Re: Burner's Burning Questions: Free Agency, Mocks, Camps, OTAs, Roster Predictions,
Burner's Burning Questions: Free Agency, Mocks, Camps, OTAs, Roster Predictions, 2019
Greetings from BBQ to everyone in BGO land and guests from social media – we hope you become a member here.
The 2019 NFL draft is just under four months away, but it will be here before you know it. It's a bit early in the process, but we do have a few ideas what the team needs in late April. The process of team building never ends and BBQ is about to take a look at what could happen later this spring.
Will BBQ match or surpass the success that it had with the 2018 mocks? It will be difficult and very challenging, but it is a task that we embrace. With that kind of success, we truly believe it helps the members of BGO to focus on the players who are prospects that the Redskins are seeking. It feels good to provide everyone here with the kind of service you expect from BBQ.
We will feature two mocks each week – one that features a successful return of quarterback Alex Smith and one that features him not returning. This mock has him returning successfully from his injury.
Without any further delays, let's take our latest look at the 2019 draft with this mock.
Round One: Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
Do you want playmakers? Ok, Noah Fant is the best tight end in this draft and it is not even close. Imagine a stronger, bigger, taller, and talented Jordan Reed. Fant is that and so much more. Excellent receiver. Able to win “jump balls†in the end zone. Runs most of the tree routes. Very effective blocker. Easily creates separation from linebackers, safeties, and slot corners. An absolute nightmare for defensive coordinators.
Other Possible Picks:
Cody Ford, G/OT, Oklahoma
Montez Sweat, Edge/OLB, Mississippi St.
Clelin Ferrell, OLB, Clemson
A.J. Brown, WR, Mississippi
Jachai Polite, Edge/OLB, Florida
Parris Campbell, WR, Ohio St.
Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
Round Two: J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, WR, Stanford
Arcega-Whiteside could be the most accomplished receiver prospect in the 2019 draft. He has elite skills and is simply a master at all of the tree routes. Routinely makes incredible catches. A true highlight reel. Ability to separate from defenders on a regular basis. A powerful red zone target – fades and slants are a specialty. Long strides give him an advantage over safeties. Often gains good yardage after the catch.
Other Possible Picks:
D.K. Metcalf, WR, Mississippi
Brett Rypien, QB, Boise St.
Rashan Gary, DE/OLB, Michigan
Kelvin Harmon, WR, North Carolina St.
Jaquan Johnson, SS, Miami
Jalen Jelks, OLB, Oregon
Will Grier, QB, West Virginia
Riley Ridley, WR, Georgia
Nasir Adderley, SS/FS, Delaware
Round Three: Juan Thornhill, SS, Virginia
D.J. Swearinger alienated coaches and players alike in recent weeks and the Redskins released him. Juan Thornhill can step in on day one and be even better than Swearinger. Thornhill is a smart and savvy player at strong safety. He has good size, speed, and the intangibles to excel at the next level.
Other Possible Picks:
Caleb Wilson, TE, UCLA
J.R. Reed, SS, Georgia
Hakeem Butler, WR, Iowa St.
Germaine Pratt, ILB, North Carolina St.
Chris Lindstrom, OG, Boston College
Connor McGovern, OC/OG, Penn St.
David Sills, WR, West Virginia
Jace Sternberger, TE, Texas A&M
Round Three (Comp Pick): Easton Stick, QB, North Dakota St.
Easton Stick has been steadily rising on draft boards for several months now and for good reasons. He's a winner and there have been a few whispers that Stick is a better prospect than another Bison product – Carson Wentz. Comparisons aside, Stick can make all the throws accurately. He is also accurate on the run. Consistently goes through his progressions quickly. NDSU utilizes a pro-style system. Very good mechanics. Solid pocket passer, but can effectively scramble when needed.
Round Five: Max Scharping, OT/OG, Northern Illinois
Max Scharping is a good tackle, but he has the skills and traits that will likely move him to the inside at the next level. A bit too stiff to play tackle in the NFL, but would be much better inside. Good in pass protection. Good in the rushing offense. Would need a year in the league in order to adjust to the next level. Could be a reliable left guard after learning the position. Excellent size. Smart player and quick learner – with such traits, he could be a starter by mid-season.
Other Possible Picks:
Yodny Cajuste, OT, West Virginia
Darrell Henderson, RB, Memphis
Dawson Knox, TE, Mississippi
Juwan Johnson, WR, Penn St.
Tyree Jackson, QB, Buffalo
Isaac Nauta, TE, Georgia
Lester Cotton, OG, Alabama
Round Five (Comp Pick): Corbin Kaufusi, DE, Brigham Young
Kaufusi is a bit raw, but has a ton of potential. He stands 6'9†and weighs in at 285. He can add bulk to his frame and be a true defensive end or play edge. He's strong, powerful, deceptively quick, and would likely need a year to adjust to the NFL. Kaufusi has a 6'1†sister who can likely out-lift you with considerable ease – tallness and strength runs in the family. Matt Ioannidis was a fifth round selection. Can lightning strike twice?
Round Six (Comp Pick): Olamide Zaccheaus, WR, Virginia
How would you like a receiver who has running back skills and combines his talents to look like a Larry Centers and Chris Thompson type of player? Highly underrated. Lack of height will hurt him in the draft (5'8â€, 200), but he has the speed and power to be a much more durable player than Thompson. He has been the leading receiver for Virginia over the years.
Other Possible Picks:
Joe Dineen, ILB, Kansas
Jonathan Ledbetter, DE, Georgia
Emanuel Hall, WR, Missouri
Carl Granderson, OLB, Wyoming
Kingsley Keke, DE/DT, Texas A&M
Wes Hills, RB, Slippery Rock
Round Seven: Ului Lapuaho, OT, BYU
It's no secret that Ty Nsekhe struggled this past season in backup duty and will be in his mid-thirties this year. Ului Lapuaho at 6'7â€, 330 is similar in size to Nsekhe and would bring a youthful infusion to the tackles. Hailing from the state of Utah, the massive lineman has served his Mormon mission (Australia) and is likely ready to be a quality backup at the next level.
Other Possible Picks:
Jaylen Smith, WR, Louisville
Olive Sagapolu, DT, Wisconsin
Qadree Ollison, RB, Pittsburgh
Nate Herbig, OG, Stanford
Daylon Mack, DT, Texas A&M
Eric Dungey, QB, Syracuse
Kendall Blanton, TE, Missouri
In Conclusion
The extra sixth round comp pick that the Redskins had recently was surrendered when Terrelle Pryor was released late in the season by the Jets. The extra seventh rounder that the Redskins were projected to receive will not happen due to the NFL's Rule of 32. As a result, the Redskins will now receive only three comp picks in the 2019 draft (3rd, 5th, 6th). When free agency opens, the changes to the roster will also have an effect on the draft. Mocks in January look much different than mocks in the spring. For now, we can only speculate based on current team needs and performance to date.
There is your first of two mocks today. We will have another mock coming within the hour. The mocks will continue to be posted this winter and early spring, then the volume of mocks will increase as we get closer to the draft.