NFL Draft 2011: Washington Redskins' Round 2 Options

The Washington Redskins made on of their smarter draft moves in recent memory when they traded back in the first round to acquire extra picks. They selected outside linebacker-to-be Ryan Kerrigan with the 16th pick acquired from Jacksonville, and will look to utilize their pair of second round selections to fill more needs.

Having been wise to this point, it may be a wise decision to take one of their second rounders and turn it into more picks.

First, Washington's needs fall on both sides of the ball. On defense, Kerrigan filled a need at outside linebacker, but there are holes at defensive end, nose tackle, corner, and inside linebacker. On offense, receiver, quarterback, interior line and running back are on the list of needs.

There are plenty of directions the Redskins could go with their pair of picks in the second round, though some predictions have been unfitting.

One mock has the Redskins selecting Oregon State defensive tackle Stephen Paea with the 49th pick acquired from Jacksonville. Paea has the right size, but lacks the bulk to be a good nose tackle in a 3-4 defense. If he puts on weight, he may compromise his speed, but if he slims down to be a 3-4 end, he may compromise his noted strength.

An interesting pick, but a risk based mostly on his tremendous combine workout.

Other predictions Washington selecting Mikel LeShoure, running back from Illinois. With the release of Clinton Portis, the Redskins don't have a big name running backs, but Ryan Torain performed well when healthy last season including 172 yards against Tampa Bay. Mike Shanahan has had luck with late-round running backs, so it is doubtful that he'd spend a second round pick on one this year.

The two hot topics for the Redskins are receiver and quarterback, and they remain heading into the second day of drafting.

No one predicted Jake Locker coming off the board before the Redskins picked at 10, but Tennessee picked him at 8, landing Blaine Gabbert squarely in Washington's lap. When the Redskins traded back, passing up on Gabbert, fans were pleased but immediately questioned what their solution to their quarterback situation would be.

Ryan Mallett, Andy Dalton and Colin Kaepernick are still on the board, but are they franchise quality passers?

Mallett has all the physical tools, but has some character issues that need ironing out. Dalton did nothing but win at TCU, but lacks elite arm strength and came from a spread offense. Kaepernick has the size and arm strength but comes from the Pistol offense and will have to learn to read NFL defenses.

Perhaps the Redskins are thinking of sticking with McNabb and banking on a franchise quarterback next year.

The receiver position is in need of an upgrade with Anthony Armstrong as the only signed player to produce last year. Santana Moss is a free agent and on the wrong side of 30 for a speed receiver. He should be brought back and should be productive.

The draft still has players like Torrey Smith and Leonard Hankerson, who are projected somewhere in the second round by most. Both have big-play potential, but struggled with some drops in their careers. While they are similar in size, Smith plays faster and has experience returning kicks.

Washington seems resigned to pick up offensive linemen with their late-round picks, even though the need has been persistent for at least the last five years.

Shanahan is known for hoarding draft picks, and it is not out of the question for the Redskins to trade one or both of their second round picks to move back in the round and pick up a couple of much-needed middle-round picks.

As with every draft, the Redskins have the potential to be moronic, but after a perfect first-round move they've gained some confidence from fans.