The Redskins will choose in the first ten picks, for the fifth time in the last ten years. The Redskins season ending loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, coupled with a Jacksonville Jaguars win over the Indianapolis Colts, moved Washington up into slot number six in April’s NFL Draft. The Jags and the Redskins both finished with identical 5-11 records, but Washington opponents had a lower strength of schedule (first tiebreaker).
Here are the top 10 slots, their win/loss record, and the winning percentage of their opponents:
1. Colts 2-14 .539
2. Rams 2-14 .590
3. Vikings 3-13 .559
4. Browns 4-12 .531
5. Buccaneers 4-12 .551
6. Redskins 5-11 .477
7. Jaguars 5-11 .500
8t. Panthers 6-10 .504*
8t. Dolphins 6-10 .504*
10. Bills 6-10 .520
* – Coin toss to decide draft position
The Redskins had the sixth overall pick in 2007 as well – they used it to select LaRon Landry.
At first glance, it would appear that the Redskins could stand pat at number six and still get their quarterback. Assuming Andrew Luck goes first overall to the Colts, Robert Griffin III could still slide to number six when the other teams all have young quarterbacks in their stable that have been drafted in the last three years: St. Louis (Sam Bradford), Minnesota (Christian Ponder), Cleveland (Colt McCoy) and Tampa Bay (Josh Freeman). The problem is, anybody below the Redskins could move up in a trade with any one of those teams, and steal Griffin away from the Redskins.
A lot can happen between now and April. Teams shift gears and change plans. Coaches change. General Managers change. Players retire. High paid quarterbacks with massive roster bonuses can get cut. Rest assured that every possible draft parameter and scenario will be played out online for all to see, so buckle in, and enjoy the ride!
The Redskins want and need a top tier quarterback in this draft – the only question remaining is, how much are they willing to give up to get it?
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Edit: This blog was archived in May of 2016 from our original articles database.It was originally posted by Mark Solway