2011 Washington Redskins Draft Needs
Written by Jack Jones
Owner Daniel Snyder made a big splash by bringing in Mike Shanahan to coach the Washington Redskins last offseason. Nothing seemed to go right for Shanahan in year one. The move to a 3-4 defense backfired, and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan didn’t see eye to eye with his father over the handling of struggling QB Donovan McNabb.
The offense showed flashes at times, but clearly the Shanahans didn’t have the personnel needed. The defense needs a few more pieces to be able to run the odd-front scheme that coordinator Jim Haslett coaches. Aside from top pick Trent Williams, the Redskins got nothing out of their 2010 draft class. They are set to receive eight selections in the 2011 NFL Draft, starting with the No. 10 pick in Round 1.
I’ll preview the top five team needs Washington faces heading into the draft. GM Bruce Allen is the master of draft day tactics so don’t be surprised to see the Redskins make a few moves this year. If you want to see which players are likely to get selected in the first round, then check out our 2011 NFL Mock Draft.
Top 5 Team Needs
1.) Quarterback – With McNabb, the Redskins thought they had this position in good hands for at least a few years. Poor play had the Shanahans losing faith in him, and he was eventually benched in favor of Rex Grossman near the end of the season. While Grossman played well at times, the Redskins likely want an athletic young quarterback who can get outside the pocket and make plays on the run like John Elway used to do. Expect Cam Newton from Auburn and Blaine Gabbert from Missouri to be on their radar.
2.) Wide Receiver - Santana Moss set a career high in receptions last season, but he’s a free-agent-to-be. Anthony Armstrong came out of nowhere to become a steady deep threat for Washington. Missing badly on former second-round picks Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly has really set the Redskins back at wide receiver. Both have the size they are looking for, but simply aren’t great route runners. Moss and Armstrong lack that size, and Washington desperately needs someone who can go up and make plays in the red zone. TE Chris Cooley is no longer as productive inside the 20 as he was in his first three seasons.
3.) Outside Linebacker – Having two great edge rushers is the key to the 3-4 defense. Haslett is from the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 3-4 school of defense, and he really needs someone opposite Brian Orakpo. Lorenzo Alexander played solid early but faltered in the second half, and really isn’t a pass rusher. Andre Carter was never able to make the transition to the 3-4. A potential target is OLB Akeem Ayers from UCLA.
4.) Offensive Line – The Redskins had to start two converted centers at the guard positions last season. The two offensive guard spots take precedence, but Washington may also be looking for someone to challenge ORT Jammal Brown. They are set at left tackle with Trent Williams, but Brown struggled with injuries a season ago. Wisconsin’s John Moffitt could be a target in the later rounds.
5.) Defensive Line – Three stout run stuffers are also key in a 3-4 scheme. The Redskins really didn’t have a nose tackle last season who could eat up blockers, allowing their linebackers to roam free. Albert Haynesworth was supposed to be that guy, but kept running into trouble on and off the field. If he can come back motivated then Washington will be set at nose. They could also use a defensive end who can get after the quarterback. Wisconsin DE J.J. Watt appears to be a low-risk option for them with the No. 10 overall pick if Newton, Gabbert, A.J. Green and Julio Jones are gone.
Individual NFL Team Mock Drafts
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