Draft Preview: Washington Redskins

When quarterback Dwayne Haskins dropped to the 15th overall pick and was selected by the Washington Redskins, it was almost certain Haskins would become the starting quarterback and lead the Redskins to a near .500 record. Haskins would end up sitting until week 6 where it was announced he would be the starter for the remainder of the year. The Redskins would finish with a record of 3-13 one more win than the league’s worst team. With only 5 total draft picks heading into the 2020 draft Washington must make every pick count. Here are some positions Washington could look to address in the Draft. 

Defensive End 

The Redskins finished the 2019 season with 46 sacks which are 2.8 sacks per game and ranks 7th amongst all teams. Washington defensive line is led by defensive tackle Matthew Ioannidis who was the team sack leader this past season and is only getting better. Washington does need someone to line up opposite of Ioannidis to create a 1-2 punch. Washington has the 2nd overall pick and they have the opportunity to take the draft’s best pass rusher in Chase Young.

Young finished his 2019 season with 16.5 sacks and 6 force fumbles. With those types of numbers, you don’t need any more convincing on why selecting Young is ideal for the Redskins.

Offensive Tackle

7x pro bowler offensive tackle Trent Williams will likely be traded from the Redskins during the offseason after Williams demanded a trade from the team before the start of the 2019 season. The Redskins failed to trade him and Williams responded with sitting out the whole season. Williams has been the Redskins best offensive linemen for many years now and if he leaves it will leave a huge hole in their offensive line. The Redskins have no 2nd round pick which will be a problem if they want an offensive tackle to fill in for Williams spot.

A prospect to look out for is 6’8 318 lbs offensive tackle Trey Adams. Adams had a great senior year for Washington and did very well in terms of pass block. Adams also shined in his run blocking and ability to create holes for running backs. Adams quickly became a linebacker’s best friend as he would always end up pushing his way up to the secondary. The Redskins could use a run blocker with 34-year-old Adrian Petterson who proved he still has some gas left in the tank.

Wide Receiver 

The last Redskins receiver to have over 1,000 receiving yards was Pierre Garcon in 2016. This past season rookie receiver Terry McLaurin led the team in receiving yards and was just 81 yards short of a 1,000-yard season. Washington’s second player for receiving yards was running back Chris Thompson who only had 378 yards. The Redskins second leader in receiving yards wasn’t even a receiver and it shows you how much they need another wideout. Washington is without a 2nd round pick this year and with the receiver class being deep they might not have to trade up in the 2nd round to get one.

A prospect to keep an eye out for is speed demon, Jalen Reagor. Reagor killed defenses with his blazing speed but the Texas Christian quarterback would fail to throw the distance to Reagor. If the Redskins are able to pick up Reagor it would be huge with safeties having to keep an eye on him allowing their number one option, Terry McLaurin to have some breathing room.