Who Should the Redskins Select in the 2015 NFL Draft?
A strong draft would go a long way if Washington hopes to improve upon their paltry 4-12 record from this past season. The team has a laundry list of needs, and has a dire need for quality backups as well. With the hiring of new GM Scot McClaughan the Redskins seemed pointed in the right direction. McClaughan has a proven background and scouting history that is quite impressive. It may take him a couple of drafts to fix the mess he inherited.
The Redskins number one focus should be on improving themselves in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Both their offensive and defensive line were lower than league average in 2014. Here are three names to consider. We will be posting several possibilities over the next few weeks heading up to the draft.
1. Leonard Williams, DT, USC
Williams might not last until no. 5, but if he is still available, the Redskins cannot afford not to take him. He’s the best non-QB prospect in this entire draft. In 2014 he recorded 80 tackles (8.5 of them for a loss) and 7 sacks to go with one interception and three forced fumbles. His ceiling may not be quite as high as J.J. Watt’s, but like the Texans star, he’s the rare defensive lineman that consistently demands double-teams, leaving openings and advantages for his teammates to capitalize upon in both run prevention and pass rushing. Many pro scouts compare his talent to that of N. Suh from the Detroit Lions.
2. Shane Ray, DE/OLB, Missouri
If Williams goes in the top four, Shane Ray would be a more-than-acceptable consolation pick. He’s one of the most versatile prospects in the draft, as comfortable at linebacker as he is on the line. He had five games for Missouri this season when he recorded multiple sacks. With the Redskins most likely losing Brian Orakpo in free agency, Ray would come in ready to contribute from Week 1.
3. TJ Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh
Clemmings isn’t a flashy pick, but he’s the most polished tackle in the draft. The Redskins need to upgrade their offensive line in the worst way. They slipped to just 19th in rushing this year (Alfred Morris had his worst year in the pros). And they gave up an atrocious, unacceptable 58 total sacks, second only to Jacksonville for the worst in the league. Clemmings wouldn’t sell jerseys, but he’s the kind of guy who can anchor your O-line for a decade or more to come.
Hope springs eternal in the NFL. Forget the failures of last season and look ahead to 2015 with some real excitement. And let ScoreBig help you! They’re the only website that ensures you’ll save on every ticket – every team, every sport, every day.
