Making the case for the Redskins trading down in round two
Phto via: http://www.upi.com/News_Photos/Sports/Washington-Redskins-name-Bruce-Allen-as-GM/fp/2673/
The Washington Redskins are heading into a very deep draft this May only having six picks. Redskins GM Bruce Allen has had a tendency to trade down in the past, and Allen may find himself in a prime spot to trade down from pick number 34 in the second round of this May’s draft.
The best situation the Redskins could find themselves in this May would be if a quarterback such as Teddy Bridgewater drops out of the first round. This would give the Redskins the best chance to trade down, and present the team’s best chance to gain quality picks for trading down. Teams have a tendency to reach for quarterbacks which could present the Redskin’s with a favorable trade scenario for their 34th pick.
A number of teams are in need of a quarterback of the future, something the Redskins aren’t in need of. There are many teams in need on a starting quarterback like Houston, Jacksonville, and Minnesota. However, there are many surprise teams who could select a quarterback of the future in the second round. For example, New England and New Orleans both have established quarterbacks who are in the later stages of their careers, and are in need of their successors.
The Redskins could find themselves in a position to trade down in the second round, and still being able to draft a quality player later in the round. By trading down they would also seek additional mid-round picks, and as a team with multiple needs, and positions that desperately need young depth, gaining additional picks in an unusually deep draft would be the best route for the Redskins to take this May.
The depth of the draft helps this scenario for the Redskins, gaining a third or fourth round pick could provide the Redskins with a quality player, one that may have been selected in a much earlier round in other drafts.
The other reason why I like this move is, depending on where the Redskins moved down in the second round I believe they can still find a quality player. Players like Kyle Van Noy, Dee Ford, Deon Bucannon, and Jimmie Ward among others could be available later in the second round but would be a reach at 34. Trading down would allow the Redskins to select such a player later while also adding to their mid round picks, where potential steals such as Charles Sims could await.
The Redskins will have an opportunity to take advantage of a very deep draft in May, moving down in the second round might just give them their best chance to gain more picks in a talented draft. The Redskins could take advantage of their draft position, to gain more picks and address their many positions of need.
