Redskins Have Options Atop the 2nd Round

The 1st round of the draft went pretty well for the Redskins as they prepare to make their selection at the 2nd pick in the 2nd round tonight. Though safety got picked over and the top two ILB’s (Ryan Shazier and C.J. Mosley) didn’t fall, the Redskins are still left with a number of intriguing options. Here’s a quick look at some of the potential options:

OT Morgan Moses:

-Moses may be the best OT fit for the Redskins. Has the size and length you look for in a RT and is a very smart football player, who does a nice job of keeping his guy off the QB. His technique could use some work, but as a RT option he makes a lot of sense. Moses has continually improved in college and should be able to start day one for the Skins. Also doesn’t have the injury concerns of Kouandjio.

OT Cyrus Kouandjio:

-Highly rated tackle, but there are legitimate injury concerns here. Probably a big factor on why he’s still on the board. Still worth the pick if he checks out medically, but the injury has to be a concern. Obviously the Redskins will have a much better idea of where he is medically.

OT Joel Bitonio:

-Athletic, versatile OL, capable of playing both guard and tackle. Could be the starting RT this year for the Redskins, but may eventually move back to guard in the long term.

OG Xavier Su’a-Filo:

-Best natural guard in the draft (Zach Martin probably more of a T), would be a great value pick at 34. He should be able to start day one replacing Chester and has the potential to be a top starter at the position. It would be tough for the Redskins to pass up his potential and impact.

OG Gabe Jackson:

-Maybe slightly high for Jackson, but definitely an option for a trade back. Jackson is a big physical guard who should be able to start right away. He could replace Chris Chester whom is owed quite a bit of money over the next two years.

C Weston Richburg:

-This is probably a bit high for Richburg at 34, but he could be a real option if they trade back. Trusting Kory Lichtensteiger as the answer at center is extremely risky and Richburg looks ready to play early on. He’s a smart center that could help keep the middle of the pocket clean for RGIII.

NT Louis Nix:

-Best NT in the draft and arguably the top player overall available, would have maybe been even more appealing if the Skins were still more of a 2 gap scheme. Even in a 1 gap scheme he’s going to present major issues for opposing offensive lines to figure out. Will allow Cofield to play more outside, where he could help. It doesn’t sound like the Skins are looking this direction, but did they really think he’d be on the board for them? Might not even make it to the Skins as he makes a lot of sense for Houston.

DL Stephon Tuitt:

-Highly productive 3-4 DE, last year as a junior his numbers fell off, but he was playing through an injury. In a 1 gap scheme, he could be a 10+ sack type of lineman. A DL of Hatcher-Cofield-Tuitt would be very good and make it tough for OL’s to block Orakpo/Kerrigan on the edge. Consistency was a big issue this year. The injury explains some of it, but not all of his problems. Still he’s the best 5 tech DL on the board at this point and should easily contribute year one.

DL RaShede Hageman:

-Could be a natural fit in a 3-4, and capable of playing both in a NT role and a 5 tech. He has tremendous size and potential and at times has looked unblockable. Raw and inconsistent player overall. Isn’t a sure thing and it might take him a year or two to really contribute even if he does make it. He’s worth the 34th overall pick, but if the Skins want more certainty he’s not a great fit.

CB Stanley Jean-Baptiste:

-A raw corner with great size and potential. Probably won’t make much of a year one impact which could make the Redskins pass.

CB Phillip Gaines:

-A corner who has been rising steadily, not a great fit this high in the draft, but an interesting guy to keep an eye on. Corner isn’t as big of a need, but a lot of question marks at the position group keeps it in play.

S: Terrance Brooks:

-Probably the best true safety on the board, would be a nice boost to the FS position for the Redskins, but would be a bit of a reach at 34. Could be in play if they trade back in the round.

S/CB LaMarcus Joyner:

-Another option if there is a trade down, Joyner is a great ball player, who is hurt by his lack of height. If you believe you can find a place for him he can be a very good playmaker and is capable of helping both at corner and safety. Given the risk with this pick, he probably won’t get a lot of consideration.