8 Offensive Players the Washington Redskins Should Target in the 2012 NFL Draft

Compiling a list of all the offensive players that the Redskins should target in next April's draft is far from difficult. Not only does this draft class contain some very solid offensive prospects, but the Redskins could also use just about anything. 

Although a bold statement, the 2012 NFL draft will be one of the most significant drafts the Redskins have seen in more than 10 years. 

Fans are expecting their team to land a franchise quarterback, the recently-hired coaching staff and front office is expected to prove themselves and Washington understands what this class can mean for the revitalization of the Redskins organization. 

For this list, I tried to avoid just bunching all of the best offensive players together in a slideshow. Instead, I included players that I thought would be attainable for the Redskins and guys that would fit into what I believe Mike Shanahan is trying to do in Washington. 

Tread lightly. 

Matt Barkley

I'll admit, I was all over Robert Griffin III before USC's Matt Barkley started absolutely crushing the opposition. 

Don't get me wrong, I'm still a mega-fan of Baylor's RG3, but Barkley seems like the guy that Mike Shanahan would have his sights on. 

Barkley has some of the best experience amongst this class' quarterback prospects, he has the arm and decision-making to make the NFL jump and he has enough mobility to make things happen on bootlegs. You can check out my scouting report on Barkley here.

The Redskins are in desperate need of a franchise signal-caller, and the ShanAllen regime is already under heavy fire from fans (myself not included). Although the team could opt to go another route in the first round, it's almost a certainty that the Redskins go quarterback within the top 32 selections. 

Matt Kalil

It's unfortunate that USC's Matt Kalil likely won't be available for the Redskins by the time they pick, but the team shouldn't leave this guy's name off their board. 

There's a potential strategy for the Redskins if they shy away from a quarterback prospect in the first round. In such a case, the Redskins could focus on their weakest position and go for an offensive lineman in the first round, waiting to snag their quarterback prospect in the following rounds. 

Kalil is the surest offensive lineman in the 2012 class, and any team would be confident in making him their left tackle for the next decade of more. But with the Rams and Vikings possibly picking before the Redskins, Kalil isn't expected to make it to Washington. 

David DeCastro

Stanford's David DeCastro, in my opinion, is one of the best guard prospects we've seen in a while. 

DeCastro is literally capable of doing everything asked of his position, and he does everything very well. During such a stellar season this year, DeCastro has shown his ability to effectively pass-block, to pull with ease and to blow up opposing defenses in order to free rushing lanes. 

Just from watching, I'd be willing to say that Cardinals' left tackle Jonathan Martin (who is also considered by many to be a top-15 pick) has benefited tremendously from having DeCastro lineup next to him. I'm not implying that Martin isn't a good left tackle, but I am implying that his stock has risen thanks to the play of DeCastro. 

Again, the offensive line in Washington is paper thin, and the unit needs all the help it can get. DeCastro would certainly fill a need, and he'd start right away. 

Cordy Glenn

In an effort to continue the stressing importance of addressing the offensive line, mentioning Georgia's Cordy Glenn is necessary. 

Glenn is a very experienced guard prospect with the familiarity and versatility of being able to play on either side. Although he stands at 6'5" and 348 pounds, Glenn is very effective at getting to the next level and bulldozing defenders. And let's not forget that he's not too shabby in pass protection either. 

Some scouts (and I agree) have said that Glenn may even have the necessary abilities to play the right tackle position, which would add even more incentive for a team to select a versatile lineman for the trenches. Consider the Redskins one of those teams. 

Unless the Redskins trade back and go for offensive line in the first round, Glenn is all but another guy on the team's wish list. Assuming the Redskins select in the top 10, Glenn would be far too much of a reach. And if the Redskins try and wait until the second round, Glenn will be as good as gone. 

Mike Brewster/Peter Konz

Some have said that current starting center Will Montgomery is a part of the Redskins' future plans along the offensive line. But, if you ask me, Montgomery is easily replaceable. 

Wisconsin's Peter Konz is probably the top-rated center in this class, but Ohio State's Mike Brewster isn't far behind. Both guys are experienced and smart, and I believe that both could come in and start right away. 

In my latest 2012 NFL mock draft, neither Konz nor Brewster are selected in the first round. But they're both damn close. In such a scenario, the Redskins could have a shot at one of these guys early in the second round. 

Note: Peter Konz is a junior, and Wisconsin typically hangs on to their linemen for as long as possible.

Kevin Zeitler

I don't mean to bore anyone with a mass amount of offensive linemen, but the Redskins are that atrocious up front. 

Zeitler is another one of the huge lineman from Wisconsin that could come to Washington and contribute right away. 

Although I liked Kory Lichtensteiger and his performance on the field leading up to his season-ending knee injury, he's also due to be a free agent next season. 

If the Redskins didn't want to invest in a starting left guard with a plastic knee, then Kevin Zeitler could be the answer. He's a big and physical guard with great strength and the knowledge necessary to succeed at the position. 

LaMichael James

I know, I know. Shanahan grabs his runners in the latter rounds. But his speed and ability within the open field is enough reason to make Oregon's LaMichael James an intriguing prospect. 

The NFL appears to be taking on the look of a league that requires teams to have larger running backs, so that could spell a slip for James and his 5'9", 185-pound frame. And when I mention "slip," I'm only talking third round at the latest. 

The Redskins will likely pay no mind to James or drafting him as high as the third round, but he's undeniably one of the most explosive playmakers in this draft class. 

Michael Floyd

Other than the injuries, I have to admit that I've been pretty impressed with the Redskins' receiving corps this season. 

Tight end Fred Davis was a pleasant surprise, Jabar Gaffney is one of the sparkles of the Redskins' offense and Donte Stallworth came out of nowhere last week to make things interesting against the Cowboys. 

But even with the return of Santana Moss and Leonard Hankerson, the Redskins could benefit from adding a deadly weapon to the arsenal. 

I don't believe that top-rated receivers like Justin Blackmon or Alshon Jeffery are viable options for Washington, but a guy like Michael Floyd provides a slim chance. 

Notre Dame's Michael Floyd is a very gifted wideout with the experience that's sought after by NFL scouts. Many have described Floyd as "polished" and that would be a very accurate description. He can run, he can jump, he can catch and he can make plays with the ball.

Unfortunately for Floyd (and perhaps fortunate for a certain NFL team), Floyd has earned the reputation for having some character issues (DUI), and that could ultimately push him into the second round. With Floyd's talent, I doubt it. But anything is possible. 

Note: I am not necessarily "for'" this pick, as there are numerous other positions that the Redskins must address. However, if Floyd is sitting there in the right situation, I think this guy is a stud. 

Other Guys

Here's a few other names to keep in mind for addressing the offensive side of the ball. 

Riley Reiff/OT/Iowa—Athletic and strong

Jonathan Martin/OT/Stanford—Very productive in college, pro-style offense experience

Trent Richardson/RB/Alabama—Wishful thinking

Kelechi Osemele/OG/Iowa State—Appears to be a Shanahan kinda guy

Stephen Good/OG/Oklahoma—Versatility in a pass-heavy offense

Marc Tyler/RB/USC—Late-round project for Shanny, 6'1", 230 pounds