Burner's Burning Questions: Free Agency, Mock Drafts, Camps, Roster Predictions, 2018
Greetings from BBQ to everyone in BGO land.
Today we bring you a free agency look and mock all in one, but it is not from BBQ. In a first, we have a guest who has graciously given some of his time to present us with his free agent targets and a superb mock.
Steve - @SteveDraft_ on twitter, blogs for Breaking Football. You can find BF at @Breaking_FB or breakingfootball.com. Steve provides Redskins mocks and free agency updates for them on a regular basis. His analyses are always thorough and well-reasoned.
I hope you appreciate the time and effort he put into this entry on our behalf. His update and mock is presented here in our format with no editing from me. I know you will like his perspectives on each player. I certainly do.
FYI – we hope to have more guests over the next month or so with their mocks each week. We will have a free agency update tomorrow and another BBQ mock on Friday.
Let's get right to Steve's update and mock.
Free Agency Targets:
Zach Brown ILB: The Redskins defense has lacked speed for years and Brown really brings that to the table. Although an extreme liability in pass coverage, he's an elite blitzer and run defender. It's important we retain the speed and toughness that Brown brings to the table.
Trent Murphy EDGE: Coming off a suspension and knee injury, I expect Murphy to sign a one-year "prove it" deal, in Washington. He's a versatile piece because he's a good run defender and pass rusher. He can also kick inside during sub-packages, allowing an extra edge rusher to get on the field.
Junior Galette EDGE: This is going to be a tough signing because Galette wants a larger role. With Kerrigan, Smith and Murphy all fighting for snaps, it's going to be tough for Manusky and company to guarantee Galette a significant role. However, Galette would be our only speed rusher and they could come up with certain packages to sneak him onto the field. I genuinely believe Galette wants to remain in Washington and we can only hope they work something out.
Ryan Grant WR: Scot McCloughan once referred to Ryan Grant as Ryan Gruden. Coach Gruden really loves Grant as a player and I expect him to be back in 2018. The former Tulane star is a reliable fourth receiver because he can play all three wide receiver positions. At the right price, I actually think Grant is a key piece to this Redskins roster.
Spencer Long LG/OC: Long finished the season on IR, so I have no idea what the market will be like for him. There have been some rumblings that they may kick him to left guard because of the emergence of Chase Roullier. Although his athletic profile is much better suited for the center position, Long is a upgrade from Shaun Lauvao. I think it's important that we keep this core offensive line together and at the right price, I'm all for long returning to Washington.
Bennie Logan 0/1-Tech Bennie Logan signed a one-year, 8 million dollar deal in Kansas City. The Redskins had a ton of interest in Logan last offseason but I don't think they were willing to match that 8 million dollar offer. From everything I can gather, it sounds like Kansas City will move on from their starting nose tackle. Logan had a solid year as a run stuffer, finishing 7th in run stuff %, per Pro Football Focus. At 28 years old, I'm willing to sign Logan to a 3 year deal, worth around 6-8 million dollars, per year. Although he doesn't offer much as a pass rusher, he would give the Redskins defense the run stuffing plug that they've lacked for so long.
Mitch Unrein 5-Tech The 29 year old veteran and former undrafted free agent played 12 games this season before once again falling to the injury bug. He played a key 400 snaps for Vic Fangio, ranking in the top 15 as a run defender, per Pro Football Focus. Unrein is a perfect fit for a team that needs a base 3-4 run defender with someone that can spell him in pass rushing situations [Anthony Lanier].
Nickel-Robey Coleman SCB Robey-Coleman would be an underwhelming signing on paper, thanks to his 5'8" and 165 pound frame. However, he was probably one of the most underpaid players in all of football, in 2017 [$855,000]. I expect the Redskins to look for a veteran nickel cb and the man named Nickel himself would make a really solid option, at a bargain price.
Paul Richardson Z-Receiver Jay Gruden and company really missed the speed of Desean Jackson. I think of Richardson as a poor mans Jackson. In fact, many evaluators compared Richardson to Jackson when he was coming out of Colorado. Like Jackson, Richardson has had an injury riddled career. In 2017, the speedy receiver was finally able to play a full season. Richardson finished 2017 with a 44/703/6 stat line and will be seeking an even bigger role in 2018. The Redskins can make that happen.
2018 Draft:
Round One: Roquan Smith, ILB, Georgia:
Roquan Smith, ILB, Georgia The run defense was bad, yet again. Re-signing Zach Brown and pairing him with Smith would give this defense the speed they've lacked for so long. Smith would also be a great compliment to Brown because he's excellent in coverage. This would allow Brown to focus more on run defense and blitzing. Many fans will ask, what does this mean for Mason Foster? I believe Foster would benefit from a smaller role, as a blitzer and run-defender.
Round Two: Sony Michel, RB, Georgia:
Want a little bit of power and speed? Michel is definitely your guy. He has the juice to hit a home run, but he also has the frame to carry a large workload. Michel has also shown the ability to be an excellent pass protector. That's something you can't say about a lot of college running backs.
Round Four: Kyzir White, S, WVU:
Kyzir White is the brother of former first round pick, Kevin White [Chicago]. White played in a unique role at WVU as the SPUR defender. He was basically an EDGE safety or hybrid-linebacker. He's an excellent run defender but he also has the athleticism to match up with tight ends and big slot receivers. With Su'a Cravens likely on his way out, White would be an excellent replacement.
Round Five: Kyle Lauletta, QB, Richmond:
The Richmond Quarterback majored in Leadership. That alone makes him an intriguing quarterback project. Although he doesn't have the biggest arm, Lauletta has some of the best mechanics in the entire class. His mechanics and footwork allow him to be accurate and you can't teach leadership and accuracy - Lauletta is coming into the NFL with both traits.
Round Six: Siran Neal, DB, Jacksonville St:
With two children at the age of 24 years old, Siran Neal isn't your average NFL prospect. Neal is intriguing because he has experience at every defensive back position. He's athletic enough to stick with the shifty receivers in the slot but he can also hang on the outside as a press-man boundary corner. Not to mention, he's an excellent run defender as a Safety.
Round Seven: Bradley Bozeman, IOL, Alabama:
In the seventh round, I'm looking for versatile players that can help fill multiple roles. Bozeman can play all across the interior offensive line and he will serve primarily as a backup center.
Round Seven: Cam Phillips, WR, Virginia Tech:
The local Dematha high school product has been well-coached and it shows up on tape. Although he won't 'wow' you with elite athleticism, he's an excellent route runner with reliable hands. Phillips should be able to contribute on special teams but he also has specific traits that should allow him to learn all three wide receiver positions.
Thanks to Steve for providing a list of free agents that he would target and a great mock. We hope to have another guest mock next week from another expert. BBQ hope you like these perspectives from Redskins draft and free agent gurus.
Hail To The Redskins!