What If The Redskins Had The Second Pick?
By Matthew Laux
In 2012, the Washington Redskins gambled their future, trading three first round picks in order to move up and select quarterback Robert Griffin III. Hine sight is always 20-20, but had Washington not dealt the picks the Redskins would hold the second overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Even with RG3 at the helm, Washington has various holes they must fill before becoming a viable threat at winning an NFC crown.
Oct 26, 2013; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A
The Redskins have several needs on the offensive line, and in general their defense. Washington must provide RG3 with the necessary protection in order to build his confidence within the pocket, and in order to do so; they must draft an offensive lineman. If Washington had the second pick, they would be looking at potentially being able to draft Jake Matthews of Texas A&M. Matthews is a versatile big man, with great size and athleticism making him the ideal fit for any potential Redskins offense. Washington does have Pro-Bowler Trent Williams at left tackle, but Matthews would sure up the strong side of the offensive line.
Although Matthews played left tackle his senior season, he was developed as a right tackle and would be an ideal fit for the position. The former Texas A&M Aggie is a high character player with strong NFL bloodlines, and I expect Matthews to be an excellent professional. Finally, Washington has a plethora of holes on both sides of the football, but the team must win the battle at the line of scrimmage, and Jake Matthews would have taken care of business for the Washington Redskins.
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Instead Washington sits with the 34th overall pick and most likely will have to wait and see which offensive lineman are available at that point in the draft. The Redskins must hope Michigan’s Taylor Lewan, Tennessee’s Greg Robinson, or LSU’s La’el Collins are on the board when Washington is picking. Much of the direction of which the Redskins will go in the draft depends heavily upon the hiring of the head coach. From there, Washington will be able to determine which player best suits the team’s system. If the past is any indicator of the draft to come, Washington will likely have to settle for a middle tear lineman. The Redskins have needs within the line backing core and secondary, however, I expect Washington to build their offensive line with their first pick.