Washington Redskins adjust strategy as priorities change

The Washington Redskins adjusted their strategy this offseason as their priorities changed. What could the draft look like for them now?

Now that Case Keenum is on board to compete with Colt McCoy for the starting Quarterback position the Redskins can settle down to the business of building a contender through the draft.

Actually, the Keenum signing changes very little. Suffice to say that the Redskins now have two of the better backup QBs in the league. Hopefully, Washington adds its long term answer to the quarterback position in the draft.

1st round: Daniel Jones, QB, Duke

Jones may be the only top four quarterback left when the Redskins pick at 15. But, even if one of the other top QBs is still there it would be hard to pass on Jones. He has the intellect to quickly grasp Gruden’s ridiculously complex offense and by all accounts is the most pro-ready of the top passers.

2nd round: Dalton Risner, OT, Kansas State

The stellar performances of some other linemen at the combine contributed to Risner’s minuscule slip down some draft boards but there appears to be a possibility that he is there when the Skins pick in the second round.

Cody Ford has also seen his value drop a little. Certainly the combine performances of players like NC State’s Garrett Bradbury and Washington State’s Andre Dillard pushed Ford down the board a bit although his pedestrian combine numbers aided his modest decline as well. If Ford doesn’t drop quite that much Chris Lindstrom may still be available.

He would be another day one starter. Either way, the LG disaster has to be remedied with a plug and play guard.

Jay Gruden will be cussing and throwing stuff (hopefully not punches) around Washington’s war room as he protests taking an interior O-lineman this high in the draft but a second round pick is the only answer here.

Whether we see Colt McCoy, Case Keenum, or Daniel Jones standing behind center, all are going to need the protection of a stellar offensive line. Until the left guard fiasco is remedied Washington’s offensive line will be one player short of being good enough to either protect their quarterback or to give Derrius Guice the space he needs to squeeze through the line of scrimmage.

3rd round: Andy Isabella, WR, UMass

I have been thinking TE with this pick for months as I was really hoping the ‘Skins would finally part ways with the perpetually broken Jordan Reed. However, listening to Jay Gruden talk about Reed as their number one receiver as an explanation as to why the Redskins choose to play the WR position by committee as opposed to bringing in a true number one wide out makes me think Reed is going to be around for another year.

So, I instead went with a WR here – a choice made easier with Jamison Crowder’s departure.

Obviously, the Redskins will monitor closely the status of Parris Campbell and Deebo Samuels. I don’t think either will go in the first round as some mocks are now suggesting but being available in the middle of the third is pushing it.

I’ve stated repeatedly that I like what the Redskins have at the WR position. I’m sticking to my previous contention that Cam Sims and Robert Davis, if they can stay healthy, will relegate both Paul Richardson and Josh Doctson to back up roles. But, the slot remains a big concern. Isabella tied Campbell for the fastest 40 at the combine posting a 4.31 as well. It is also very appealing that the trio all return kicks.

The Redskins have not had a prolific punt returner on their roster in what seems like forever. In all probability there would need to be a dozen or so WRs taken prior to pick number 76 in order for all three of these guys to be gone. With the plethora of defensive talent in this draft that seems unlikely.

3rd round: Amani Hooker, DB, Iowa

The Iowa Hawkeye would be a terrific selection with Washington’s second third round pick.

It’s hard to believe they don’t find a way to keep Ha Ha Clinton Dix on the team. If they let him walk they will have paid a 4th round pick for him to play half a season. Couple that with last year’s drafting in the 4th round of Troy Apke and DJ Swearinger’s dismissal and the Skins made a mess of things at the safety position.

The Landon Collins signing was Washington’s best free agent signing in years but currently he’s the only sure thing the Redskins have at the safety position. I still think Montae Nicholson has a future with the team but another safety is sorely needed and unfortunately, without a fourth round pick in this year’s draft, the price of a player that can step in and help is a third rounder.

5th round: Jace Sternberger, TE, Texas A&M

This guys been projected as going in the late second round all the way to the 6th. His tape is tantalizing and we all know Jordan Reed won’t last the whole season. If Sternberger is still on the board in the 5th round the Skins should snatch him.

5th round: Ross Piersbacher, OL, Alabama

Finally, the obligatory Alabama pick. I’m not comfortable with Tony Bergstrom backing up Chase Rollier.

Pierschbacher is a guy I had going much earlier in the draft but he has steadily descended draft boards of late. Let’s go ahead and really fix the longstanding headache that is the Redskins interior offensive line. Pierschbacher could provide quality depth at center and guard.

Besides, it would be pretty cool to draft the only player in the history of college football to start in four National Championships. He would need some development but definitely has the tools to be an eventual starter.

6th round: Austin Bryant, OLB, Clemson

Here’s another guy that various models having going anywhere from the 3rd to the 6th round.

Bryant benefited from lining up next to three All Americans. He’s not an elite edge guy by any stretch and the fact that he’s broken both his feet, each requiring surgery, makes me believe that a 6th round grade is more reasonable.

Alabama’s Christian Miller deserves some consideration here as well. Either way, this selection will be brought in to back up Ryan Anderson. If the Redskins didn’t think he were up to the challenge I think they would have tried harder to keep Preston Smith.

7th round: Kendall Joseph, LB, Clemson

Joseph has been criticized for being too small to play inside backer in the NFL but listening to Dabo Sweeney rave about this guy sold me.

He was, after all, the leader of the defense that won a National Championship. And while he’s not going to come crashing through the line and make tackles behind the line of scrimmage in the NFL as he did as an OLB for Clemson he is a linebacker that actually excels in coverage.

A rarity indeed for a Washington Redskins inside linebacker.

7th round: Mark Fields, CB, Clemson

I thought Fields impressive sub-4.4 forty would have him shooting up draft boards but he’s still listed as a 6-7th round pick. With the uncertainty regarding Quenton Dunbar’s health taking another corner is probably a good idea.

With this draft I admittedly tried to select some players with an eye toward the future but also tried to keep in mind that for some of the coaches and other assorted front office personnel another losing season would be their last.

Building for the future coupled with the urgency to win now is a tall order. But, Washington has no choice but to get it done.