The best case scenario for the Redskins is for running back Dalvin Cook to slide down to 17. I understand this team needs more defenders, but unless they trade Cousins and move up the board they won’t be able to land a lineman deserving of their current spot and I don’t believe the corners available there are better talents than Cook.
The Redskins own the top trade-chip quarterback in the league and if they’re willing to listen and strike a deal for Kirk Cousins it would undoubtedly re-shape the way teams are approaching the first-round in ways we can only imagine. But if you know Daniel Snyder like we do, then why on earth would he want to make any rational decisions when he’s so good at doing to irrational?
Key additions
- DL Terrell McClain
- DL Stacy McGee
- ILB Zach Brown
- SS D.J. Swearinger
- WR Terrelle Pryor
- WR Brian Quick
Key subtractions
- DE Chris Baker
- DE Ricky Jean-Francois
- S Duke Ihenacho
- S Donte Whitner
- WR Pierre Garcon
- WR DeSean Jackson
Priority needs (Offense)
C/OG…The Redskins need to either find a replacement for guard Shawn Lauvao or a center to shift Spencer Long back over to guard.
RB…Rob Kelley did a yeoman’s job when he took over for the disappointing Matt Jones, but he’s not a starting caliber player. Dalvin Cook would look awfully good changing one spear for another.
WR…In losing their top two receivers the pressure is now on last year’s first-round pick Josh Doctson to rebound from a season-ending Achilles injury that sidelined him for most of his rookie campaign. Terrell Pryor is on a one-year ‘show me’ deal, so there are no guarantees from this unit.
Priority needs (Defense)
CB…The Redskins made a good move to acquire Josh Norman because they lack any other proven players currently at this spot. There’s great hope though that last year’s third-round pick Kendall Fuller will become a special player over time, but that still leaves a corner or two that needs to be added here.
DL…On paper the Redskins lost the off-season swap of free agent lineman when Chris Baker and Ricky Jean-Francois departed while Terrell McClain and Stacy McGee arrived. It also looks scary when Ziggy Hood has to play significant snaps with this group too. This position needs a major upgrade in personnel.
ILB…With Mason Foster (fresh off one of his best seasons as a pro) turning free agent after the season and newly acquired free agent Zach Brown on a one-year deal, President Bruce Allen (if he’s still in charge by then) might have to find a potential replacement this week.
Final analysis
The best case scenario for the Redskins is for running back Dalvin Cook to slide down to 17. I understand this team needs more defenders, but unless they trade Cousins and move up the board they won’t be able to land a lineman deserving of their current spot and I don’t believe the corners available there are better talents than Cook.
Top first-round options
- CB Gareon Conley
- CB Marlon Humphrey
- CB Tre’Davious White
- DL DeMarcus Walker
- LB Reuben Foster
- LB Haason Reddick
- RB Dalvin Cook
- RB Christian McCaffrey
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