2011 NFL Draft: Washington Redskins' Top 5 Contenders for 10th Overall Pick
The draft is a little more then a week away and pressure is building at Redskins Park. The Skins hold the 10th overall pick in the draft and they have to select a player that will contribute to the roster for years to come.
They have many ways to approach the use of this pick. On offense, the team has needs at wide receiver, franchise quarterback and across the offensive line. The defense is in need of defensive end and nose tackle help. They also are in need of another pass rushing outside linebacker to put opposite of their best player, Brian Orakpo. I have a feeling that cornerback could also creep into the conversation if management has decided not to re-sign Carlos Rogers.
Barring any trades, up in the draft to acquire Quarterback Blaine Gabbert or down in the draft to gather a quality player and extra draft picks, the Skins will be sitting with the 10th pick and a huge decision to make. As Dawn arrives on Friday April 29th, we will know what path the Redskins have chosen. Let's take a look at the five top candidates for the selection.
Julio Jones, Wide Receiver, Alabama
1 of 5
This guy is electric. He is a tall and gifted athlete that would put fear in defenses throughout the league. Jones comes from a tradition of winning while starring for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He was coached by Nick Saban, who has NFL experience which is always helpful to prospective rookies. Jones could be the play maker the Redskins offense has been looking for. He would probably be the first offensive player the Skins would consider taking at 10 since Gabbert would probably be gone by then. Jones should make an instant impact with the Redskins if chosen.
Pros:
Has great size and leaping ability at 6' 3" tall. He is extremely fast running impressive 40 yard dash times and running away from the competition when watching game film. Can be a legitimate deep threat but is not afraid to go over the middle. Good target in the red zone. Great hands and very tough.
Cons:
His major knock is his tendency to get injured. He has missed a few games with nagging injuries. He performed incredibly at the combine while suffering through a hairline fracture in his foot. The injury may scare some teams away but up to now none of his injuries have been very serious.
J. J. Watt, Defensive End, Wisconsin
2 of 5
The Skins are in need of a big physical pass rushing threat to put opposite of the run stopping end on the other side, Adam Carriker. Watt would fill the bill coming in at 6' 5" tall and 290 pounds. He was a dominant force in the Big Ten Conference. while at Wisconsin. This is a significant fact since the Big Ten is known for producing quality offensive linemen through the years. The combination of Watt and Carriker could give the Skins the pressure any 3-4 defense needs from its ends while freeing up space to let the linebackers wreck havoc. Watt could become a building block of Haslett's 3-4 defense.
Pros:
Big and physical with surprising speed. Will give any 3-4 defense a big time pass rushing threat along with the ability to break up running plays in the backfield. Has gone up against quality competition throughout his college career and has dominated. Looks to be a play maker at a play makers position.
Cons:
There is not much to dislike about Watt but some teams may be concerned that he is a little light. Most defensive ends in a 3-4 NFL defense tip the scales around 300 pounds. This is something that Watt could answer by putting on a few pounds of muscle but you don't want to risk diminishing his speed and ability to get to the quarterback.
Aldon Smith, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Missouri
3 of 5
Smith has the potential to play either defensive end or outside linebacker in the NFL. I think the Skins would like to place him at outside linebacker opposite of Brian Orakpo. If paired with Orakpo, Smith would give the Skins two pass rushing threats that will create many sleepless nights for defensive coordinators throughout the NFL. Smith is a tall and lean prospect with incredible quickness and agility. I really like this guy. He could team with Orakpo to give the Redskins one of the best outside linebacker duos in the league.
Pros:
Very physically gifted with a sculpted body. Plays the game at a high level with great intensity. Versatile performer that can play multiple positions. Has impressive speed that will cause matchup problems for opposing offenses. Ability to cover huge amounts of ground in defensive coverages.
Cons:
Could have trouble getting caught up in run defense. His quickness is a great asset but his lack of bulk could make him vulnerable in run defense packages. Problems may appear if he is cast in the wrong position in certain defensive schemes.
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Robert Quinn, Defensive End, North Carolina
4 of 5
Quinn is a large and aggressive all around defensive end. He has the ability to play against both the run and pass with equal effectiveness. He looks to be a combo end for NFL teams giving a quality effort while defending both attacks from the opponents offense. Quinn does not offer quite as much in the pass rushing category as Watt or Smith and does not look to be as good a fit for the Redskins. He has some question marks lingering from his lack of playing time at North Carolina.
Pros:
Quinn is a solid two way defensive end that fits well in the 3-4 defensive scheme. He has enough size and speed to be a force against the run and pass. Has experience with NFL coaching from Butch Davis while with the Tar Heels. Could fit into a 4-3 defensive scheme at defensive end as well.
Cons:
Missed the entire 2010 season because of involvement with agents while at Carolina. Has not had game contact since 2009. Could be a one hit wonder since his 2009 season is all teams have to look at. Teams will be taking a chance that Quinn can pick up where he left off two seasons ago.
Prince Amukamara, Cornerback, Nebraska
5 of 5
This is my sleeper pick for the Redskins. Of course, if the Skins have decided to keep Carlos Rogers then this is a mute point, but Prince could be hard to pass up. He has good size for a corner at 6' 0" tall and 206 pounds. He plays against both the pass and the run and is highly competitive. He is viewed as the second best corner in the draft after Patrick Peterson from LSU. Could give the Skins a young and dynamic tandem of corners if paired with DeAngelo Hall.
Pros:
Prince has great speed and quickness. He is not afraid to get physical. Has good tackling ability. Very quick hips with a great change of direction. Has a high level of confidence. Believes he is the best player on the field and many times he is. Looks to be a high quality all around corner at the NFL level.
Cons:
He did not face many top notch receivers while playing for the Huskers. Tends to be a little over aggressive at times which could result in a few embarrassing moments under the bright NFL lights. Needs to learn the NFL game and know what degree of physical play he can get away with at the pro level.
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