Today is the day. Today is the day football dreams become reality: The 2021 NFL Draft is finally here.
The Washington Football Team, coming off a surprise 7-9 run to the NFC East crown, is in a position to reshape its roster with eight picks to make over the seven rounds, including four in the first 100 picks.
A season ago, Ron Rivera made Chase Young his first draft pick as Washington head coach and that worked out really well. But will lightning strike twice when the Burgundy & Gold make their first pick at No. 19 (unless Washington trades up) this time around?
(Live coverage of the NFL Draft begins with Kevin Sheehan at 7 p.m. Stream it here!)
So without further ado, here are Kevin Sheehan’s 10 predictions, thoughts, comments on Washington’s draft based on Kevin's gut instinct after talking to some people in the know on the eve of the 2021 NFL Draft:
1. If Washington trades up in the 1st round, it is to select Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields. "And if they trade up tonight it's because Fields fell past 7," Sheehan said, indicating Washington isn't higher and it could be pick No. 8 or No. 9.
(Listen to Kevin Sheehan explain his 10 predictions here:)
2. Despite many of the prognosticators’ predictions, “I do not think they will draft” North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance “under any circumstances,” Sheehan said. Even if he falls to No. 19.
3. Prediction: Unless Washington trades up for Fields, they will not draft a quarterback on Day 1 or Day 2 (Rounds 1-3). Florida's Kyle Trask could be an option in the later rounds over Kellen Mond or David Mills. But Sheehan says Washington likes Kyle Allen and Taylor Heinicke for the next year or two and those two are better than what WFT could draft in Rounds 2 or 3 in 2021.
4. At pick No. 19, the offensive line will be a top priority, but linebacker or cornerback could be Washington’s pick depending on how things shake out. If Washington decides to trade back from No. 19, a wide receiver is a possibility, and Ole Miss WR Elijah Moore is a name to watch.
5. Virginia Tech offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw and USC’s Alijah Vera-Tucker are top priorities for Washington at No. 19. However, both, or at least, Vera-Tucker (who may be a guard, not a tackle), may not fall to pick 19.
6. Notre Dame linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Northwestern cornerback Greg Newsome (who has the profile of the type of CBs Washington likes) are the top non-offensive lineman targets for Washington at No. 19.
7. WFT is completely out on Florida WR Kadarius Toney. "I love Toney, I love his talent," Sheehan says. "This organization now has a deeper, safer philosophy on player acquisition. I'll leave it at that."
8. No. 19 is too early for Minnesota WR Rashod Bateman, but there is depth at the wide receiver position in this draft to take a talented player in the second or third round. Washington is looking for hand catchers, not chest catchers and guys with "wiggle" and who can get separation at the line of scrimmage, all of those things count against Bateman, Sheehan said. Versatility is a keyword for Washington.
9. After releasing long-time long snapper Nick Sundberg earlier this offseason, don't be surprised if Washington drafts one in 2021. This would, obviously, be a pick on Day 3 of the draft in the late rounds.
10. Washington really likes Western Michigan WR D'Wayne Eskridge. "Not only is he a very interesting receiver: quick separation, hands catcher, really elusive, gets separation," Sheehan said. "He's maybe one of the best punt returners, kick returners in this draft."
Follow @BenKrimmel for the latest.
