Analyzing the Redskins Draft
Photo via: http://thebiglead.com/2013/09/20/2014-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-this-weekend-in-college-football-3/
The Redskins started their draft off with a smart move by GM Bruce Allen to trade down from the 34th selection to the 47th pick; gaining a third rounder by doing so (78th overall). The Redskins had plenty of options at 34, and they knew someone they liked would still be there at 47. The real victory of this trade was gaining an extra third rounder, as a team with a lot of holes and only six draft picks, gaining a high draft pick was a smart move by the Redskins.
OLB Trent Murphy Stanford (Round 2 47th Overall)
Most fans won’t be a fan of this pick, but I love it. Trent Murphy is a versatile lineup that can line up all over the field, and will immediately help the Redskins pass rush. Jim Haslett has to be ecstatic about the possibility of having Orakpo, Kerrigan, Murphy, and Hatcher on the field at the same time. What I love about Murphy is his work ethic; he is an extremely hard worker and is passionate about the game of football. Murphy will be a great addition to the Redskins defense, you can never have enough pass rushers, and Murphy could be the long term replacement for either Orakpo after this season.
OT Morgan Moses Virginia (Round 3 66th Overall)
This was a great value pick for the Redskins. The Redskins addressed their need at tackle, but didn’t reach for the position. Moses was often mocked as a late first early second round pick, getting him in the third could be a steal for the Redskins. He is a mammoth man at 6’6 314 pounds, Moses will certainly help the offensive line become bigger, something Coach Jay Gruden expressed a desire to do. Moses could be the long term solution at right tackle, which makes this a good pick by the Redskins. Moses will challenge current starter Tyler Polumbus for the starting role immediately.
G Spencer Long Nebraska (Round 3 78th Overall)
Like Murphy, this wasn’t the most popular pick by the Redskins. However, like Murphy I also like this selection. Like Moses Long adds beef along an offensive line that was beat far too often in 2013 (6’5 320). By drafting Long the Redskins have put the pressure on current starter Chris Chester. What is exciting about long is the way he plays; he plays with a mean streak, something the Redskins line could use more of. There is some concern about Long’s health as he is recovering from knee surgery, however, Long insists that he is 100% healthy and ready to go. Long is an exciting prospect for the future, he will be fun to watch in training camp as he battles for the starting position.
CB Bashaud Breeland Clemson (Round 4 102nd Overall)
The Redskins added some competition to their cornerback position by selecting Bashaud Breeland with the 102nd overall pick. Breeland possesses good size at 5’11 197 pounds. Like Spencer Long Breeland plays with a nasty streak, and excels at press coverage using his physicality to jam receivers off the line. Breeland can contribute on special teams immediately, and compete for the nickel cornerback position with Tracy Porter. I like this selection because he won’t be forced into playing time early, and as a prospect with huge up side Breeland could potentially if developed correctly take over the starting spot from DeAngelo Hall who can only play for so long.
WR Ryan Grant Tulane (Round 5 142nd Overall)
Ryan Grant provides the Redskins with some Depth at the wide receiver position that has little security beyond the top three on the depth chart. With Hankerson recovering from surgery and Moss not a lock to make the roster Grant will have a chance to make the roster. Grant is a natural slot receiver, and that seems like it would be his best shot to make an impact (other than special teams). Grant does possess better size than Aldrick Robinson and Andre Roberts who will compete with Grant for the slot role. I don’t know that Grant will make an impact on offense this year, but he has some good skills and will certainly get a shot to contribute at some point.
RB Lache Seastrunk Baylor (Round 6 186th Overall)
I think the Redskins may be trying to assemble the fastest offense in football. I love this pick, Seastrunk provides the Redskins with a change of pace running back to compliment Alfred Morris, and I think the Redskins may have gotten a steal this late in the draft. The one knock on Seastrunk’s game is that he didn’t catch the ball out of the backfield at Baylor (Only recorded 9 career receptions). I’m not sure if this is a product of Baylor’s offense or Seastrunk’s ability (I think it may have been the system). Seastrunk gives the Redskins a dangerous back that can take it the distance on any given play. Even with his lack of prior receiving experience, I think Seastrunk could develop into a good pass catching, screen play running back. Seastrunk’s athletic skill set could allow the Redskins to use him in a way similar to how Seattle uses Percy Harvin. I’m ecstatic about Seastunk’s potential and I can’t wait to see how Jay Gruden uses him.
TE Ted Bolser Indiana (Round 7 217th Overall)
Bolser is an interesting prospect. He is 6’5 257 pounds, and is very similar to Logan Paulson’s skill set. I think Bolser could be a player the Redskins would like to develop and eventually be a cheaper replacement for Paulson. With Jordan Reed, Niles Paul, and Logan Paulson it will be difficult for Bolser to make the roster as a rookie.
K Zach Hocker Arkansas (Round 7 228th Overall)
This was an interesting selection by the Redskins. Zach Hocker is a good kicker, but his success is very recent. It was not until his senior year that he developed the strength to be consistent kicking field goals over 50 yards. Hocker will be brought in to compete with Kia Forbath, who has been solid but not automatic by any means. Hocker’s best chance to beat out Forbath is to demonstrate his ability on kickoffs. Forbath rarely boots the kickoff into the endzone resulting in good field position for the opponent, a factor that plays a bigger part than people realize. This will be an interesting battle to watch during training camp and pre-season.
