It’s time to decide. The Washington Redskins have several needs for that 15th overall selection, but somehow it feels like it’s time for a quarterback because it’s always about quarterbacks.
Then again, maybe it won’t be Ohio State quarterback
Dwayne Haskins or Duke’s
Daniel Jones. Maybe the Redskins get Florida State edge rusher Brian Burns. They might even trade down and still take Ole Miss receiver D.K. Metcalf.
The draft boards look fluid and surely potential trades and unexpected picks could benefit the Redskins like last year when
DaRon Payne fell to them at No. 17 and
Derrius Guice at No. 59. But fate will probably leave a quarterback for the Redskins to select.
They should pass. While Washington needs a passer, the timing isn’t right.
Throwing
a rookie into a schedule that includes four 2018 playoff teams in the first five weeks probably means a 1-4 start and a post-season exit for coach
Jay Gruden. Then you’ll have the next coach perhaps trying to use a quarterback that doesn’t quite fit the new system. Redskins history over the last quarter century is littered with this scenario. Better to wait until 2020 to take a quarterback and meanwhile find a receiver now who will help that passer later.
Metcalf could be a real playmaker. If he’s as good as his grandfather Terry Metcalf was as a St. Louis returner who gave Washington fits in the 1970s, the Redskins get a big receiver who will greatly bolster a decimated receiver corps. Seriously, when fans talk of 2018 Mr. Irrelevant Trey Quinn, who was twice injured and barely played, as the prime target this fall there’s a big problem.
The Redskins can also trade down for more picks and still get Metcalf. That’s a win-win.
Plan B should be Burns. The Redskins need a pass rusher opposite Ryan Kerrigan to keep defenses from concentrating on him. Despite Alabama on his resume, no one truly expects Washington to open the season with Ryan Anderson as an edge rusher after two seasons of little success as a second-round pick.
But, we know Redskins owner
Dan Snyder loves taking marquee players and desperately needs one to help sell tickets to a rapidly-depleting fan base. Otherwise, most games this fall will have more opposing fans than local ones. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Haskins or Jones chosen. But, the smart money is either adding another defensive player to a strong unit and hoping for 20-17 wins or a receiver who helps rejuvenate the offense.
Rick Snider has covered Washington sports since 1978. Follow him on Twitter: @Snide_Remarks
