Burner's Burning Questions: Free Agency, The Mock Drafts, 2015 (Continual Updates)

[Burgundy Burner]

Free Agency, The Mock Drafts, 2015 (Continual Updates)​

Here is our post round one mock as the draft continues this evening. Tomorrow will bring one final “updated mock”.

We would like you to offer your own ideas about the draft, free agency, team cuts, and anything else related to these subjects. Too, feel free to chime in on our first pick or what we may do over the next two days.

The prospect list has been updated to reflect players that are still available. Players chosen by other teams have been deleted for obvious reasons.

Without any further delays, let’s take a look at this latest mock.

Mock Draft, 2015​

Round One: Brandon Scherff, OT/OG, Iowa
***Official***
GM McCloughan stated his preference for “big uglies” who are nasty, mean, and aggressive. Scherff is arguably the best tackle/guard/offensive lineman on the board and the Redskins have now added him to the offensive line. According to a team source, Scherff was rated higher than the fifth overall choice by the Redskins. He is a beast in the running game and good in pass protection. Playing in the powerful Big Ten, he more than held his own against quality competition. He will start from day one and be a mainstay for the next dozen years or more. The Redskins reportedly have already named him the starting RT.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TS9Hq4bdFY0

Round Two:
The Redskins trade down in round two and add a third rounder.

Round Two: Eli Harold, OLB, Virginia
We also take the GM at his word that he wants an edge rushing OLB. Harold is an explosive player who could allow Trent Murphy to move inside to ILB and form a powerful linebacker corps. The ACC product is strong at the point of attack with an initial burst that is hard to beat and is particularly strong against tight ends. He can drop back in coverage and is able to blitz against left tackles with a very quick first two or three steps.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ba8WsoHzfAg
Other Possible Targets:
Eric Rowe, CB, Utah
Benardrick McKinney, ILB/OLB, Mississippi St.
Jalen Strong, WR, Arizona St.
Landon Collins, SS, Alabama
La’el Collins, OT, LSU

Round Three: Tre Jackson, OG, Florida St.
Yes, the GM wants the “big uglies” and wants them now. The massively sized ACC lineman is a force on the offensive line. He is a player who engages defensive linemen with a nasty attitude and with great leverage against defenders. Jackson holds his ground against the best defensive tackles and struggles a bit against pass rushing DEs. Thus, he is better on the inside and not projected to be an OT.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KG8HmLInPYw
Other Possible Targets:
Paul Dawson, ILB, TCU
Rashad Greene, WR, Florida St.
Lorenzo Mauldin, OLB, Louisville
Devin Funchess, TE/WR, Michigan
Carl Davis, DT, Iowa

Round Three: Jay Ajayi, RB, Boise State
The new GM promised Robert Griffin, III that good players will be brought to the offense. With the departure of Roy Helu to the Raiders, the Redskins use their extra third rounder as a replacement. The Redskins get the better end of this deal as Ajayi is a pass catching specialist and a superb blocker. He can be a three down back if needed and could be part of a formidable tandem with Alfred Morris. The former soccer player is quick on his feet and will fit into just about any running scheme.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUQ4Xy-sVvE
Other Possible Targets:
See Above

Round 4: Durell Eskridge, FS, Syracuse
The Redskins add a talented free safety/strong safety from the ACC as McCloughan shores up the secondary. Eskridge played FS, but he can play SS in the NFL as well. He will have the luxury of spending a year learning the system with no pressure of starting, but he could force Dashon Goldson or Jeron Johnson to the bench as the season progresses. With the newfound depth at S via free agency and from the draft, the Redskins will have size, speed, strength, depth, and needed talents at these two vital positions. Will likely be a very good special teams player.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69MqHJ8obWo
Other Possible Targets:
Kurtis Drummond, FS, Michigan St.
Vince Mayle, WR, Washington St.
Jacoby Glenn, CB, Central Florida
Darren Waller, WR, Georgia Tech
Jaquiski Tartt, SS, Samford

Round Five:
The Redskins trade down to the latter part of round five and pick up a sixth and seventh rounder.

Round Five: Nick Boyle, TE, Delaware
The GM was true to his word and added plenty of size and muscle to the offensive line. In essence, McCoughan continues to add more beef to the line. Boyle comes from the Colonial Athletic Conference and can snag his share of receptions, but blocking is his forte. He could be inserted in both running and passing packages. Could be a huge steal at this juncture of the draft and has the ability to be a special teams standout.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGfh1B-Mf5s
Other Possible Targets:
Jamon Brown, OT, Louisville
Robert Myers, G, Tennessee State
Kaleb Eulls, DE, Mississippi St.
Taiwan Jones, ILB, Michigan St.
Xzavier Dickson, OLB, Alabama

Round Six: Joey Mbu, DT, Houston
The Redskins had a private workout with Mbu and the interest in him is apparently very real. He has the size to shed blockers and often did so when excelling in the run defense. Not a pass rushing specialist, but was expected to occupy blockers and did so effectively against quality AAC competition. He could sub for Knighton at times when needed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuOeLtV4KZs
Other Possible Targets:
Terry Williams, DT, East Carolina
Cody Prewitt, FS, Mississippi
B.J. Finney, C, Kansas St.
Tray Walker, CB, Texas Southern
Rakeem Nunez-Roches, DT, Southern Miss

Round Six:
The Redskins trade down in round six and pick up another seventh rounder.

Round Six: Dominique Brown, RB, Louisville
Why not? The GM did say that he was looking to add good players for Robert Griffin, III and this selection continues that process. When looking for a third down back, the Redskins go back to the ACC and Louisville. Brown is a large, bruising back who can specialize in short yardage situations. Strong and physical, he has a workhorse capability and is a superb receiver out of the backfield. An excellent blocker who could be a very solid special teams contributor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuOeLtV4KZs
Other Possible Targets:
See Above

Round Seven: Max Garcia, C, Florida
The Redskins weren’t intending to take another offensive lineman, but they do go for BPA at this juncture in the draft and come away with an absolute steal and gem. Coming from Gator Nation and the SEC, Garcia is a team favorite and leader who visits the weight room regularly. He more than held his own at the Senior Bowl against highly rated prospects Danny Shelton and Carl Davis. He could be a day one starter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fhl4l46vIps
Other Possible Targets:
Dechane Durante, FS, Northern Illinois
Tyson Chandler, OG/OT, North Carolina St.
A.J. Tarpley, ILB, Stanford
Zachary Zenner, FB, South Dakota St.
Trey DePriest, ILB, Alabama

Round Seven: Connor Halliday, QB, Washington St.
The Redskins GM was at the Washington St. pro day workout to see the PAC 12 record setter perform in cold, rainy, raw conditions. He was nothing short of impressive in the horrible weather. Halliday would be rated higher, but suffered a grueling ankle injury last season. Only recently has he fully healed and was able to impress at his pro day. Some would say that Halliday has the “it” factor that McCloughan covets and could be an absolute steal at this point in the draft.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yhFSt-xw4E
Other Possible Targets:
See Above

Round Seven: Julian Wilson, CB/FS, Oklahoma
The GM has two excellent corners in Culliver and Breeland, but depth is needed and a reliable nickel CB is desired. Wilson has excellent speed and was able to more than hold his own in the pass-happy Big 12. He played both corner and free safety. Wilson figures to be drafted and installed as a free safety or as a nickel cornerback prospect. He has the size that McCloughan covets and could contribute immediately on special teams.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFJmvSjItF8
Other Possible Targets:
See Above

Prospects Contacted, Interviewed, Visited:
East-West Shrine game - EW
Senior Bowl - SB
Combine – NFLC
Team Pro Day – TPD
Team Visit – TV
Private Workout - PW

Derrick Lott, DT, Tennessee-Chattanooga EW
Zachary Zenner, FB, South Dakota St. EW
Darren Waller, WR, Georgia Tech EW
Justin Coleman, CB, Tennessee EW
Jamon Brown, OT, Louisville EW, PW, TV
Damian Parms, S, Florida Atlantic EW
Bobby McCain, CB, Memphis EW
Jordan Taylor, WR, Rice EW
Jake Ryan, LB, Michigan EW
Ryan Russell, DE, Purdue EW
DaVaris Daniels, WR, Notre Dame NFLC
Stefon Diggs, WR, Maryland NFLC
Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa NFLC, TPD
Carl Davis, DT, Iowa TPD
Eli Harold, OLB, Virginia NFLC, TPD
Rakeem Nunez-Roches, DT, Southern Miss TPD
Jake Fisher, OT, Oregon TPD
Shaquille Mason, OG, Georgia Tech TPD
A.J. Tarpley, ILB, Stanford TPD
Joey Mbu, DT, Houston PW
Landon Collins, SS, Alabama TPD
T.J. Yeldon, RB, Alabama TPD
Trey DePriest, ILB, Alabama TPD
Xzavier Dickson, OLB, Alabama TPD
Cody Prewitt, FS, Mississippi TPD
Bo Wallace, QB, Mississippi TPD
Titus Davis, WR, Central Michigan TPD
Eric Rowe, CB, Utah TPD
Jeremiah Poutasi, OG, Utah TPD
Donovan Smith, OT, Penn St. TPD
Jacob Hagen, FS, Liberty TPD
Courtland Clavette, LS, Brown Univ. TPD
Nick Boyle, TE, Delaware TPD
Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA TPD
Malcolm Bunche, OT, UCLA TPD
Zachary Vigil, ILB, Utah St. TPD
Kaleb Eulls, DE, Mississippi St. TPD
Tavarus Dantzler, OLB, Bethune-Cookman TPD
Terrance West, RB, Towson TPD
Tre McBride, WR, William & Mary TPD
De'Vante Bausby, CB, Pittsburg St. (KS) TPD
Connor Halliday, QB, Washington St. TPD, TV
Colby Rademacher, PK, SMU TPD
Jake Cotton, OG, Nebraska TV
Andrew Hudson, OLB, Washington TV, PW
Ali Marpet, OG, Hobart PW
Jean Sifrin, TE, Massachusetts TPD
Dexter McDonald, CB, Kansas PW, TV
Vince Mayle, WR, Washington St. PW
R.J. Harris, WR, New Hampshire TV
Todd Thomas, OLB, Pittsburgh TV
Darius Kilgo, DT, Maryland TV
Tavaris Barnes, DE, Clemson PW
Frank Clark, DE, Michigan PW
Tray Walker, CB, Texas Southern PW
Jerry Lovelocke, QB, Prairie View A&M PW

There is your post round one mock and an updated prospect list. The draft continues tonight and we are here to cover it all.

Hail To The Redskins!

 

[Dead Money]

When do u sleep BB?

 

[riggins44]

We all wanted Williams, but McCloughan had other plans. Today I feel much better about the pick. Couple things changed my mind.

One is the pundits thinking we shouldn't have passed on Williams and Scherff wasn't a wow pick. The other is reading the response by current and former players. Jacoby liking this pick was enough for me. Then to read responses by guys like Morris and others I felt much better.

Callahan working with Scherff, Williams, and others will give us a much needed lift on OL. The run game will be better and thus helping the pass.

Another reason I like this pick is the Giants wanted him. They may have gotten an OL, but not the one they wanted.

 

[Jimbo]

BB, after watching things unfold yesterday, if we trade down I think we miss out on Harold and Rowe and Randy Gregory is probably off the table.

I wouldn't mind another OL but a couple of names to watch might be Eric Kendricks (my preference) and NT's Eddie Goldman and Jordan Phillips, the latter of which has been compared to Terrance Knighton.

 

[McD5]

BB, any thoughts on Jalen Collins?

A six foot two CB from LSU. Some well-respected analysts are going crazy that he wasn't taken in the first round.

I don't know much about him.

 

[Burgundy Burner]

When do u sleep BB?

This is just like last year. After the first round, I had to stay up quite late to get the updated mock posted for this morning. If I had waited to do my work until early or mid morning, the mock would've been posted much later (around mid day or later?). That is not acceptable and the early risers and all members here deserve that commitment. You and others shouldn't be delayed just because I may have a lazy streak.

As for what may happen today and tomorrow becomes increasingly difficult. The first overall pick for us was the correct call, but I based it off of what the GM said. I continue to take that approach and can't go by what others teams are doing/saying as well as what the pundits say. In other words, you stick to the draft board and stay close to what the GM has said.

We'll have many more misses now. That's the nature of mocks as the picks come in beyond round one. On to rounds two and three tonight.

 

[Burgundy Burner]

BB, any thoughts on Jalen Collins?

A six foot two CB from LSU. Some well-respected analysts are going crazy that he wasn't taken in the first round.

I don't know much about him.

He failed too many drug tests in college.

 

[Rymanofthenorth]

It's not hard. You say 'With the 5th pick of the 2015 NFL draft, the Washington Redskins select Brandon Scherff, University of Iowa'

Don't ever bitch about OL play again if you aren't committed to investing in early draft picks. I wanted Wiliiams too - but I totally respect this pick. And it took balls to forego conventional wisdom to make it.

I am not freaking out, if we werent gonna take williams I wouldnt have wanted anyone else, but if scherff doesnt pan out and williams does it will look worse. I am pulling for scherff though

 

[Goaldeje]

I am not freaking out, if we werent gonna take williams I wouldnt have wanted anyone else, but if scherff doesnt pan out and williams does it will look worse. I am pulling for scherff though

I know they're just highlights, but I have little doubt the guy will pan out looking at the posted videos. The guy strikes me as very intelligent and exceptionally hard working, and he finishes plays all the way to the end. He may have to learn a few things about the NFL, but I believe we just shored up the RT or G position for 10 years.

 

[McD5]

He failed too many drug tests in college.

Thanks, and damn. He sounds talented.

Sources Tell Us "They all have holes, but Collins is what you are looking for in an NFL cornerback with his length and speed. He isn't there yet, but he has the traits and ability to become a high-end starter and maybe the best cornerback from this draft." -- NFC director of personnel

Bottom Line Immensely talented cornerback who brings the entire triangle (height, weight, speed) with him. Still learning technique and how to sink his feet with his eyes, but the instincts and athleticism to make plays on the ball both short and deep are what set him apart. Collins is a work in progress, but his physical and play traits create a very high ceiling if he continues to learn to play the position.

 

[fansince62]

ok...here it goes: on some planes I don't like the pick.

1) On the emotional plane. I hate it. There's nothing interesting here for me. It's a dullard position. I happen to prefer defense. I went from a huge high (we got Williams) to "*uck me" we settled for an o-linemen in a draft with depth at the position BUT NO ONE RATED AS AN ELITE, SURE BET, PERENNIAL ALL-PRO. Williams....on the other hand..... We undercut the value of picking at number 5 hugely...IMO.

2) On the idea plane. So, when I ask myself what McL and the team is thinking, thenI can piece together a rationale that makes sense:

- their going in position: they are not drafting one of the top two QBs because they will be gone by the time 5 comes around

- they agree that some of the problems have been QB centered, but that the o-line especially the right side, has been a major part of the problem: BIG PLUS FOR SCHERFF.

- they want to move away from zone/finesse blocking to power run game: BIG PLUS FOR SCHERFF. qualified by the knowledge that Gruden has demonstrated a tendency to abandon the running game way early in games.

- they want to get better at pass blocking particularly up the middle and on the right side of the line: HERE'S WHERE I HAVE SOME ISSUES WITH SCHERFF.......but we'll see. I'm certainly no film/football guru - what I have seen is a guy with so so footwork in pass blocking who did not look agile laterally when passblocking. what the f do I know?!!! dude hasn't been, to borrow Gruden's famous cliche, "coached up". so working on assumption that this is fixable and the major need - passblocking....not run blocking - on the right side becomes a core strength.

- McL pretty much has told us all along what he is going to do. This pick is totally consistent and makes sense from that pov. he's keeping to his strategy.

- note to self: Scherff has a history of injuries. hope those are all out of the way!

3) On the common sense plane. they figure they will hit on a QB sometime over the next the 2-3 years...whether it's Robert or someone else. while waiting....build the lines. IMO...the d-line they are building is strictly interim. I would have preferred a longer-term younger player like Williams and focus on defense since I think that will continue to be the bigger weakness for this team. but the obvious focus is going to be restocking the o-line first. entirely reasonable. wanna figure out whether to make the investment in Griffin - then remove all the variables. So, again, from this perspective, it's a smart pick.

I still would have preferred Williams. I think this defense is going to be a problem for several seasons. Current changes will produce (winging it here) a 3-4 point decrease in points per game.....but in my mind remains a weak point from a pass rush and coverage point of view. Pork Roast could be gone next season, Hatcher is aging, francoise was cut by another team and paea is a decent upgrade but not a world beater - I think we remain average to weak when it comes to passrushing and that will continue to hurt this team.

BUT....if we do keep to the gameplan with o-line.....so be it. let's do it and get good at it! It may mean the end of ALF's stay here (if he is basically a zone style runner)....but who knows.

The pick is smart when viewed unemotionally. From other perspectives, it's a "meh" for me. Nothing to really get upset about. it's smart.

btw...obviously don't know how the rest of the draft will play out. so the bigger plan may over-ride some of my thoughts. either way....we have an adult running the show. must be patient. must be patient. must be patient. must wait for magic moment when it all comes together.

 

[Fear The Spear]

I can see the Redskins or some team doing this -
Trading down a few spots in a high round like the 2nd or 3rd, and then considering that "bonus" pick as a non-risky pick to use on La'El

A lot of talent slipped to round 2. We should get another 1st round-quality player in round 2, if we don't trade down.

Maybe end up with Gregory ?

 

[Win4us]

Mark my words. Brandon Scherff will be the greatest Redskin from Iowa - since Sage Rosenfels !!

Ladell Betts would like a word with you!

 

[fansince62]

I can see the Redskins or some team doing this -
Trading down a few spots in a high round like the 2nd or 3rd, and then considering that "bonus" pick as a non-risky pick to use on La'El

A lot of talent slipped to round 2. We should get another 1st round-quality player in round 2, if we don't trade down.

Maybe end up with Gregory ?

me? I'd draft Gregory. like the idea. but I think McL has already ruled that out - he has been pretty strong in voicing his opinions on character. The problem for Gregory is that he has messed up consistently - too much history (in short....super talent....but an idiot!). so, would I like to see us take a chance on him? you bet. will we? I doubt it.

I see us going for a safety or one of the second tier passrushing LBs today.

like you idea on Collins as well. but at what position? slide Scherff inside and smile at Moses as the door shuts behind him?

 

[Win4us]

Is the Alabama safety, Collins, not worth our 2nd? If not let's get a big nasty for the D-line!

Goldman anyone?

 

[fansince62]

Is the safety Collins not worth our 2nd?

good question. I don't know. all I have read is that his strength fits in with strong safety and not pass defense. but he could be terrific value on our draft board in second round. I wouldn't be upset. anything that improves the defense is good by me!!!

 

[Jimbo]

Is the Alabama safety, Collins, not worth our 2nd? If not let's get a big nasty for the D-line!

Goldman anyone?

I think the issue with Landon Collins is lack of size and speed. He struggled a bit in coverage and I think Eric Rowe or Jaquiski Tartt would be better options. As for Goldman, he's one of my top choices with my #1 choice being Eric Kendricks, who reminds me a bit of London Fletcher.

 

[McD5]

He struggled a bit in coverage and I think Eric Rowe or Jaquiski Tartt would be better options. As for Goldman, he's one of my top choices with my #1 choice being Eric Kendricks, who reminds me a bit of London Fletcher.

Hello!

 

[Fear The Spear]

I don't know what's more insane - the fact that Philly made this offer to the Titans for #2.....or the fact that TN turned it down !!

Two first-round picks
One third-round pick
Fletcher Cox, the team's best defensive player
Brandon Boykin, nickel corner
Sam Bradford, starting quarterback
Mychal Kendricks, starting linebacker

One thing is for sure - it shows how much BOTH teams thought of Mariota.

Didn't know this until a few minutes ago -
TB and TN play in week 1.
So, likely it will be Winston vs Mariota right off the bat

 

[servumtuum]

ok...here it goes: on some planes I don't like the pick.

1) On the emotional plane. I hate it. There's nothing interesting here for me. It's a dullard position. I happen to prefer defense. I went from a huge high (we got Williams) to "*uck me" we settled for an o-linemen in a draft with depth at the position BUT NO ONE RATED AS AN ELITE, SURE BET, PERENNIAL ALL-PRO. Williams....on the other hand..... We undercut the value of picking at number 5 hugely...IMO.

2) On the idea plane. So, when I ask myself what McL and the team is thinking, thenI can piece together a rationale that makes sense:

- their going in position: they are not drafting one of the top two QBs because they will be gone by the time 5 comes around

- they agree that some of the problems have been QB centered, but that the o-line especially the right side, has been a major part of the problem: BIG PLUS FOR SCHERFF.

- they want to move away from zone/finesse blocking to power run game: BIG PLUS FOR SCHERFF. qualified by the knowledge that Gruden has demonstrated a tendency to abandon the running game way early in games.

- they want to get better at pass blocking particularly up the middle and on the right side of the line: HERE'S WHERE I HAVE SOME ISSUES WITH SCHERFF.......but we'll see. I'm certainly no film/football guru - what I have seen is a guy with so so footwork in pass blocking who did not look agile laterally when passblocking. what the f do I know?!!! dude hasn't been, to borrow Gruden's famous cliche, "coached up". so working on assumption that this is fixable and the major need - passblocking....not run blocking - on the right side becomes a core strength.

- McL pretty much has told us all along what he is going to do. This pick is totally consistent and makes sense from that pov. he's keeping to his strategy.

- note to self: Scherff has a history of injuries. hope those are all out of the way!

3) On the common sense plane. they figure they will hit on a QB sometime over the next the 2-3 years...whether it's Robert or someone else. while waiting....build the lines. IMO...the d-line they are building is strictly interim. I would have preferred a longer-term younger player like Williams and focus on defense since I think that will continue to be the bigger weakness for this team. but the obvious focus is going to be restocking the o-line first. entirely reasonable. wanna figure out whether to make the investment in Griffin - then remove all the variables. So, again, from this perspective, it's a smart pick.

I still would have preferred Williams. I think this defense is going to be a problem for several seasons. Current changes will produce (winging it here) a 3-4 point decrease in points per game.....but in my mind remains a weak point from a pass rush and coverage point of view. Pork Roast could be gone next season, Hatcher is aging, francoise was cut by another team and paea is a decent upgrade but not a world beater - I think we remain average to weak when it comes to passrushing and that will continue to hurt this team.

BUT....if we do keep to the gameplan with o-line.....so be it. let's do it and get good at it! It may mean the end of ALF's stay here (if he is basically a zone style runner)....but who knows.

The pick is smart when viewed unemotionally. From other perspectives, it's a "meh" for me. Nothing to really get upset about. it's smart.

btw...obviously don't know how the rest of the draft will play out. so the bigger plan may over-ride some of my thoughts. either way....we have an adult running the show. must be patient. must be patient. must be patient. must wait for magic moment when it all comes together.

We're pretty similar on this Fan, although since I have a tendency to avoid both euphoria and despair alike I didn't have much of a negative response to Scherff as a pick at all. Where we are in terms of the mental processing of this pick is the main similarity. I can accept something far better if I understand it and, as you point out, this pick can be explained and thus understood easily. McLuv filled an often mentioned desperate need for the Redskins. Whether he used some variant or hybrid of BPA/Draft-for-need is to me irrelevant at this point-the outcome is positive and the result bodes well from the perspective of Scottie beginning a multi-year team rebuild along similar lines of what he accomplished at SanFran.

I'm cool with this pick.


One more thing, Fan-your last sentence "magic moment when it all comes together"?

I'm thinking around the 2017 season. This is yet another reason I'm not scrutinizing McLuv's picks with a predetermined expectation in mind but seeing if it makes sense within the context of how he has developed his successful product in the past.