Redskins 2014 Draft Watch

It’s hard to believe it, but we’re almost through 14 weeks of the NFL season. Through these 14 weeks, the Redskins are 3-10 and are sitting at the cellar of the NFC East. With playoff hopes down the drain , it seems like a good time to start looking forward to the offseason. The Redskins will not have a first round pick, as a result of the trade in which they obtained the rights to draft RG3. They still have six other much needed picks though. We’ve learned from sixth round pick Alfred Morris, that you never know what type of talent you’re drafting in a late round.

Nov 16, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Baylor Bears guard Cyril Richardson (68) blocks on the line of scrimmage during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at AT

Offensive guard: Since his arrival in the NFL in 2008, Kory Lichtensteiger has been plagued with numerous injuries. After a decent 2012 season, Lichtensteiger has struggled greatly with keeping RG3 on his feet and also creating good holes for Alfred Morris. In the 2012 NFL draft, the Redskins wanted to not only find a franchise quarterback, but also greatly improve the offensive line. They drafted guards Josh LeRibeus, Adam Gettis and Tom Compton. This trio of guards has greatly struggled and they are currently next in line behind Lichtensteiger. With all these struggles, the Redskins should be on the lookout for a guard . Projected to go somewhere mid second round is Cyril Richardson, OL from Baylor. Richardson blocked for RG3 during his Heisman season in 2011. He’s listed at 6’5” and 335 pounds. Richardson has a huge wingspan to help him block defenders. Though he’s really heavy, he’s still shown great quickness. If the Redskins see him available on the board, we might have a Baylor reunion coming up in 2014.

Oct 19, 2013; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Tevin Reese (16) makes a catch for a first down against the Iowa State Cyclones during the first half at Floyd Casey Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Wide receiver: The Redskins have not seen much production from their wide receivers this season. Pierre Garçon has been their only consistent playmaker. Leonard Hankerson, Santana Moss, and Aldrick Robinson have all failed to produce consistent numbers. The Redskins need to find another deep threat, Garçon can’t do it all. Believed to go anywhere from the 4th to 5th round is Tevin Reese, from Baylor. Reese played two full years with RG3 in college and knows him very well. He’s a small, very fast receiver who has received many comparisons to Tavon Austin.

Inside Linebacker: Once London Fletcher retires, he’s going to be remembered as one of the greatest middle linebackers of all time. He’s greatly regressed this season and it seems as if he’s going to hang up the cleats soon. Whether or not he retires this offseason, the Redskins need to draft a future replacement. Yawin Smallwood, an ILB from Connecticut, is projected by many to get drafted mid 3rd round. Smallwood is a very athletic linebacker listed at 6’4” and 236 pounds. He finished the 2013 season with 118 tackles and 4 sacks. Smallwood would be a perfect fit to play alongside Perry Riley.

Cornerback:  On one of the worst defenses in the league, cornerback may just be the Redskins weakest position. DeAngelo Hall has by far been the best cornerback on the team, the rest of the cornerbacks haven’t stepped up at all this season. Both Josh Wilson and E.J. Biggers have been very inconsistent, and both also happen to be free agents this offseason. Missouri Cornerback E.J. Gaines, had the option of entering the draft in 2013 but decided to stay in college to get his degree. His 2014 season has been outstanding so far. Gaines is leading his team with four interceptions, and is third on the team with 59 tackles. Gaines is a terrific corner who I’m sure the Redskins will be on the lookout for.