With the 10th selection, the Washington Redskins will take Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt.
Thursday’s NFL Draft is the biggest guessing game of the past 20 years for the Redskins. They could go for any of five different positions without an argument. Washington can trade up or down without any dispute.
As expected, coach Mike Shanahan said nothing during his news conference Wednesday. What, you thought he would say Washington would take Julio Jones at No. 10 or drop to No. 14 and grab Jake Locker? Shanahan barely notes who’s on the injury report, so he’s sure not tipping draft strategy.
Shanahan admitted liking three or four different players with the 10th pick, but you can probably triple that as far as the real candidates to wear burgundy and gold.
First, the Redskins are unlikely to trade up to grab quarterbacks Cam Newton or Blaine Gabbert. Washington doesn’t have the picks needed for such a trade, and the current labor situation prevents them from sweetening a deal with players.
Second, trading down sounds easier than it is. You need someone who wants to move to No. 10 and throw in a second-rounder. Most teams are smarter than that.
It seems the Redskins probably stay at No. 10, realizing that’s their one chance to add an impact player. The problem is finding one.
Locker will be there, but if there’s no offseason camps, then this isn’t the season to break in a new quarterback. Most likely the Redskins will soldier on with Rex Grossman for one season.
Jones seems an obvious choice, but the receiver might be gone by then. Even so, the offense won’t benefit from him as much the awful defense would be helped by a pass rusher.
Indeed, the Redskins may opt for a defensive end to provide a balanced rush and keep teams from focusing on linebacker Brian Orakpo. That means Watt. He’s a good 3-4 end who can play all three downs.
If Watt is gone, Missouri defensive end Aldon Smith might be the choice, though the 10th pick is a little high for him. But the Redskins shouldn’t worry about taking someone a few spots ahead of rankings. If Smith can help, take him even at 10.
The second-rounder is nearly as important because without a third- and fourth-round pick, he’s the only other newcomer who may help this season. Quarterback is a possibility, but frankly why take a flyer on someone here? Grab an offensive tackle like TCU’s Marcus Cannon or maybe Maryland receiver Torrey Smith if he’s available. Just find someone who will be on the field this fall.
The Redskins get lots of leeway with this pick. That’s the upside of a bad team — anyone has to be an upgrade. At least in theory.
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or email [email protected].
