With free agency in full swing and the draft about a month away, what can we expect the Washington Redskins to do with the 13th overall pick? Here are five options as of how the roster is structured today:
Vita Vea, DT, University of Washington
The Redskins have been lacking size and depth at the Defensive Tackle position ever since switching over to a 3-4 base defense. The opportunity could present itself to fix this issue for years to come with Vita Vea. Vea is a true Nose Tackle at 6’5″ and 340 pounds. Adding Vea with Anthony Lanier and Matt Ioannidis would be a formidable rotation for any opposing offensive line.
There are two events that could prevent this from happening.
First, the Miami Dolphins could choose to fill the newly void Defensive Tackle spot by drafting Vea two spots ahead of the Redskins.
The second is that the Redskins could end up signing Johnathan Hankins or Sylvester Williams and address other needs.
Carlton Davis, CB, University of Auburn
Denzel Ward and Josh Jackson will already be off the board by the time the Redskins pick. Davis is a big physical Cornerback and gave receivers fits trying to get off the line in college. The pros are a whole different ball game, but his strength and long arms will translate to the NFL.
With wide outs like Dez Bryant, Odell Beckham, Jr. and Alshon Jeffrey in the same division, the Redskins will need a corner that can physically match all of them six times a year should they decide not to have Norman shadow them.
The drafting of Davis would also allow for the newly signed Orlando Scandrick to play slot and give Fabian Moreau another year to develop.
Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP
It has been obvious that the Redskins need help in the running game. That goes beyond finding a running back that can take the workload.
Offensive line has been a disappointment in that area of the offense and that is where Hernandez could make an immediate impact. He is athletic and agile for his size and has graded out as a plus run blocker on film.
The only downsize to him is his height. He comes in as 6’2” when you would ideally want your Guard to be closer to 6’4″ or 6’5”.
Isaiah Wynn, OG, University of Georgia
Isaiah Wynn at 13 would be a stretch but would fill a need on the offensive line. He is athletic, agile and a little short just like Hernandez.
However, he is more versatile among playing different positions on the offensive line. Wynn began his sophomore year as Georgia’s Left Guard but had to move to Left Tackle due to injuries.
He excelled at the Left Tackle position but was moved back to his natural position of Left Guard when Tyler Catalina transferred from Western Carolina.
Wynn will immediately add depth as both a starter and someone that can slot into the Left Tackle position should Trent Williams get injured. He could even be the successor to Williams when that time comes.
Trade Down
The players available might not be worth the value at 13 to the Redskins brass. If they can find a dance partner to trade with, the Redskins could trade back in the first-round and recoup at least the draft pick that they lost in the Alex Smith trade.
If Vea and Davis are gone, Hernandez and Wynn could still be there around pick 20 along with a variety of other offensive line and defensive line options.
