This year’s draft is pretty weird considering the lack of top-tier talent. The Washington Redskins are sitting right in the middle of the weirdness as they hold the fifth overall pick. Assuming they’re unable to net a trade, and I must remind you that never guarantees quality players, there’s several ways they can go at five overall.
Considering the fact Washington has not had a first round pick in two years, they absolutely can’t afford to miss on a player at five overall. So, I believe they will take the best available player on the board. They have needs everywhere and can’t afford to box themselves with their options.
Below I’ll list a few scenarios that could impact where the Redskins go at five overall. In a way, this also gives you a look at who I like for the Redskins at that spot.
Scenario #1:
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jameis Winston, QB, FSU
- Tennessee Titans: Leonard Williams, DE, USC
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Dante Fowler, OLB, Florida
- Oakland Raiders: Kevin White, WR, WVU
- Washington Redskins: Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
- I think this may be one of the more likely scenarios and probably the best for Washington. In my opinion, Vic Beasley is the best pass rusher out there when you consider what the Redskins actually need — an edge bender. No one in this draft class bends the edge more explosively than Beasley on film. He’d be an excellent complement to Ryan Kerrigan.
Scenario #2:
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jameis Winston, QB, FSU
- Tennessee Titans: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
- Oakland Raiders: Leonard Williams, DE, USC
- Washington Redskins: Amari Cooper, Wr, Alabama
- I think people are overlooking the fact Oakland could continue to bolster their defense. They play in a division with Peyton Manning, Phillip Rivers and a Chiefs team that’s getting more explosive on offense. Oakland has a defensive minded Head Coach and a Defensive Coordinator in Ken Norton Jr. who is bringing that “LEO” position to Oakland. They could also use help on the DL. As for the Redskins, getting a receiver may not be a popular pick, but it could benefit them for years to come. Amari Cooper is one of the few prospects I’ve ever watched and could only find Hall Of Fame comparisons.
Scenario #3:
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jameis Winston, QB, FSU
- Tennessee Titans: Leonard Williams, DE, USC
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
- Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
- Washington Redskins: Kevin White, WR, WVU
- This is a scenario that could happen, but its one I don’t like for the Redskins. If Vic Beasley is not there at five overall, I’m not sure I take a OLB there. Dante Fowler could be the pick, but in my opinion, he isn’t a good fit for the Redskins. Also, Shane Ray could get some consideration. However, I think that could be too risky of a pick. It’s also too early for Offensive line, in my opinion. Kevin White would provide the Redskins with needed size and explosiveness at the receiver position. Although I now have Amari Cooper ranked higher, and I’ve heard more interest on the Redskins side with the Bama WR, White would be BPA here.
Scenario #4:
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jameis Winston, QB, FSU
- Tennessee Titans: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
- Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
- Washington Redskins: Leonard Williams, DE, USC
- This is another scenario that could happen where Leonard Williams falls to the Redskins. It’s a scenario that I’m not sure if I really like for the ‘Skins. Williams is a good player, but there’s also some risk involved in his game. There’s some scouts I’ve talked to who believe he’ll get over-drafted due to the lack of elite talent in this class. Having said that, Williams would help the Redskins continue building a dominant defensive line.
Scenario #5:
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jameis Winston, QB, FSU
- Tennessee Titans: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Dante Fowler, OLB, Florida
- Oakland Raiders: Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
- Washington Redskins: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
- Again, don’t be surprised if the Raiders actually go defense. Especially if Beasley or Leonard Williams falls to them. Beasley would be perfect for their LEO role and would form a nasty tandem with Kahlil Mack. Again, Cooper would be the BPA here for the Redskins.
Nutshell:
- I think the QBs will go 1 and 2 in this draft.
- Don’t be surprised if the Raiders go defense.
- If Vic Beasley is not there at five overall for the Redskins, I’m not sure they should take a OLB. In my mind, it puts them in a weird position to potentially take an edge rusher who really isn’t the best fit for them.
- I don’t really like Fowler, Shane Ray or OL at five overall for the Redskins. Therefore, the best player(s) on the board could be a receiver.
- If I had to rank prospects for the Redskins at five overall it’ll probably be:
- OLB Vic Beasley
- WR Amari Cooper
- DE Leonard Williams
- WR Kevin White
- OLB Dante Fowler
- OT/OG La’el Collins
- OG Brandon Scherff
- WR Davante Parker
- CB Trae Waynes
- OLB Alvin “Bud” Dupree
- Note: Randy Gregory would probably be top-3 on that list if not for his issues with weed. I think his off-field issues will add to the weirdness of where the Redskins pick. He would be a guy I think fits right into what the team needs.
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