A more different Redskins Mock Draft

This is a link to Nolan Noracki’s draft value chart, which I like because it uses graphical visualization to space out the players as to when they figure to go.  It’s very useful for allowing a team mock draft without carfully deciding who may or may not be gone.  Here is my Redskins mock draft using that specific draft value chart to make the team’s 8 picks, 8 picks that are severly backloaded, not unlike a Vinny Cerrato contract.

No trades will be considered, but they will be discussed.

First Round: 10th Overall

Noracki’s top rated players are centered on the defensive side.  Quarterbacks Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert will certainly be gone.  A.J. Green is less certain to be gone, but likely would be, and some think Julio Jones could go in front of him.  With so many teams needing help in the passing game it makes sense that both Jones and Green are gone by no. 10.  In fact, because of this, I actually expect the offensive players to get drafted early on compared to the defensive players, with the four highest rated offensive players gone by sixth overall.

The likelyhood of the Cowboys to jump off the value chart and select the top available offensive lineman on their board means that the Redskins will likely step to the podium with two available top ten players, both on the defensive side.  Looking at the board, I expect these two players to be Abuburn DT Nick Fairley and Nebraska CB Prince Amukamara.  Fairley would fit the Redskins defense as a right end in the 3-4, but I don’t know if the Redskins are really all in on Fairley.  I think they will put up that front.  I also see Amukamara falling in the draft, and probably not in consideration for the Redskins in the top ten, with the free safety position filled.

Fairley falling to no. 10 makes the Redskins 10th pick a lot more valuable to teams looking to trade up with the Texans sitting patiently at no. 11.  We know DT to be a need for the Texans.  This could entice the Patriots to go up, where as I believe Julio Jones in the same spot would not be nearly as enticing.  At this spot, I project the Redskins to decide between Cal DE Cameron Jordan and Missou DE Aldon Smith, with the skill (pass rushing) need trumping the positional need.

Redskins select: Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri

Second Round: 41st Overall

Here’s the spot where the Redskins need to sit on quarterback if the value is there.  According to Noracki’s chart, the Redskins really do get a pretty good one drafting right here.  And Andy Dalton isn’t a bad consolation prize if this pick doesn’t materialize.

Redskins select: Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State

Fifth Round: 144th Overall

An odd spot for the Redskins to be choosing.  The best player available also serves to solve the receiver need that they haven’t taken care of to this point.

Redskins select: Jeremy Kerley, WR, TCU

Tougher call here.  This pick should be on the defensive side of the football, but do you go with a corner that offers good depth at a critical position, or fill that defensive line need?  I think the Redskins fill that need.

Redskins select: Ian Williams, DE, Notre Dame

The next pick can fill the other need.  The Redskins will pick 3 times in the 7th round, and if they’ve waited this long to address the offensive line need, it looks like there won’t be much of a difference between what will be around in the 6th, and what they can choose from in the 7th.

Redskins select: Chris L. Rucker, CB, Michigan State

Seventh Round: 213th Overall

The prediction for this final round is that the Redskins will take three straight interior linemen and then keep two on the roster into the season.

Redskins select: Brandon Fusco, G, Slippery Rock

224th Overall: Redskins select Kristofer O’Dowd, C, USC

253rd Overall: Redskins select Jake Kirkpatrick, C, TCU

Can the Redskins interior line problems be solved with quantity over quality?  That answer might not be apparent until 2012.  But I think the Redskins will, for the second consecutive year, give the strategy a try.