The draft spot wasn’t welcomed in January, when it signaled the reward for a poor season. Come April, though, it’s viewed as a chance to improve a defense that stumbled badly last season.
Which is why, with the sixth overall pick, the Redskins are mostly eyeing defensive players.
Here are four players the Redskins might select:
» Safety Laron Landry
The case for: His so-called ceiling might not be quite as high as others, but he’s more likely to reach his potential. Landry is a terrific open-field tackler and known for his instincts.
“If you’re not convinced you have the right guy, then [Landry] is the safe backup,” said NFL Network draft expert Mike Mayock. “He’s clean off the field and explosive on it.”
The case against: The Redskins keep investing heavily at this position and it hasn’t paid off. It was a major hole last year, but their problems up front remain. Also, Landry is better known for making plays in the box than he is in coverage. The Redskins need a strong cover safety. Pro Football Weekly’s draft guide said he has a Jekyll and Hyde personality and rubs some teammates the wrong way.
» Defensive tackle Amobi Okoye
The case for: He’s only 19, is very strong and could develop into a perennial Pro Bowl performer. The Redskins need a defensive tackle considering injury-prone Cornelius Griffin is their top lineman. If they can’t improve against the run, another challenging season is in store.
The case against: He’s only 19 and the Redskins’ head coach is 66; will Joe Gibbs feel like waiting for Okoye to mature? Okoye showed flashes in college, but some question his effort and wonder if he’ll be too wowed by the NFL lifestyle. The payoff could be high, but so could the disappointment.
» Defensive end Jamaal Anderson
The case for: Have you seen the Redskins’ pass rush lately? Anderson was highly productive at Arkansas and, at 6-foot-5, has great length — a needed trait for a pass rusher. He’s a high-energy player.
The case against: He’s not ultra-explosive off the line and doesn’t play the run well. He plays too upright and does not use his hands well, but coaching can solve those problems.
» Defensive end Gaines Adams
The case for: Again, the Redskins’ pass rush. Adams is smaller than Anderson, but he would fill a need and could be a better pass rusher because of superior quickness.
The case against: Questions persist about his character. Why invest in a player who has such questions?
Being picky
» The Redskins have the sixth overall pick, but don’t pick again until the fifth round. They have two picks in the sixth round and one in the seventh.
» Washington could trade the sixth pick, but the Redskins likely would need a top player to somehow fall to this spot, enticing another team to move up. Many teams are wary of doing so unless they covet a specific player because of what they must then pay this pick.
» If the Redskins trade down, they could also consider Michigan defensive tackle Alan Branch, but he’s taken a hit because of questions regarding his desire.
