Chapel Hill.
At the start of his junior season, ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper had Quinn ranked as his top prospect. Then, while atop the charts, Quinn was suspended for his entire junior season after violating NCAA rules, allegedly accepting more than an education.
And with that, I’m sure you can see why Quinn scares me a little bit.
As for all the things he does well: Quinn is an elite athlete with speed, size, strength, explosiveness and an uncapped ceiling. There’s no doubt that the Redskins will strongly—very strongly—consider teaming Robert Quinn with Brian Orakpo in Washington if he’s available at No. 10.
1. Cameron Jordan, DE, California
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Every year, there’s at least one—a prospect that I fall madly in love with (football-wise, of course). This year’s man-crush is California defensive end Cam Jordan.
When I wrote earlier about an elite talent with major upside and outstanding character, I was thinking about Jordan.
In my opinion, Jordan is a very safe pick in this draft, thanks to his experience in a 3-4 scheme and his strong work ethic. Lately, scouts have been skeptical of Jordan’s mean streak (or lack thereof), but he’s a completely different person on and off the field.
Off the field, Jordan is well spoken, intelligent and personable. On the field, Jordan is a beast coming off the edge and he causes fits in both the passing game and while stopping the run.
He may not have the same pass-rushing ability as Robert Quinn or Brooks Reed, but it’s enough to be disruptive at the next level. Jordan is a versatile player that could be lined up in numerous formations, and his combination of speed, strength and athleticism can create real mismatches against any and all blockers.
I am aware of Jordan’s arrest for suspicion of DUI back in 2008, but I am convinced that he has moved on and matured.
And, just for good measure, Jordan’s father Steve played tight end for the Minnesota Vikings for 12 seasons, and was selected for six consecutive Pro Bowls.
Needless to say, I like the pedigree.
Putting Jordan in a Redskins uniform would fill a need, benefit Orakpo and add another strong character to a rebuilding locker room.
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