Washington Redskins: 7 2012 NFL Draft Fits for Mike Shanahan's Offense

Identifying playmakers for his offense is probably Mike Shanahan's biggest priority heading into the 2012 NFL draft.

The Washington Redskins need more big-play potential on offense. Shanahan's scheme allows for explosive plays, and the Redskins must load their skill positions with more dynamic athletes for the 2012 regular season.

Shanahan's intentions regarding the quarterback position will likely garner the most attention during the build up to the annual pro-selection process.

But the Redskins need a greater vertical threat at wideout, help for tight end Fred Davis and more dominant offensive linemen.

Here are seven 2012 draft prospects who would provide a big boost to Shanahan's offensive scheme.

7. Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Baylor burner Kendall Wright is exactly the type of wide receiver who could stretch the field and provide the Redskins offense with much-needed vertical potential.

The 5'10", 190-pound flanker is blessed with genuine downfield speed and is a threat to get behind any zone-coverage concept.

He would be crucial in expanding the play-action passing game, which is a central component of the Shanahan offensive system.

Wright's diminutive stature and explosiveness off the line would also enable him to be a productive weapon out of the slot.

Wright offers the kind of big-play capability that would create opportunities for every other level of the offense and strike fear into opposing defenses.

His lack of size and refinement as route runner, could see Wright fail to make it past the second round on many draft boards. If he is available to the Redskins at the start of Day 2, they should certainly pounce.

6. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

It may seem strange to suggest pursuing a tight end on draft day when the Redskins already have Fred Davis on the roster.

But many teams choose to draft to areas of strength. Many teams are also choosing to rely on two playmakers at the tight-end position.

Both the Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots have given an extra dimension to their respective units by having two tight ends who are legitimate weapons.

Selecting Stanford's Coby Fleener would give the Redskins arguably the draft's most complete player at his position.

Fleener has thrived in a pro-style offense, so he would arrive in the NFL with a competent knowledge of top-level pass patterns.

The 6'6", 245-pounder is also an exceptional blocker, a characteristic not shared by Davis. Fleener would beef up and improve the Redskins' blocking schemes.

As a receiver, he is intelligent and sure-handed. Like Davis, Fleener also offers the ability to stretch the field. He has tallied an impressive 20.3 yards per reception average and hauled in 10 scoring passes.

Fleener would take the pressure off Davis and prevent coverage schemes from focusing too much on him. Whoever starts under center for Washington in 2012 would certainly be grateful for the presence of a weapon as dependable as Fleener.

5. Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Stanford underclassman Jonathan Martin is an ideal fit for the zone-blocking schemes Mike Shanahan loves his offensive line to employ.

Martin is blessed with the kind of natural athleticism that few offensive linemen are able to match. He possesses polished technique and sound fundamentals.

Excelling in space thanks to sharp vision and precise footwork, Martin could become a linchpin of the Redskins system.

A more natural left tackle, the Redskins could accommodate Martin by moving 2010 first-rounder Trent Williams over to the right side.

Williams has not wholly convinced, and Martin appears more naturally suited to the requirements of Shanahan's blocking philosophy.

4. William Vlachos, C, Alabama

Three-year Crimson Tide starter William Vlachos is an interesting mid- to late-round prospect that the Redskins should consider.

Vlachos is a natural athlete at the center position. Relying more on quickness and movement than outright physical intimidation, Vlachos could be a fine anchor for a zone-blocking front-five.

He utilises excellent quickness off the ball, has sound hands technique and good lateral movement to create holes in the running game and move to the second level.

Vlachos is a cerebral blocker who relies on outstanding leverage and sharp reactions to defeat bigger opponents in one-on-one situations.

Current starter Will Montgomery is an enthusiastic scrapper, but Vlachos would give the Redskins a more skilled and athletic pivot man.

3. Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin

Mike Shanahan likes big sure-handed receivers. In Denver, he got a lot of mileage out of Rod Smith and Ed McCaffrey.

Wisconsin standout Nick Toon has good pro-size at 6'2" and 220 pounds. Lacking in true breakaway speed, Toon instead attacks defensive backs with a long-striding, physical style of route-running.

Excellent at gaining separation off the line of scrimmage and a dangerous underneath target, Toon would flourish executing some of the crossing patterns that Shanahan likes to employ.

Drops have been a problem at times, and Toon sometimes struggles getting behind off coverage. But his size and tenacity makes him an appealing target in intermediate areas.

Paired with the returning Leonard Hankerson, Toon would give the Redskins offense two tall flankers capable of creating physical-matchup advantages against most cornerbacks.

2. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon

Although he is not especially noted for it, Mike Shanahan has occasionally made good use of speedy scat backs within the structure of his offense. In San Francisco he had Dexter Carter, and in Denver he had Vaughn Hebron.

Oregon's LaMichael James has amassed monster numbers at the college level. But his suitability for the pros is one of the most contentious issues heading into the 2012 draft.

James has the speed and elusiveness to thrive as a weapon out of the backfield. He has above-average receiving skills and a natural instinct for the big play.

The Redskins don't really possess a dangerous receiver out of the backfield. Roy Helu has caught plenty of passes, but he is most effective as the workhorse-runner of the offense. Adding a player like James would give the Redskins a dynamic change of pace and one more credible option in the passing game.

If his size and the stigma of doing his best work out of a spread offense keep James mired in the mid-rounds, the Redskins should jump at the chance to capture a player this explosive. 

1. Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin

Many may expect the Redskins to use their original draft spot to take one of the top-tier quarterbacks available in 2012.

But the depth and quality of this quarterback class could afford the Redskins many options. Shanahan and Bruce Allen could choose to repeat 2011's tactic and trade back in the first round and stockpile additional picks.

If they choose to grab a quarterback later than expected, then Wisconsin's Russell Wilson is the ideal choice. The Badgers starter possesses the perfect blend of precision and athleticism to be a huge success in Shanahan's offense.

Wilson has the accuracy to make any pro throw. He is particularly adept throwing across his body on the kind of designed rollouts that are a staple of the Shanahan system.

Wilson excels at throwing to a spot and letting his receivers make plays on the run. He has a versatile passing range and excellent instincts in the pocket.

He is a clever and deceptive runner who is capable of gaining yards with his feet or keeping plays alive under pressure.

Detractors point to Wilson's lack of prototypical size, presumably overlooking the success managed by Drew Brees. If teams continue to be put off by Wilson's slight 5'10", 205-pound frame, the Redskins should move quickly to secure what could turn out to be the steal of the draft.

In His Third Draft, Mike Shanahan Has to Get His Offense Right

The Shanahan regime seems content to paint the picture of a slow but meticulous rebuilding process where patience will be rewarded handsomely.

It has the appeal of building through the draft, the ideal scenario for most fans. Some success has come from this approach, but there are still more questions than answers, particularly on offense.

In what will be their third draft, Shanahan and Allen have to get the offense right. If unsuitable personnel is accused of staining the Shanahan blueprint, then it's up to the coach to find the right fits from the college ranks.

A quarterback is demanded, but the Redskins still need help along the line and more dynamic options to throw to.

With a healthy number of picks, Shanahan must strike the right balance between finding the centerpiece of his offense and ensuring there is a strong enough supporting cast to compliment him.

A reputation for crafting explosive offenses is one of the main reasons Shanahan got the job.

2012 has to see his ideas become reality on the field.