Dan Hope's Draft Previews: Washington Redskins

By Dan Hope
BringTheBlitz.com

04/14/07 at 5:31PM

Washington Redskins Draft Preview

One thing Dan Snyder isn't known for is making a lot of draft picks. The Redskins tend to be left with very few draft picks, and they find themselves in that situation once again, leaving them with just 5 picks, all of which come after the first 4 rounds besides the #6 overall. That leaves with the Redskins with only one real pick to work with on draft day. Is a trade in the works? Or will the Redskins stay put with their #6 picks, and looked to make other moves on draft day to fill their other needs?

Redskins Draft Picks

1st round- Pick #6

5th round- Pick #143

6th round- Pick #179

6th round- Pick #205

7th round- Pick #216

Redskins Top Needs

Note: It is tough to say which round they should address their needs, because they are going to have to deal to do so or find some diamonds in the rough.

1. Defensive End- 1st round

The Redskins lacked much of a pass rush at all last year, so if the Redskins stay put, bringing in a premier pass rusher such as Gaines Adams or Jamaal Anderson would make the most sense. Even if they trade down, expect them to look for a pass rusher, likely with their first selection.

2. Defensive Tackle

The Redskins need a complement inside to Cornelius Griffin, and if the Redskins trade, expect them to go after a defensive tackle.

3. Safety

Troy Vincent and Adam Archuleta have both been ousted, leaving the Redskins in need of a starter alongside Sean Taylor. LaRon Landry could be an option at #6, but they would probably rather trade down and find a safety later on.

4. Guard

The loss of Derrick Dockery leaves the team with a hole at left guard. They may be able to grab a replacement late in the draft, but they need to bring in a replacement.

5. Outside Linebacker

The Redskins have good starters with London Fletcher-Baker and Rocky McIntosh, but there is no depth behind them with the departures of Warrick Holdman and Jeff Posey.

Pick Watch

1st round- Pick #6

Trade Watch: Most likely the Redskins will not stay put at the 6th pick. The Redskins have numerous needs and will likely try to trade to get more picks or a player such as Lance Briggs or Asante Samuel. The most likely trade might be Lance Briggs and the 31st pick for the 6th pick. Another possible trade options is Asante Samuel and the 28th pick for the 6th pick. The Redskins may be more interested in making a deal to get multiple draft picks, but it seems likely that the Skins will not be drafting with the 6th pick.
If they don't trade...
Ideal Pick: Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson-
Adams would be a great pick for the Redskins at 6 and if they don't trade Adams should be the Redskins' main target. Adams would provide the pass rush that the Redskins need and would be tough to pass up.
Watch out for:
- Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville-
Okoye is a phenom and he would be a great selection at the 6th pick if the Redskins decide to stay put. Okoye may be one of the draft's top 10 prospects and although Adams or Landry may be the best pick here based on value Okoye would be tough to pass up.
- LaRon Landry, S, LSU- Landry is being linked to this pick by many, because if they were to trade with either the Bears or Patriots, Landry is the likely selection. Even if the Redskins stay put, they could draft Landry as a starter alongside Sean Taylor.

Guys to Watch For

The Redskins are likely to try to get a couple picks through trades, and these are some guys who should be on the Redskins' draft radar:

Late 1st round (in Samuel/Briggs trade)

- Jarvis Moss, DE/OLB, Florida- Moss would be a great addition for the Redskins. Moss is a notch below Adams and Anderson in terms of pass rusher but he would still be an upgrade.

- Brandon Merriweather, S, Miami(FL)- The Redskins could have themselves a pair of Hurricane safeties (although a pair with a very troubled history) if they were to draft Merriweather.

- Ben Grubbs, G, Auburn- The Redskins need a replacement for Dockery and Grubbs would be a great selection late in the 1st round if they trade down.

2nd-3rd round

- Ray McDonald, DT/DE, Florida- McDonald is a likely 2nd-rounder who could be a great contribution to help out the Redskins' lackluster defensive line.

- Sabby Piscitelli, S, Oregon State- If they do end up trading down, missing out on LaRon Landry, Piscitelli could be the guy the Redskins target.

Late-Round Guys to Watch For

- Andy Alleman, G, Akron- Alleman would be a fine replacement for Derrick Dockery at left guard who they may be able to get in the late-rounds.

- C.J Ah You, DE, Oklahoma- Ah You is a potential target late in the draft if they end up staying put and not drafting Gaines Adams. Ah You has the pass rushing ability but he does have character issues, but the Redskins have not shied away from talented troublemakers in the past (ex. Sean Taylor).

Redskins fans, what do you think? Respond on the BringTheBlitz community forum.

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