One day it’s a quarterback. The Redskins are going to take one, whether at No. 10 or by trading up in the first round or by trading higher in the second. The next day it’s a linebacker. Yes, that’s the spot they’ll address. And then there’s the offensive line … or defensive line … or receiver. Every one of them is a need.
As the draft — mercifully — arrives, one thing is clear: The Redskins could go in many different directions.
QUARTERBACK
The case for » See the list of Super Bowl winners? They almost always have a franchise quarterback guiding them. The Redskins have no long-term solution and — as of now — barely have a short-term one. In the last three years, the Redskins have tried to upgrade this position in dramatic fashion.
The case against » Is there a quarterback who will be available at No. 10 worth taking? And will any of the second-tier guys be around at 41? There might be good depth at this position in the draft, but each guy has major flaws.
| 2011 NFL Draft |
| When » Thursday, 8 p.m.; |
| Friday, 6 p.m.; Saturday, noon |
| Where » Radio City Music Hall, New York |
| FIVE DRAFT PROSPECTS TO WATCH |
| QB Blaine Gabbert |
| If they want him, they likely will have to trade up. Gabbert, like every other quarterback in this draft, has drawn mixed opinions. The good: his mobility, arm strength and size. The bad: lack of production in college (16 touchdowns) and his pocket presence and downfield accuracy. |
| QB Jake Locker |
| Would the Redskins really take him at No. 10? It seems like a big reach. But they liked him last season, and he offers the same positives as Gabbert. Locker is best when he throws outside the pocket, a key component of Shanahan’s offense. But he has accuracy issues inside the pocket. |
| DE/LB Aldon Smith |
| The Redskins need a pass rusher, and Smith offers the athleticism they desire. However, there is some question about his ability to play in a 3-4; his best pass rushing has come inside in a 4-3. But Smith would help immediately as a rusher. In a couple years, he could be a stud. |
| DE/LB Robert Quinn |
| Like Smith, Quinn has the necessary athleticism to be an elite pass rusher. And like Smith, there’s a debate as to whether he would be best as a 4-3 end or a 3-4 linebacker. Quinn’s highlight tapes are tremendous, but his best games came vs. lesser competition. |
| WR Julio Jones |
| They need a big-time playmaker on offense, and Jones has the size, speed and strength to become a good one. His hands and durability are issues, but he also has excellent work ethic. Even if Santana Moss returns, the Redskins need a player with Jones’ size and ability. |
The verdict » Get one. And you must find one in the first round. But that would mean a trade up or down.
LINEBACKER
The case for » The Redskins need more of a pass rush; nobody other than Brian Orakpo recorded more than 2? sacks. Shanahan has failed to give coordinator Jim Haslett enough help as the defense continues the transition to a 3-4.
The case against » If quarterback is such a big need, how is this pick used on anything different — whether it’s to trade up or down to select a player at that spot?
The verdict » If the Redskins stay at No. 10, a pass-rushing linebacker is a terrific option.
DEFENSIVE END
The case for » The Redskins need a strong right end to play in the 3-4, and this draft is deep at defensive end.
The case against » There’s no great option at No. 10. Wisconsin’s J.J. Watt sounds steady, but the Redskins could find a more dynamic player at another position.
The verdict » Only if they trade back and get more picks.
NOSE TACKLE
The case for » Albert Haynesworth didn’t want to play it, Ma’ake Kemoeatu struggled and Anthony Bryant is better as a backup. A 3-4 defense can’t function without strong play from this position.
The case against » Picking a nose tackle at No. 10 would be a major reach. They could have options in free agency that don’t exist at other areas of need.
The verdict » Find one in the second round, but only if quarterback is addressed.
OFFENSIVE LINE
The case for » You are familiar with 2010, right? To operate Shanahan’s running scheme, the Redskins need more mobility at right tackle. A sturdy guard is needed.
The case against » No. 10 is way too high to draft an interior lineman, and it’s a little early for a right tackle. Also, would they really take tackles in consecutive years?
The verdict » Address the line with later picks.
WIDE RECEIVER
The case for » Even if Santana Moss returns, the Redskins need a big target. If available, Julio Jones or A.J. Green are very, very tempting.
The case against » Receivers often fail to provide an immediate impact. Also, with so many other needs, one general manager said picking a receiver here is a bit of a luxury.
The verdict » Too many major needs to pick a receiver here. In the second round? If they add more picks? Fine.
