2012 NFL Mock Draft: Washington Redskins 7-Round Predictions

After starting the season 3-1, the Washington Redskins began flirting with the idea that perhaps they could surprise a few people. But thanks in large part to injuries and consistently poor performances on offense, the Redskins are likely already shaping up what their potential moves could be come April for the 2012 NFL draft. 

Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen showed their competence in last year's draft, and they'll look to sure up some positions in 2012, including quarterback and the offensive line. 

Although it's still early, it's never too early for some speculative mock drafts. Here's one route the Redskins could go with their current nine draft selections. 

Round 1: Robert Griffin III

Robert Griffin III (6'2"/220/QB/Baylor)

The pressure is on for head coach Mike Shanahan, and he can't afford to wait any longer to find his guy. 

I'm a believer in the fact that new coaches don't really expect to be judged until they get and play with their chosen guy at quarterback. Although many could pose valid arguments that the Donovan McNabb trade was an attempt for Shanahan to land his guy, it's not nearly the same as spending a high draft pick on a quarterback and developing him into a franchise figure. 

In my latest mock draft, I have the Redskins using their first pick at No. 11. At this point, I have the 2012 draft class' top three quarterbacks (Luck, Jones and Barkley) off the board, and Baylor's Robert Griffin should present Shanahan with a huge decision to make. 

In my opinion, RG3 is a great fit for Shanahan and what he looks for in a quarterback. Griffin is an accurate and mobile quarterback with incredible arm strength, superb athleticism and he’s a great locker room presence. Shanahan is known for coaching up quarterbacks, so the fact that Griffin comes from a spread offense implies no concern. See my scouting report on Griffin here. 

Round 2: Mike Brewster

Mike Brewster (6'5"/295/C/Ohio State)

The Redskins have had a hole at center for quite some time, and the current state of the offensive line makes the unit a comedy show around the league. 

Brewster is a very smart center prospect with valuable experience against some of the nation's best defenses. Brewster is balanced as both a pass-blocker and run-blocker, and he has the athleticism that Shanahan looks for in a lineman. 

Although slightly undersized at 295 pounds, Brewster is strong enough to hold his blocks, and it's very rare that you ever see this young man get beat. 

The Redskins could go a few different routes in the second round, but Brewster seems like the safest pick with the potential to become an interior lineman that will anchor the offensive trench for the next decade. 

Round 3: Kevin Zeitler

Kevin Zeitler (6'4"/312/OG/Wisconsin)

Continuing to improve their pitiful offensive line, the Redskins could land a steal in the third round if Zeitler is still available. 

The Wisconsin Badgers have put together a very solid year running behind their offensive line, and Zeitler is a huge part of the success. 

Redskins left guard Kory Lichtensteiger was playing pretty well prior to his season-ending ACL tear, but he happens to be a free agent next season. 

Regardless of what the Redskins want to do with 'Steiger, Zeitler is a guy that can come in and play right away. He's consistent in pass-blocking, he paves lanes for the ground attack and his surprising athleticism propels him to the second-level. 

Other Possibilities:

Ryan Miller—A huge versatile lineman out of Colorado that has potential at right tackle. 

Round 4: Kevin Reddick

Kevin Reddick (6'3"/240/ILB/North Carolina)

Over the past couple of seasons, the linebacking corps at North Carolina has been quite impressive. But because of studs like Quan Sturdivant and Zach Brown, inside linebacker Kevin Reddick may have gone slightly unnoticed. 

Reddick is a redshirt junior that led his defense in tackles last season. He is very instinctive, he's fundamentally sound and he has a way of using his skills to penetrate the backfield. 

Current Redskins middle linebacker London Fletcher can't play forever. Reddick could study under one of the game's best for another season or two before earning his role as a legitimate starter himself

Other Possibilities:

Devon Stills—If the defensive end from Penn State somehow falls to the fourth round, I think the Redskins bite due to impeccable value

Janoris Jenkins—Because he couldn't stay away from the reefer while at Florida, Jenkins transferred to North Alabama. If other coaches don't want the character risk and Shanahan is able to look beyond it, Jenkins could be a lockdown corner for the Redskins in the fourth round. 

Round 4 (via OAK): DeQuan Menzie

DeQuan Menzie (5'11"/195 /CB/Alabama)

Although it seems like an overlooked area of need, the Redskins are extremely weak at the cornerback position. 

DeAngelo Hall is not a No. 1 corner in the NFL, and Josh Wilson is always a No. 2 at best. Kevin Barnes is struggling so far this season, and the Redskins have to look at addressing the position in this draft. 

Menzie is a physical corner playing opposite Dre Kirkpatrick (a consensus top-15 pick). After transferring from junior college and recovering from a torn Achilles, Menzie has gone through the wringer to finally receive the attention he deserves. 

Although the Achilles injury is concerning, Menzie is now two years removed. Menzie may not be a guy that can come in and start right away, but I think it's certainly plausible after a season or two. 

Round 5: Stephen Good

Stephen Good (6'6"/300/OG/Oklahoma)

I don't know if the Redskins can address the offensive line enough in this draft. Not only is the current unit lacking talent, but it's also very thin. 

The Oklahoma Sooners have done a great job this season of keeping quarterback Landry Jones clean, and they've consistently opened lanes for the running game. 

Good is a versatile guard prospect with good athleticism and the ability to play either side of the offensive line. Weighing in at barely 300 pounds, Good could afford to bulk up a bit before hitting the Combine, and that would likely draw more interest. 

For a coach like Shanahan that likes to have mobile lineman, Good fits the bill, and he's deserving of a fifth-round selection. 

Round 6: Dan Herron

Daniel "Boom" Herron (5'10"/205/RB/Ohio State)

Cue the late-round, Mike Shanahan-running-back project. 

Herron comes with some red flags, most notably his role in the Ohio State scandal that included improper benefits, the fallout of Jim Tressell and the penalty slapped on the university. 

But aside from his off-the-field concerns, Herron is also criticized for not having the game-breaking speed that so many NFL teams like to see. After years of running behind a solid offensive line, many could also question whether Herron is just overrated. 

With the lingering injuries of Ryan Torain and the expected recovery by Tim Hightower, a project like Herron is worth a late-round pick. Especially with Shanahan. 

Other Possibilities:

Marc Tyler—Sticking with the late-round sleeper projects, Tyler is a big (230) down-hill runner that has had his own case of run-ins while at USC. Although Shanahan doesn't appear to be a coach with any tolerance for immaturity, perhaps he becomes a little less stern if Tyler is available in the sixth. 

Round 7: Jamell Fleming

Jamell Fleming (5'11"/192/CB/Oklahoma)

If Fleming is around in the last round of the draft, I think you have to take a stab at him. 

Fleming does come with some character concerns after he left Oklahoma due to personal matters and was then suspended for a couple semesters following some academic cheating. However, his talents are worth the risk in the seventh round. 

Other Possibilities:

Rueben Randle—He's not used nearly as much as he would be in the NFL, but the LSU receiver produces when the ball ends up in his hands. Randle has the speed to stretch the field, and his 6'4 frame provides a huge target in the red zone. 

Matt Conrath—Standing at 6'7" and having the fundamental skills to play defensive end in the 3-4, Conrath is a project worth taking if he's around in the seventh. Given proper coaching, Conrath could put it all together and be a serviceable player in the NFL. 

Joe Suhey—It's difficult to use a draft pick on a fullback that will likely go undrafted, but I would expect Suhey from Penn State to be scooped up pretty early. 

Final Draft Picks

Round 1—Robert Griffin III (QB, Baylor)

Round 2—Mike Brewster (C, Ohio State)

Round 3—Kevin Zeitler (OG, Wisconsin)

Round 4—Kevin Reddick (LB, North Carolina)

Round 4—DeQuan Menzie (CB, Alabama)

Round 5—Stephen Good (OG, Oklahoma)

Round 6—Boom Herron (RB, Ohio State)

Round 7—Jamell Fleming (CB, Oklahoma)