Redskins Mock Draft: 2014 (2nd Edition)

Redskins Mock Draft: 2014 (2nd Edition)

In our first Washington Redskins Mock Draft we used Fanspeak.com’s unique draft tool (“On the Clock”) to breakdown picks made in one session with the tool, in this post (2nd Edition) we are going to take five sessions and give multiple examples of what the Redskins could do with each pick. Also, in the first edition we were working with pre-combine rankings, as the days get closer to the 2014 NFL Draft, the “big board” will get closer to what the final rankings will look like at draft time.

Pick 34) Second Round

Wide Receiver: Kelvin Benjamin (Florida State), 6-5, 232 lbs.

At 6-5 and 232 pounds, Kelvin Benjamin is a monster in the making at wide receiver. Some questions are there on him about his top level speed and the fact he did drop a few passes while in college, but this guy is a raw talent that’s just waiting to be further developed. If the Redskins have the chance to get Benjamin with the 34th pick (the average of all mock drafts done suggest he should be…at the moment) they should seize their opportunity to get the tall red-zone target they desperately need to play opposite of Pierre Garcon. Benjamin had 54 catches for 1,011 and 15 touchdown catches last season at Florida State and would give the ‘Skins an uneven matchup against most all NFL cornerbacks, who range in height anywhere from 5-9 to 6-4 being the tallest in the league currently (Brandon Browner).

Scout Notes: Near-tight end size (6-5, 235) with a ridiculously large wingspan, giving him a catching radius that is probably on-par with anyone at the NFL level.

Shows the gliding speed and short-area quickness to create some separation and be a terror in jump-ball situations, especially in the red zone. Big hands, good hand-eye coordination and impressive body control to snatch passes outside of his frame. Tracks the ball well over his shoulder.

Experienced playing outside and in the slot and shows courage in crossing the middle. Tough to bring down in the open field, using his long arms to effectively stiff-arm defenders and showing suddenness to accelerate once the ball is in his hands. Attentive downfield blocker who works to seal off defenders as well as peel back to take out opponents in pursuit. Still developing as a route-runner, adding to questions about his ability to play a large role immediately in the NFL.

Our pick at #34 in the Redskins Mock Draft 1st Edition was Offensive Tackle Cyrus Kouandjio from Alabama, and he still remains an option here in the 2nd Edition as well. His stock actually dipped a bit after the combine, Redskins could possibly trade back a few spots and still have a good shot at drafting Kouandijo.

Other Options at Pick #34

– Safety: Jimmie Ward (Northern Illinois) 5-11, 193 pounds

Jimmy Ward is coming off a 95-tackle, seven interception senior season at NIU and would be a welcome fit to the Redskins secondary. The major negative for Ward is his size (some view him as more of a cornerback than safety) which limits him at times.

Scouts Notes: Compact frame. Remarkably fluid athlete with quick feet, smooth change-of-direction agility and easy acceleration. Dropped down to cover slot receivers with solid man-to-man skills to handle a similar role in the NFL.

Good balance and lateral agility, including the ability to sprawl to avoid cut-blocks. Physical, competitive defender who doesn’t back down from the challenges of bigger opponents. Very good diagnosis skills and closes quickly and forcefully. Takes proper angles in pursuit, limiting breakaway opportunities for opponents. Eased concerns that his stellar play was due in part to questionable competition at the Senior Bowl.

- Offensive Tackle: Morgan Moses (UVa) 6-6, 314 pounds

Scout Notes: Ideal length and proportion throughout for an NFL offensive tackle. Does a good job of exhibiting patience off the snap as he routinely establishes width and good bend in his base to either absorb or mirror his opponent in pass protection. Makes good use of his long arms by extending and punching to keep defenders off his frame. Displays a fluid, consistent kick-slide when asked to track and dictate a speed rusher around the edge.

Exhibits a strong first step and impressive burst for his size, when asked to fire through to the second level as a run blocker. Powerful hands to latch and steer against opponents of all sizes. Does a good job sustaining effort and contact to the whistle, and makes a concerted attempt to drive his opponent off the block rather than simply occupying him. Impressive lower-half flexibility and anchoring strength when absorbing a bull-rush.

- Wide Receiver: Marqise Lee (USC) 6-0, 195 pounds

If one word could describe Lee it would be explosive. What this kid lacks in size he gives in overall ability, could be a Victor Cruz type of player in the NFL. Ended his playing career at USC with 248 catches for 3,665 yards receiving and 29 touchdown catches in three years. After winning the Biletnikof Award (given to the top reciever in college) as a sophomore many viewed Lee as a top 10 pick, his stock slipped after USC had a disappointing season last year. Even though Lee would not give the Redskins the size the lack he would give quarterback Robert Griffin III another speedy weapon.

Scout Notes: Explosive straight-line speed that makes pressing him risky for even talented cornerbacks. Remarkably fluid athlete, capable of changing directions quickly and shows developing savvy as a route-runner, often using a hesitation move and shoulder-dip to get defenders off-balance.

His vision, elusiveness and acceleration make him a terror after the catch, whether as a receiver or returner. Plucks the ball easily and can track over either shoulder. Plays bigger than his size, showing the ability to go up and high-point passes amidst tight coverage and is an attentive, physical downfield blocker.

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