Day two targets for the Washington Football Team

On Thursday night, the Washington Football Team decided to reinforce their young, solid defensive core with the 19th overall pick of the NFL Draft, selecting Kentucky linebacker Jamin Davis.

The team passed on several highly-rated prospects such as Notre Dame linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Virginia Tech left tackle Christian Darrisaw. Instead, they selected the prospect with a vastly higher ceiling and the potential to be a perennial pro bowler.

Now, as we enter the the second phase of the draft, Washington will likely turn their attention to other positions — mostly on the other side of the ball. With that in mind, here are some names to remember as picks 51, 74, and 82 roll around.

WR Terrace Marshall Jr. — LSU

It’s no secret that Washington has been looking to add to its department of offensive weapons throughout the offseason. And at 6-foot-3, 201 pounds, Marshall Jr. — who was considered a first-round lock at one point — would be the perfect WR2 to run opposite of Terry McLaurin. His ability to be physical at the point of attack and win on 50/50 balls is the key trait to compliment both McLaurin and recent addition Curtis Samuel.

There are plenty of scenarios in which Marshall Jr. makes it to the 51st pick — and I expect Washington to stay patient in the search for a receiver.

S Trevon Moehrig — TCU

When I watched Moehrig’s tape, I saw Kamren Curl with much more polished coverage skills. With talks of Landon Collins moving to linebacker heating up in Ashburn, drafting a plug-and-play safety with room to become even better is far from a bad idea. After making other moves to revamp the team’s secondary (such as signing William Jackson III), Moehrig would bring this defense to the doorstep of impenetrable.

Just having the ability to draft Moehrig, though, will be slim without trading up in the second round. But if Washington is sold on him, they shouldn’t hold back.

RB Trey Sermon — Ohio State

Sermon is a player I’ve been high on for Washington since January. He’s flown under the radar when it comes to conversations about this class’ running backs, but his production at the college level speaks for itself. He’d provide an ideal balance to Antonio Gibson and would be an immediate upgrade from Peyton Barber as the third rotational back.

With two third round picks, Washington should have no trouble whatsoever landing Sermon if they want him.

OT Walker Little — Stanford

With left tackle still a glaring need for Washington, they’ll have ample opportunities to address the position Friday night. Little — who would’ve been a top rated tackle barring injuries — is a physically dominant presence at one of the most premier positions on the field. At 6-foot-7 and 320 pounds, he’ll have a real chance to be one of the best blindside protectors in the NFL.

The team could acquire Little with the 51st pick. I believe he’ll be gone by the early part of the third round, simply due to left tackle being a need for numerous teams around the league.

WR Nico Collins — Michigan

Collins is a receiver who has all the measurables and athletic traits to translate seamlessly to the next level. His ability to adjust on deep routes and win with a combination of physicality and speed are traits you don’t come across too often on day two of the draft. Like Marshall Jr., he’ll bring an immediate on-field impact to a rather lackluster group of outside receivers.

For Washington to draft Collins, they’ll be able to stay put at 51. However, it wouldn’t be wise to bank on him making it to 74.

QBs Kyle Trask, Kellen Mond, and Davis Mills

I decided to group the tier two quarterbacks together, as reports have put Washington in play for any of them on day two. And while the chances of any of these quarterbacks being the “future” is slim, if Rivera and company feel confident in any one of them, don’t be surprised to see the team spend a pick on one of these passers.

However, there will be much better players available at other positions of need in the second round. But if pick 82 (late third round) approaches and their guy is still on the board, they might pull the trigger.