QB season
Free Agency week changes team needs across the NFL. The Redskins made a big move to sign former Giants S Landon Collins, locking up one of their safety spots for the future. They also signed two other former Giants, CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and OT Ereck Flowers. Washington also made the trade with the Denver Broncos to acquire QB Case Keenum official. The Redskins aren’t done with the QB market, and will reportedly still look to the draft to get another QB. Which round that happens in is the big question.
Missouri QB Drew Lock is the new favorite for the Redskins in the first round, either at #15, or through a trade up. Daniel Jones continues to be linked to Washington too. The QB market changed a little with some shuffling among needy teams. But no one has traded for Josh Rosen...yet.
We continue to see a lot of offensive players mocked to the Redskins this week. There are multiple WRs going to Washington in the first round, and both TEs from Iowa get drafted at #15. The defense gets some attention with DL, ILB, OLB, and CB.
Should the Redskins still draft a QB in the 1st round? Is trading for Josh Rosen the best long-term answer this year? Which non-QB will help the Redskins most this year?
Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
TRADE: Redskins get No. 9 for No. 15, 76, 153.
Lock seems like the quintessential John Elway pick, so if the Redskins want him, here’s where they need to jump. After landing four compensatory picks, they should feel comfortable paying the price to go get a potential franchise QB who can come in and compete for the starting job immediately.
TRADE #15 and #96 to the Packers for #12
What, you’re not excited about a quarterback battle between Case Keenum and Colt McCoy? Didn’t think so. With Alex Smith’s future in doubt, Washington should be poised to make a short jump like this (in return for a third-round pick) for the right passer, and Lock could be their man if he lasts this long.
Round 2: Riley Ridley, WR, Georgia
Round 3: Oshane Ximines | EDGE | Old Dominion
With Alex Smith expected to miss the 2019 season, the Redskins acquired Case Keenum via trade as a stopgap, but the long-term plan at quarterback remains unsettled. Lock has the physical traits, arm talent and mental makeup to push for playing time as a rookie.
Offseason needs: Left guard, wide receiver, edge rusher, offensive tackle
Washington may have added veteran Case Keenum, but last season showed his better days are behind him. He could function as a bridge quarterback — even if they’re mostly dumb and overpriced — to the franchise passer of the future. In this draft, after Murray and Haskins, that player is Lock. It’s for the best that Lock sits a bit anyway. He’s a gifted but erratic thrower. Learning from Keenum and backup Colt McCoy could do him good.
Case Keenum’s acquisition isn’t a solution to the Washington Redskins’ quarterback issues; it’s a cry for help. The journeyman is a competent short-term bridge at an extremely reasonable price ($3.5 million), but he’s not a successful full-time starter.
Washington must take a step back and realize a long-term answer is necessary. Alex Smith may never return as the player he once was. He may not return at all. Uncertainty at quarterback is the fastest way toward a losing season.
Missouri’s Drew Lock is an ideal developmental option. The physical tools are present with exceptional arm talent to drive the ball downfield and into tight windows, but he’s still learning the position’s intricacies.
Keep this in mind: Lock’s contract won’t be prohibitive even with Smith still on the books. Last year’s 15th overall pick, Kolton Miller, accounted for a shade under $2.5 million against the salary cap during his rookie season.
The Case Keenum trade won’t take away quarterback as an option for Washington. Keenum is just a stop-gap player. As WalterFootball.com reported first, the Redskins are getting a third-round compensation pick, so they will have extra ammo if they want to move up slightly to get a quarterback of the future. I believe that Lock or Daniel Jones could be the target for Washington.
Lock completed 63 percent of his passes in 2018 for 3,498 yards with 28 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He set an SEC record with 44 touchdown passes as a junior while completing 58 percent of his passes for 3,964 yards and 13 touchdowns.
There is no doubt that Lock (6-3, 228) has a powerful arm and can pick apart a defense. He wisely returned to school for the 2018 season because he needed to improve his accuracy and footwork before going pro. He showed some strides there but still has room for growth. Sources have told me that Lock has a quiet personality similar to Eli Manning and is not a vocal team leader. That could hurt him with some pro evaluators who want their quarterback to provide a commanding leadership presence. Some scouts have said that Lock has the physical skill set of Jay Cutler.
Round 2: Parris Campbell, WR , Ohio State
The Redskins could use more receiving threats for their offense.
Campbell notched 90 receptions for 1,063 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2018. He totaled 40 receptions for 584 yards and three touchdowns in 2017. Campbell made 13 receptions for 121 yards in 2016.
Sources from multiple teams told me that Campbell has big-time ability and that they thought he would break out in 2017 if Ohio State had committed to getting him the ball. The passing limitations of J.T. Barrett held back Campbell and Ohio State’s other wideouts that season. Those sources also think Campbell has serious big-play talent for the NFL. The 5-foot-11, 205-pounder is well put together with the explosive speed to take any catch the distance. Teams’ preseason data had Campbell running the 40 in 4.35 seconds. The knock that team sources have on Campbell is dropped passes and concern about his hands for the NFL. He also is viewed as a gadget player by some. Hence, he is likely to go on Day 2, similar to former Buckeye Curtis Samuel.
Round 3: Mike Weber, RB , Ohio State
Adrian Peterson was a brilliant signing by Washington. The Redskins could use running back depth, however, as Peterson is entering free agency and Derrius Guice is coming off a serious injury.
Weber averaged 5.5 yards per carry in 2018 for 954 yards with five touchdowns. He had 21 receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown as well. Ohio State also split the carries among Weber, J.K. Dobbins, and other backs. Weber (5-9, 211) did some hard running, showing natural talent with quickness and strength.
Weber lost a lot of his sophomore year to a hamstring injury and the breakout performance of Dobbins. Weber had an impressive debut in 2016, averaging six yards per carry for 1,096 yards and nine touchdowns. He had 23 receptions for 91 yards as well.
Shareef Miller, DE/3-4OLB , Penn State
Weeks ago, sources told me the Redskins would receive this compensatory pick, and the NFL announced the compensatory picks just before the combine. The Redskins could lose Preston Smith in free agency. Here’s a replacement.
Miller totaled 41 tackles with 15 for a loss and 7.5 sacks in 2018. He is an intriguing player and has some talent. The 6-foot-4, 254-pound Miller could be a sleeper who ends up being a nice value pick. Miller had 37 tackles with 11 tackles for a loss and five sacks in 2017.
Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
Washington has pretty much nothing at quarterback right now (Case Keenum doesn’t count) thanks to the devastating injury Alex Smith suffered last season, so the franchise takes a chance on Jones becoming its quarterback of the future. Jay Gruden did strong work with Smith and Kirk Cousins, and can hopefully do the same with Jones.
They have Colt McCoy and now Case Keenum, but neither is the long-term answer. So they take Jones a little higher than most think he will go to get a young arm in the group.
Yes, Jay Gruden now has Case Keenum for a while via trade. But does anyone believe that Keenum is the long-term answer, especially if Alex Smith’s injuries prevent him from playing in 2019 and beyond? Gruden tends to prefer smart quarterbacks who have limited physical upsides and can grasp his offense, and Jones, though unspectacular, fits all three requirements.
Jones has all-around, pro-tailored skills to go with his ideal size (6-5, 221 pounds), built up by NFL-friendly tutelage from Peyton and Eli Manning mentor David Cutcliffe. Jones also has the tough make-up that makes him a good successor to Alex Smith, with Case Keenum serving as only bridge insurance.
If the Cardinals trade Josh Rosen, the Redskins will be the favorite to acquire him. They traded for Case Keenum, but still need a young quarterback. Rosen would make a ton of sense. If they can’t get Rosen, they’ll have to select a quarterback with this pick.
Daniel Jones has positive arm strength and athleticism, and he could be a top-15 pick because of his upside. In fact, Charlie Campbell reported that three NFL general managers believd he’d be the first quarterback taken in the 2019 NFL Draft when polled during the Senior Bowl. Some are comparing him to Carson Wentz.
Round 2: N’Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State
The Redskins should pair their rookie quarterback with a new starting receiver, which is something they desperately need.
A 6-3 wide receiver with good speed, N’Keal Harry has the potential to become a first-round prospect, especially after a strong combine.
Round 3: Connor McGovern, G/C, Penn State
The Redskins have one of the worst centers in the NFL, so that’s a position they’ll sorely need to upgrade. They also need help at guard, so why not draft a player who can play all three interior offensive line positions?
C.J. Conrad, TE, Kentucky
Jordan Reed has proven to be unreliable, so the Redskins will need to find a new tight end.
C.J. Conrad is a nice route runner with good hands.
Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio St.
A gift for Washington, who, depending on the long-term outlook of Alex Smith, needs someone to develop behind bridge starter Case Keenum. Jay Gruden is a good enough coach to get this team near .500, which means it’s probably his best chance of nabbing a franchise passer in the coming years.
T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
Noah Fant, TE, Washington
Fant’s tremendous yards-after-the-catch skills will immediately translate to Jay Gruden’s West Coast offense.
D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss
Metcalf, who blazed a 4.33 40-yard time at the combine, has game-changing talent. The Redskins appear to have their short-term solution at quarterback in Case Keenum, and Metcalf gives him someone to throw the ball too.
Round 2: Erik McCoy, C, Texas A&M
The Redskins need to upgrade the center position, especially given all the issues at quarterback. McCoy is the second-best center in this class and he can also play guard at the next level.
With Case Keenum coming in, there’s less pressure to draft a quarterback in Washington (though I still think they’ll be in the running if Josh Rosen is traded). Metcalf is a bit of wild card in the first round, and there are cautionary tales with specimen receivers (like John Ross and Kevin White), but Metcalf could be the kind of weapon Washington needs.
The Washington Redskins were in trouble when it came to the quarterback spot heading into this offseason, as Alex Smith was already ruled out for the 2019 season. Smith saw his leg get shattered in half during the team’s game against the Houston Texans last season, ending his season, and possibly his NFL career.
This past week, the Redskins went out and filled that void, as they brought in Case Keenum from the Denver Broncos. Keenum will likely battle it out with Colt McCoy for the starting job in 2019, but he is more than likely going to win the battle, as McCoy is more of a backup, and Keenum has proven to be a winning starter in the NFL.
Of all the prospects at the NFL Scouting Combine last week, D.K. Metcalf really stood out as a guy who cemented his place in the first round this April. Metcalf is not only in freakishly good shape, but is someone who will be able to absolutely shred defenses at the next level, and this Redskins team needs playmakers.
The Redskins got good production from unlikely sources in 2018, and the hope is that Jay Gruden can get the most out of this team in 2019, as they were in first place in the NFC East for much of the first half of the year. Keenum is going to win them some games, but he needs playmakers, and Metcalf is the best wideout prospect in this draft class.
15 to the Redskins is the floor for D.K. Metcalf, who could go as early as 3 (Jets) in my humble opinion. It’s all about that one team who’s willing to risk it all on his upside.
Not that Metcalf isn’t ready to contribute in Year 1 -- he is. Great player with dominant physical tools and a strong technical base. But you do have to stare down the barrel of poor agilities and scant production over an already-short and injury-shortened college career.
Washington can’t turn down Metcalf’s elite potential in mid Round-1, however. Unless Stefon Diggs is coming to town, this offense is thirsting for a playmaker at wideout.
Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma
Brown is arguably the best deep threat in the 2019 NFL Draft as a speedster with exceptional quickness and burst. He could play in the slot or give Washington another weapon on the outside.
N’Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State
The Redskins need an alpha target in the passing game which is exactly what Harry can provide. He affirmed his dominant physical traits with a strong showing at the NFL Scouting Combine and would provide Washington with type of weapon it currently does not feature.
Keesean Johnson, WR, Fresno State
Familiar name, new spelling. In four seasons with the Bulldogs, Johnson caught 275 passes for 3,463 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama
This organization certainly had to have QB Drew Lock on its radar, but with him off the board, here’s a chance to shore up the OL. I like Williams better at guard, but he can certainly play OT. Washington has shown that it’s not shy about drafting Crimson Tide stars.
Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
There is a tremendous amount of uncertainty at quarterback following Alex Smith’s gruesome and quite possibly career-ending leg injury. Bringing in a long-term solution should be Washington’s top priority, but they appear content to move forward with Case Keenum and Colt McCoy for the time being. Which some would argue is merely delaying the inevitable and the NFL equivalent of spinning your wheels. Instead they nab the top cornerback in this class to upgrade a secondary with far more questions than answers.
Few programs have a better track record when it comes to producing pro defensive backs than LSU and Andraez “Greedy” Williams will help carry on that proud tradition. Williams is a tall, long-limbed, albeit slight, cover guy with very good speed, loose hips, and nimble feet. Williams is also a playmaker with impressive instincts and ball skills. There are reservations about a lack of overall strength and physicality but at this point they are outweighed by Williams’ impressive blend of physical tools, pedigree and positional value.
Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
Round 2: Chris Lindstrom, OG, Boston College
Round 3: Emmanuel Hall, WR, Missouri
Jordan Brailford, OLB, Oklahoma State
Devin White, LB, LSU
The Redskins gave their secondary a massive boost by signing safety Landon Collins to a six-year, $84-million deal, and should now look to bolster their linebacker corps by adding this former Tigers star. White is the definition of a modern linebacker, capable of playing in coverage, blitzing, and defending the run. He’ll overpursue or get drawn away by misdirection at times, but he flies around, delivers big hits, and can start from day one.
Brian Burns, OLB, Florida State
The good news is the Redskins have options for their primary needs, namely edge rusher, guard receiver, free safety and inside linebacker. They no longer need to panic at quarterback, and the top three in this class probably won’t be available here anyway.
If the Redskins don’t love the guard depth then grabbing Oklahoma’ Cody Ford here has merit. Safety and receiver options exist on Day 2. Those factors led to three players for final consideration: Iowa TE T.J. Hockenson, Michigan ILB Devin Bush and Burns, who totaled 29 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks over the last two seasons.
The Redskins need more pass rush help even if they believe Ryan Anderson is ready to start.
Round 2: Chris Lindstrom, G, Boston College
Guard isn’t a sexy selection, but a necessary choice after Washington went the last two seasons with a revolving door on the left side because of injuries and insufficient options. Plenty of safety and wide receiver options available in the middle of round two if the Redskins go that way.
Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
Rashan Gary, DE, Michigan
The Washington Redskins need a QB, and they could be in line for a free agent veteran, and drafting one early. However, they are not a team to force the draft, and do have a number of needs at key positions. They are building a very talented defensive line, and with the addition of Gary, could have a dynamic, versatile line that can get to opposing QB’s without having to bring extra rushers.
Round 2: Will Grier, QB, West Virginia
Round 3: JJ Arcega-Whiteside, WR, Stanford
Michael Jordan, OG/C, Ohio State
from Hogs Haven - All Posts https://ift.tt/2Wb0Yei
No comments:
Post a Comment