Breaking down the Washington Redskins' class in the 2019 NFL draft.
Round 1, No. 15 overall: Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
My take: Haskins is talented; he has a special arm and he's willing to work. But the risk here is if everyone isn't on the same page in the building regarding the player, then there could be issues. But it's not as if Haskins was considered a reach. He's not. He's just inexperienced. But to make it work with him, they need to be patient and make sure their offensive line can stay healthy -- or has better depth if they don't.
Chip on the shoulder: Haskins grew up in New Jersey as a New York Giants fan but attended high school for the final three years in suburban Maryland. So when the Giants passed on him to take Daniel Jones at No. 6, it set in motion a QB rivalry that could last a while. "I look forward to competing against those guys for the rest of my career," Haskins said.
Franchise move: Redskins coach Jay Gruden needs to win this season if he wants to keep his job. However, this move was not about his job security, but about landing a player the higher-ups wanted regardless of who the coach is long term. For the coaching staff, the stronger play might have been getting an edge rusher who can impact wins and losses now -- and in the future. If Haskins pans out, the franchise wins. But will Gruden be the one who benefits? A big key here is they didn't have to trade up to get Haskins.
Montez Sweat is a flexible athlete out of Mississippi State with the ability to bend and frequently get offensive tackles off balance.
Round 1, No. 26 overall: Montez Sweat, OLB, Mississippi State
My take: The Redskins were aggressive going after Sweat, but it was a solid move. He represents top-10 value because of his all-around play as a run defender and pass-rusher. They needed help here with Preston Smith gone and Ryan Anderson an unproven pass-rusher opposite Ryan Kerrigan. Sweat plays with violence and good effort; against Alabama, for example, he could be seen running to the ball late while trailing 24-0. It's a little thing, but it speaks to his effort.
Kerrigan factor: Kerrigan, the team's top pass-rusher, turns 31 in August. So they needed another young, talented pass-rusher to pair with him. That way, if Anderson does show he can play, then they have three players who can help at outside linebacker. And at some point Kerrigan will start to fade.
No heart worries:Sweat said he was misdiagnosed with a heart condition early in his top-30 visits. He said on his last visit, with the Houston Texans, he was diagnosed as not having a heart condition. If teams passed on him because of heart worries, it'll give the Redskins a motivated player. "Probably the biggest chip on my shoulder there's ever been," Sweat said.
Ohio State wide receiver Terry McLaurin is extremely fast and is at his best when running vertical routes.
Round 3, No. 76 overall: Terry McLaurin, WR, Ohio State
My take: McLaurin is an excellent receiver and clearly has a good rapport with new quarterback Dwayne Haskins, his college teammate. He's fast and can be a home-run hitter. But he's also a guy who can be a strong leader, something the Redskins definitely need at receiver. McLaurin averaged 20.03 yards per catch last season, when he finally had a chance to blossom. But McLaurin does it all: He can play special teams and he's a willing blocker. He still is an improving receiver, but his speed will provide a boost.
What's next: The Redskins have one more pick in the third round, the 96th overall. They could use help at a few areas -- another offensive player, whether offensive line, tight end or receiver. They could use help in the secondary as well, notably safety.
Bryce Love is a running back out of Stanford with great burst and the ability to make defenders miss.
Round 4, No. 112 overall: Bryce Love, RB, Stanford
My take: The Redskins wanted more depth at running back, but did not need it immediately with Adrian Peterson, Derrius Guice and Chris Thompson all expected to be ready for the season. But Love gives them a future option as each of those three have different issues (age or injuries). Love, coming off a torn ACL, could be an explosive part-time player in the future, particularly out of the backfield -- that is, if the team doesn't think he could be a full-time guy at some point. Regardless, he offers sizzle. Thompson has served as a third-down back, but he's also missed a combined 12 games the past two years.
Round 4, No. 131 overall: Wes Martin, OG, Indiana
My take: The Redskins signed Ereck Flowers and plan to use him at guard. But there's no guarantee Flowers will start, and even if he does they needed depth. Martin provides that. He's experienced and strong and blocks with an attitude. The Redskins have had so many injuries the last two years along the line that they need more healthy options.
Round 5, No. 153 overall: Ross Pierschbacher, OL, Alabama
My take: The Redskins added more depth along the interior of the offensive line. They worked Pierschbacher mostly at left guard during a pre-draft workout, but he also can play center. He has extensive starting experience at right guard, left guard and center at Alabama. The Redskins need to rebuild their depth inside after consecutive injury-filled seasons. Their left guard situation isn't settled, though Flowers will enter spring practices as the top guy. But they went through so many guards last season they were running out of names to call.
Round 5, No. 173 overall: Cole Holcomb, LB, North Carolina
My take: The Redskins needed more depth inside, especially someone who can help on special teams. Holcomb's speed -- he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.48 seconds at his pro day -- could make him an instant asset on special teams. He led North Carolina in tackles for the past three years and has experience on special teams. The Redskins do have Reuben Foster, Shaun Dion Hamilton and Mason Foster inside. But there are questions with each, and therefore the Redskins need more young players to try to develop.
Round 6, No. 206 overall: Kelvin Harmon, WR, NC State
My take: The Redskins need big, physical receivers and that's what they hope Kelvin Harmon becomes. He definitely played physical in college and showed good ball skills and blocking ability. He probably projects to a possession receiver; if he becomes that guy early he would fill a need for Washington. The Redskins have numbers at receiver and drafted McLaurin Friday but they lack proven top options.
Round 7, No. 227 overall: Jimmy Moreland, CB, James Madison
My take: Moreland was a first-team All-American at James Madison and intercepted 18 passes in his career. He's also the first JMU player to be drafted since 2013. The scouting reports say he's strong in press coverage and physical. But he's only 5-foot-9 and 179 pounds and will have to get stronger. The Redskins added three corners late in the draft and in undrafted free agency last year so he'll have to beat out other young players.
Round 7, No. 253 overall: Jordan Brailford, OLB, Oklahoma State
My take: Brailford has speed, having run a 4.65 in the 40-yard dash. It helped him record nine sacks last season. The Redskins have three outside linebackers capable of starting -- Ryan Kerrigan, Montez Sweat and Ryan Anderson. Brailford is a developmental guy but has a chance to stick just because of his speed, something the Redskins need more of off the edge.