https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/ ... d68347837c
Five options for the Redskins in the first round of the NFL draft
By Rick Snider April 20
If the Redskins want to address their two biggest needs, they’ll use their first pick on a nose tackle or a running back in NFL draft, which starts April 26. But alternate plans are necessary in case the players the Redskins like are off the board when they make their first pick at No. 13 overall. Trading down could allow Washington to recoup some value and still address those needs — or possibly get a look at a cornerback or receiver who has fallen. Here are the top players to watch in the first round, according to position.
Nose tackle
The Redskins are looking at Washington’s Vita Vea, left, but there’s a growing fear that Oakland will pick him at No. 10 overall. Alabama’s Da’Ron Payne represents a solid Plan B. Vea’s initial punch is what NFL scouts most love. One step off the snap and boom, he can bull rush past guards and centers. A two-gap defender with tremendous strength could shore up Washington’s long-needed run defense.
Running back
The Redskins appear to love LSU’s Derrius Guice, left, reportedly hosting him at the team complex Monday. In the NFL, that doesn’t mean much. It could be a diversionary tactic to confuse other teams. Guice, a well-balanced runner with power to move the pile, makes a lot of sense for Washington, just not as high as the No. 13 pick. If the Redskins add a pick by trading down, Guice would be a nice fit late in the first round. A handful of quality running backs could be picked on the second or third day — San Diego State’s Rashaad Penny comes to mind — and Washington will likely draft one.
Wide receiver
Washington hasn’t quit on Josh Doctson, who showed signs of growth with six touchdown catches last season after an Achilles injury sidelined the 2016 first-round pick for most of his rookie year. Alabama’s Calvin Ridley, left, could tempt the Redskins to add another player capable of developing into a No. 1 receiver. Ridley can run every route but is best used as a deep threat. Paul Richardson signed in the offseason, but he’s a complementary player. Coach Jay Gruden might lobby for the 6-foot-3 target, who needs to add muscle but is capable of stealing Doctson’s job.
Safety
Another Crimson Tide player, Minkah Fitzpatrick, left, is a new-age hybrid who can play safety and cornerback. Fitzpatrick was a rare freshman starter at Alabama and played both positions there.
Cornerback
If the Redskins drop down, Louisville’s Jaire Alexander, left, could be a candidate to replace Kendall Fuller as the nickel corner.
One conclusion: the Redskins have too many holes to fill with just this draft. We knew this, I expect. Why, then, did the Redskins trade Fuller for Alex Smith and $70 million (??) guaranteed? A year ago, they could have let "Curt" Cousins leave, then started Colt McCoy, and tanked...like the Astros. Take a look at the Jaguars and Bills in 2016 and earlier. Neither might have tanked intentionally -- certainly not for ten (or more!) consecutive years, but it worked out that way. No NFL team has tried it. Do the Redskins have a chance to be really good in 2018?
why speculate - look at what has happened under Dan Snyder
