The curse of Bruce Allen haunted the Redskins throughout the first round.
The Redskins could have traded holdout left tackle Trent Williams three times early last season when other teams suffered injuries. But no, the Redskins president wanted to show everyone he could make Williams report. So, they passed on the best deal possible, Williams reported for a day before saying helmets didn't fit and Allen was later fired.
Can we fire Allen again, because the Redskins' hopes of trading Williams for a second-rounder went poof on Thursday. Six offensive tackles were taken in the first round. So much for Cleveland being a serious trade partner. They took Alabama's Jedrick Wills with the 10th pick.
One choice later, the New York Jets selected Louisville's Mekhi Becton. Guess the Jets really weren't serious on Williams, either. Two picks later, Iowa's Tristan Wirfs went to Tampa Bay. Three teams now out on Williams.
But it didn't stop. Miami chose Southern Cal's Austin Jackson at No. 18. Tennessee picked Georgia's Isaiah Wilson at No. 29. Throw in the New York Giants choosing Georgia's Andrew Thomas and six teams are no longer interested in Williams.
Really, who can blame them for selecting a young player over a 32-year-old malcontent wanting a mega-contract, despite holding out last season and being injured five straight years beforehand? Gee, that screams giving away a first-rounder.
No, Allen blew it last year and the Redskins won't recover. At best, they might get a 2021 second-rounder or a third-rounder tonight, but who's the trade partner? All the likely teams are no longer interested. They know Williams will still be available come Sunday.
Instead, Washington still has no second-rounder and is probably going receiver in the third. That leaves underperforming backup Geron Christian to finally prove he can't protect quarterback Dwayne Haskins' blindside. Good luck with that.
Maybe the Redskins will get lucky in July in the supplemental draft, if colleges decide not to play this fall because of the coronavirus and juniors are allowed to jump to the pros. But, no decision has been made on that.
There's always trying to make peace with Williams, who doesn't hold a grudge against anyone currently employed at Redskins Park. Coach Ron Rivera opted for a clean slate by trading a disgruntled player, but there are no bidders.
Why not go back to Williams and say they tried, but it's time to play out the final year of his contract, make some money and be a free agent next year? The team will get a fifth-round compensatory pick.
Day two of the draft has the Redskins hoping to repeat last year's third-round magic of receiver Terry McLaurin with another pass catcher or maybe tight end. But finding Williams' replacement is now gone. After all, who wants to replace a seven-time Pro Bowler with a leftover tackle?
Rick Snider has covered Washington sports since 1978. Follow him on Twitter: @Snide_Remarks
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