After a promising season in 2012 where they made the playoffs, the Washington Redskins took a huge step in the wrong direction in 2013. Washington went 3-13 last year and they will not have a first-round pick in this year's draft because they traded it away in a package for Robert Griffin III.
Despite npt having a first-round pick, things are looking good for the Redskins. In free agency, the Redskins signed DeSean Jackson, Jason Hatcher, and Ryan Clark. All three will greatly improve the team as they look to make the playoffs this season. With the draft rapidly approaching, here is eDraft's final preview for the Redskins.
Major Needs
Offensive Tackle: Trent Williams is one of the best blinside tackles in the league, but the Redskins have little offer at the right tackle position. It is extremely important to keep Griffin III upright. Drafting an offensive tackle early would be a very smart idea.
Inside Linebacker: Sadly, London Fletcher retired and that left a gaping hole at the inside linebacker position in Washington's defense. In the 3-4, having an instinctive and athletic linebacker is a must and the Redskins will need to draft one in the draft.
Cornerback: DeAngelo Hall is one of the most underrated cornerbacks in the league, but there isn't a starting-worthy cornerback opposite of him. E.J. Biggers was signed in free agency last year and many thought he would come on strong for the Redskins. That narrative fell on its face when Biggers was benched in the middle of the season.
Safety: This may not be a bigger need for the Redskins because they have yet to see Phillip Thomas. The Fresno State product was a rookie last year, but he was out the entire season because of a lisfranc injury. Although he has one of the coolest names in the league, Bacarri Rambo was horrible in 2013. Drafting a safety could be necessary.
Day One Targets
Because of the trade with the Rams, the Redskins will not have the 2nd overall pick in the draft. That doesn't mean the Redskins can't trade up, but given their various needs, it looks unlikely for Washington to move up.
Day Two Targets
Morgan Moses: The tackle out of the University of Virginia has garnered a lot of attention since the NFL Scouting Combine as he showed off his athleticism. Moses is a fringe first-round prospect and Washington would be happy to snag him here.
Scott Crichton: Oregon State's defensive end has flown under the radar, but he possesses speed and athleticism off the edge. Crichton has scheme versatility and his flexibility will be of use in the 3-4.
Chris Borland: If the Redskins go the linebacker route, Wisconsin's Chris Borland would fit well. Although he has small arms and he is undersized, Borland is the most instinctive linebacker in the draft. That's saying a lot considering C.J. Mosley is in this draft.
Pierre Desir: A true gamer, that's what Pierre Desir. He is a special person and he has the "it" factor that NFL teams love. I had the chance to talk with him regarding his past and he is truly the most special prospect in this draft in terms of his road to the NFL. You can read my interview with him here.
Mid-to-Late Round Targets
De'Anthony Thomas: Adding another dynamic playmaker to team up with DeSean Jackson would be a smart idea. Thomas has game-breaking speed and he could be worth the gamble in the fifth or sixth round.
Seantrel Henderson: If he could keep his head on straight, Miami's Seantrel Henderson could become the most dominant offensive tackle in the NFL. He possesses a mammoth body at 6'8", 345 pounds, and he was thought of as the next Larry Allen coming out of high school.
Andrew Jackson: Waiting off until the later rounds is likely and a player like Andrew Jackson will be available then. At Western Kentucky, Jackson teamed up with Jonathan Dowling to form a solid defense.
Aaron Colvin: Before his ACL injury at the Senior Bowl, Aaron Colvin was supposed to be a second to third-round pick. The Redskins would get great value by drafting Colvin in the later rounds.
Final Seven-Round Mock
2. Morgan Moses, Offensive Tackle, Virginia
3. Lamarcus Joyner, Cornerback, Florida State
4. Pierre Desir, Cornerback, Lindenwood
5. Ronald Powell, Outside Linebacker, Florida
6. De'Anthony Thomas, Running Back/Offensive Weapon, Oregon
7. Andrew Jackson, Inside Linebacker, Western Kentucky