Day one of the 2013 NFL Draft has concluded and things are looking bright for the Washington Redskins. While the team won’t pick until the 19th slot (51 overall) in the second round, the fall-out of round one played favorably for teams including Washington in the second round.
The theme of Thursday’s start of the draft was finding pass protectors and pass rushers. Only one quarterback was selected — surprisingly, Florida State’s EJ Manuel is now a Buffalo Bill. Not to mention, there was not any running backs drafted in the first round. Inside linebackers, receivers and QBs could also be in demand early in the second round. And because of that, some great talent could fall to the Washington Redskins. So, it was really an ideal outcome.
Three safeties went off the board in round one, which was the number most figured it would be. However, the trio of Eric Reid (49ers), Kenny Vaccaro (New Orleans Saints) and Matt Elam (Baltimore Ravens) was a tad unexpected. Especially with the recent momentum building around FIU safety Jonathan Cyprien.
As for the cornerbacks, an ideal total of four went in the first round. Dee Milliner (New York Jets), D.J. Hayden (Oakland Raiders), Desmond Trufant (Atlanta Falcons) and Xavier Rhodes (Minnesota Vikings) are all off the board. But really, none of them would have made it to the Redskins’ pick in the second round.
So the Redskins are indeed sitting nicely right now. With a surprise player like West Virginia’s Geno Smith still on the board, you’d have to believe he’ll be in play early for some teams. A running back may go prior to the Washington Redskins’ pick. Not to mention, there is still some top tier talent at the receiver position and a few linebackers who could be in demand early in the round.
If a guy like Jonathan Cyprien falls to the Washington Redskins, I’m sure the team will contact their New York City representative — Lavar Arrington (former Redskins’ LB) and make him run to the podium announcing the pick. However, Washington could go receiver or cornerback. But don’t be surprised if they also give the inside linebacker position a strong look. In addition to, the 5-tech (3-4 defensive end) spot. It’s not likely they’ll go that route, but you always have to think outside-the-box with coach Mike Shanahan and GM Bruce Allen. It’s really going to be best player available with need in mind. But you never know if a major talent falls.
Instead of predicting who the team may take, I’m going to list a few names at each position they will presumably target.
Safety:
1. Jonathan Cyprien, FIU: Athletic, instinctive and anticipates things well. He has enough range to play deep half - center-fielder He also has the versatility to play in-the-box.
2. Bacarri Rambo, Georgia: Yes I’m high on him. He possess what the Redskins need — a deep half, center-fielder who is explosive and can make game changing plays. He’s labeled as a third rounder but I keep hearing there are teams high on him.
3. DJ Swearinger, South Carolina: He has everything you want in a safety. However, I’m still not sold on him being what the Redskins need. He’s not best suited to play deep, even though he can be serviceable there. But he’s one of the more safer safety picks. Will be a stud on the next level.
Other Day 2 or 3 Safety options:
1. Josh Evans (possibly an underrated guy)
2. JJ Wilcox (athletic but raw — can play deep but very raw in that aspect)
3. Tony Jefferson (good not great at just about everything — technique issues)
4. Phillip Thomas (met with the team several times — I question his “want to” can cover deep — one of the, if not the worst tackling safety available)
5. Duke Williams (Rangy, but he likes to play in the box — although he’s very capable of playing deep half/centerfield — told me the Texans and Patriots showed him the most interest)
Cornerback:
1. Jamar Taylor, Boise State: Maybe one of the safer prospects available. If he’s there at 51, he’d be a solid pickup.
2. Jonathan Banks, Miss. State: The Washington Redskins have had a lot of success with bigger cornerbacks. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s considered at 51 overall. Although, he may not be there. Definitely fits what the Redskins do and what they’ve been looking for in a CB for years now.
3. Blidi Wreh-Wilson, UConn: Another long corner — something they’ve wanted. Can be a plug and play guy, but he has upside too. He is also a fallback option at safety.
4. Tyrann Mathieu, LSU: Yes, yes, yes — I know. But the Washington Redskins have done a ton of homework on him, I’m told. Of course, a lot of teams have — but this is important because it means Washington hasn’t wiped him off their board. They would need to have a plan for him on and off the field if they were to go that route.
5. Robert Alford, SE Louisiana: Small but athletic and can create turnovers.
Other Day 2 or 3 Cornerback options:
1. Darius Slay (second look at his tape says he’s a little raw — has a lot of upside, but could struggle as a rookie)
2. Jordan Poyer (Scrappy football player — could be better suited in nickel but will remind you of a Cortland Finnegan)
3. Sanders Commings (Another one of those bigger CBs who could intrigue the Redskins)
4 and 5: Dwayne Gratz and Brandon McGee (Two guys the Redskins have shown a lot of interest in)
Wide Receiver:
1. Justin Hunter, Tennessee: Big, tall and long receiver. May not be there when the Redskins pick and I’m not certain they go this route.
2. Quinton Patton, LA Tech: Won’t wow you with his speed — but he’s a nasty football player much like Josh Morgan and Pierre Garcon. Very physical, good blocker and strong hands.
3. Robert Woods, USC: Does just about everything well — but I’m not sure if he’s a guy who can take the Washington Redskins’ offense to the next level.
4. Stedman Bailey, WVA: He’s small, but physical. Explosive after the catch and can play that slot/utility receiver role the Redskins really need. Doesn’t fit the senior status the team likes. But they could stray away from that this year.
5. Terrance Williams, Baylor: I’m not a huge fan of Terrance, but he’s Robert Griffin III’s former teammate. So if he wants him — I’m sure the Redskins will listen. He’s a vertical player who can open things up underneath for guys like Garcon and Morgan.
Other Day 2 or 3 Receiver Options:
1. Markus Wheaton (Explosive but doesn’t do two things well: block or create YAC — Redskins want that in receivers)
2. Aaron Dobson (Very underrated, IMO — physical and can make plays deep)
3. Ryan Swope (I’m high on him — can be a great slot receiver but has the ability to do other things — Texas A&M didn’t fully tap into his ability)
4. Da’Rick Rogers (He drops some balls — but he’s a physical, nasty football player who can create YAC and run vertical routes)
5. Tavarres King (I may be a little higher on him than some — I think he’s savvy and can play inside or outside)
More stories you might like
