Previous Pick: Denver Broncos

13. Washington Redskins

-Trade Down*

Recent signings of Albert Haynesworth, Deangelo Hall, and Derrick Dockery leave the Redskins with very little cap space to work with. If you take the April Draft into account, Washington really has to be smart with their money. Then add in the Jason Taylor fiasco, and the Redskins are left with only 4 draft picks. This is a very likely scenario especially considering the depth this draft has to offer.

Washington has only a few holes to fill, and luckily none of them are gaping weaknesses: strong side linebacker, left defensive end, and right tackle are the 3 most immediate areas to address.

-Brian Cushing (OLB/USC)

NFL.com

According to my understanding of the way Greg Blache’s defense works, he likes to have large defensive linemen to occupy the blockers. This way, his linebackers can blitz freely (on select plays). When Rocky McIntosh went down with an injury towards the end of last season, the defense lost its key pass rusher. Strong side linebacker Marcus Washington has been hampered with injuries (leading to his release). So the Redskins will take a good look at Cushing, who was a talented pass rusher at DE and OLB for Southern Cal.

-Andre Smith (OT/Alabama)

NFL.com

Selecting Andre Smith here is an ideal situation for both parties. Smith seems ideally suited for the right side, where he can relieve Jon Jansen and the injury-plagued Stephon Heyer. By ignoring the offensive tackle position, Washing has allowed Chris Samuels and Jon Jansen to age without having reliable backups in place.

Andre Smith is a more than capable tackle who could fill in on the left side if needed. He was in the discussion for being the #1 pick prior to the combine. If he can whip himself into shape before his pro day, he might be able to reclaim some of his value back.

-Tyson Jackson (DE/LSU)

NFL.com

Defensive coordinator Greg Blache loves big, versatile defensive linemen. He would add another to his list if his team selects 6’4, 295 lb Tyson Jackson of LSU. He isn’t much of a pass rusher, but he is extremely strong in the run game, and can play tackle or end. Jackson would be a sensible pick IF Washington can manage to swing a trade down a little bit. Generally speaking, linemen who aren’t great pash rushers aren’t selected in the top 15 picks of the draft. However, this selection would fill an area of need, but it doesn’t make much sense to me from a value standpoint.  I believe the team could fill this spot later in the draft and draft a better player with the 13th pick (Knowshon Moreno perhaps?). Run stuffing defensive ends are a dime a dozen, unless they can split the double team as well (example: Richard Seymour).

Next on the clock: New Orleans Saints

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