I’ll start my first mock draft of the year with a disclaimer: there isn’t a position on the Washington Redskins roster that couldn’t use an upgrade.
Whether the Redskins need a starter, some youth, or just some developmental/depth/special teams players, there isn’t a position that the Redskins couldn’t argue addressing in the 2016 draft.
With that being said, a lot of people talk about drafting for need versus drafting the best player available. At the end of the day, the selection is more complicated than that. You have to think about scheme fit, what the General Manager and coaching staff wants in a player, and although it is generally the best bet to draft the best overall player, you have to consider the depth of the draft class as well.
By that, I mean that if McCloughan and the Burgundy and Gold are on the clock and two players rank very similarly, one DT and one Safety, McCloughan may be inclined to take the safety because the talent and depth of the DL Class probably gives the safety pick a little more value.
I’ve taken all of that into consideration putting together this Redskins 7 round mock draft, and so, without further ado;
Justin Byram’s Mock Draft: 1.0
Round 1: Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech
I absolutely love Butler’s game. He’s a mammoth prospect who can stuff the run and take on multiple blockers; but he’s also a high motor player who can really rush the passer. In fact, when Butler uses his hands well, he is damn near unstoppable. Regardless of whether the Redskins keep the man known as ‘Pot Roast’, Butler would be the future anchor of the Redskins defense.
Round 2: Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
Last year Scot McCloughan got one of his biggest steals in VT defensive back Kyshoen Jarrett, and this year he can add another stud to the defensive backfield in Fuller. Had it not been for injury, Fuller is likely already off the board by this pick. However, McCloughan can get some very nice value with this selection. The Redskins have some talent at corner in Bashaud Breeland, up and comer Quinten Dunbar, as well as Chris Culliver provided he can come back fully healthy. However, in a pass happy league, you can never have enough good corners.
Round 3: Sheldon Day, DE, Notre Dame
I’m not entirely sure that day will be available in round tree, but because of the depth across the defensive line throughout the draft he just may be. Day would be a perfect fit in the Redskins shoot-the-gap defensive scheme. Day has the burst to play 3-4 end, as well as the hand technique and quickness to kick inside as an interior rusher. Regardless of what happens with Knighton and Hatcher, with the additions of Day, and Butler to go along with Baker, Paea, and Ricky Jean-Francois, Washington can feel good about their DL depth moving forward.
Round 4: Jerell Adams, TE, South Carolina
The Redskins have a stud in Jordan Reed, but the former Gator is a liability as a blocker, and although they will be getting Niles Paul back, Paul may have a tricky recovery after losing much of the weight he managed to pack on in order to become a better blocker as a result of his ankle surgery. Adams would provide a nice compliment to both. The South Carolina product is a solid in-line blocker and is just athletic enough to hurt you down field as a receiver.
Round 5: Evan Boehm, C, Missouri
Thanks to a deep draft class at center, McCloughan might just be able to add some bulk in the middle with the selection of Boehm in the fifth. Regardless of whether the Redskins keep Kory Lichtensteiger or not, they need a backup plan that is preferably younger and bigger, and Boehm provides just that.
Round 6: Aaron Green, RB, TCU
Those of you that were fans of training camp favorite Trey Williams’ last year will like the addition of Green. .Green started his college days at Nebraska before he transferred to TCU where he became a homerun threat running and catching the ball. Green has the burst you’d like from a punt and kick returner, areas I think the Redskins need to improve upon (especially punt returner, big legged kickers have essentially eliminated kickoff returns).
Round 7: KJ Maye, WR, Minnesota
A senior bowl favorite of mine, Maye will get knocked for his size (5’8) but he is tough as nails and a fierce competitor, a guy you’d like to have around on your team. Maye is more quick than fast, which could make him another solid candidate to carve out a role as a punt returner.
Round 7: Brandon Allen, QB, Arkansas
Allen will get knocked for his small hand-size (very important for a QB), but I really like how the Arkansas signal caller progressed throughout his college career and regardless of whether Colt McCoy returns to Washington or not, the Redskins need a long term option at backup quarterback. The ideal situation would be for McCoy to return, Allen spend the year on the practice squad and then go from there.
Agree with my picks? Disagree? Lets discuss! Tweet me @Justin_Byram!
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