The Washington Redskins full team brass has been in Indianapolis for the past week at the annual NFL Scouting Combine. Offensive prospects ended their workouts Saturday when Quarterbacks, Running Backs and Wide Receivers took the field.
Washington has needs across the board and their philosophy will be clear this year with a full slate of draft picks — take the best player available. New General Manager Scot McCloughan will lead the complicated task of turning Washington’s roster into a contender and it starts this April with the draft.
With that said, here are a few notes I jotted down after watching the offensive prospects Friday and Saturday:
- QBs Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota both had a great showing at the combine. The Washington Redskins won’t take either one of them, however, Mariota could help them at five overall. If Mariota isn’t selected by the time Washington is on the clock, that could entice a team to move up for him. I don’t think you’ll see any big deals. I think a likely scenario would be for Washington to move back one pick with the New York Jets — allowing them to secure Mariota. If he happens to go top-four, that could still benefit the Redskins because it will make another quality player drop. Either way, this could help the team.
- West Virginia WR Kevin White has always been my top receiver in this draft, but he turned heads with his 4.35 forty. He solidified himself as the top receiver on my board.
- Having said that about Kevin White, I really enjoyed Alabama WR Amari Cooper’s workout. He ran fast and he excelled in positional drills. Cooper looked like a seasoned vet with the way he ran routes. He’s going to be a great pro. I just like the size and upside factor with White. Not to say Cooper doesn’t have upside… he’s only 20 years old.
- Michigan WR Devin Funchess ran slower than you’d want (4.7, forty), but speed isn’t his game. He’s a big guy who understands how to use his size and is quicker than fast. But he still is capable of making plays atop a defense. Some may glue him at tight end, but he’s an offensive weapon who can play inside, outside or tight end.
- LSU Offensive Lineman La’el Collins has long been one of my favorite prospects in this draft. I think he really showed people how athletic he is at the combine. He also showed how powerful he is. La’el can play any position on the line. He’s one of the safest prospects in the draft.
- Oregon OT Jake Fisher also had a strong combine. He’s a naturally gifted athlete and I think he could make a very solid right tackle. His athleticism may even make some believe he can play right tackle.
- Miami OT Ereck Flowers is a well built offensive lineman who has some good film. However, my fear with him was displayed at the combine — he struggles to kickstep. He’s going to struggle vs speed rushers and stand-up edge rushers. He has the potential to be a really good right tackle, but some may try him at guard because of that flaw.
- Iowa OL Brandon Scherff also had a really good combine. I still think he’s best suited inside at guard because he struggles against speed rushers. He’s neck and neck with La’el Collins, but I still rank Collins ahead of him because of consistency and better film against rushers.
- Duke OL Laken Tomlinson is a plug and play guy. He’s smart, competitive and plays with a confidence that I really like. I thought he looked really good in Indy.
- There’s not much I have to say about the Tight Ends, but Nick O’leary reminds me so much of Chris Cooley.
- Boise State RB Jay Ajayi is my second ranked RB and he didn’t do anything to make me change that at the combine. I thought he looked really smooth in all the drills. He’s a great runner and an excellent ball catcher. He’s going to be a really good pro early in his career.
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