Fansided
Fansided

NFL Draft Day Preview: FanSided Experts Draft Takes

By George Stockburger

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
22 of 33
Next
Sep 24, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden coaches against the New York Giants during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden coaches against the New York Giants during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Defensive Line

The Redskins need to add more youth and talent on the defensive line.  Most of their top players on the unit are either at or near the age of thirty.  Their starting nose tackle of last season, Terrance Knighton was not re-signed and starting defensive end Jason Hatcher was released.

In the Draft the Redskins will be looking to add at least two defensive linemen or more.  A nose tackle and a defensive end are big needs.  This draft is loaded at defensive tackle and in the first round I expect the Redskins to take one.  Alabama’s Jarran Reed and A’Shawn Robinson will be targets.

Baylor’s Andrew Billings would make a great nose tackle for the Skins.  Also, Louisiana Tech’s Vernon Butler could play either nose tackle or defensive end.  I think the Redskins will end up with one of these players in round one.

2. Free Safety

The Skins did not re-sign their starting free safety from 2015 in Dashon Goldson.  The only candidates they have at free safety as of now are cornerbacks DeAngelo Hall and Will Blackmon.  Both can play the position but neither is a true free safety.

One player the Redskins will be looking at in round two is Florida’s Keanu Neal.  He has great size at 6’0, 211 and is equally good in coverage and against the run.  The Redskins desperately need some youth an upside at free safety and Keanu Neal could be their man.

3. Running Back

Another position the Redskins could address in the second round is running back.  Alfred Morris left in free agency and while second year man Matt Jones returns, reserve Silas Redd is on suspension.  So the Skins need to add some depth there.

If Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry is on the board in round two the Redskins may have to take him.  He would be a perfect fit for their power running game. Other backs the Skins could look at in round two are Notre Dame’s C.J. Prosise and Louisiana Tech’s Kenneth Dixon.

Mock Draft 1.0 Selection – Noah Spence, DL, Eastern Kentucky

For more on the Washington Redskins, please check out Riggo’s Rag for all the latest news and analysis.

Next: Houston Texans

Home/NFL Draft