Free Agency, The Mock Drafts, 2017(Continual Updates)
Greetings from BBQ to all in BGO land.
Today we bring you the second mock this month and it features eleven draft choices. The original plan was to post one mock in February, but confusion over draft choices in the fifth and seventh rounds - a condition created by the dynamics of the Derek Carrier trade with the 49ers made the extra and edited mock necessary. However, this will be our final mock until mid-March.
After free agency begins, the frequency of mocks will increase as players are re-signed and added from other teams. During the week of the draft, we will have a mock each day. Please keep in mind that the early mocks will likely look much different than the final mocks. Many factors will dictate those changes. Along the way we will feature mocks that have trades (including today). Too, we will not be featuring mocks that have a trade involving Kirk Cousins – only if and when that actually happens.
Feel free to offer your own ideas about the draft, free agency, team cuts, team additions, coaching changes and anything else related to these subjects. Too, we’d love to see your mocks if you are so inclined.
An extra note that we will continually post throughout the mocking process: These mocks may not necessarily be what BBQ wants or what the members at BGO may prefer. These mocks are designed to try and get into the mind of Scot McCloughan and see what he will do.
Without any further delays, let’s take a look at the latest mock for 2017.
Team Needs:
Free Safety
Defensive Line
Wide Receiver
Inside Linebacker
Left Guard
Running Back
Round One: Trade
The Redskins trade down in round one to the latter stages and pick up a third rounder and a 2018 third rounder.
Round One: Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
Why the surprised look with mouths wide open? Is Scot McCloughan selecting BPA in the first round really that shocking? Coming from the Broncos of the MAC, Corey Davis is a dependable receiver with decent speed and steady hands. A true home run threat on any long pass. Can go over the middle for difficult catches. Solid red zone target. Creates separation in all routes he employs. Good team player. Could likely start from day one.
Other Possible Targets:
Zach Cunningham, ILB, Vanderbilt
Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford
Chris Wormley, DE/DT, Michigan
Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama
Malik McDowell, DE, Michigan St.
Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
Round Two: Budda Baker, FS, Washington
The first name just screams “Football Player”, but Baker is a very talented free safety and possesses superior speed. The All-PAC 12 performer can cover large swaths of the football field and is very aggressive in coverage. Plays with unending confidence. A bit of a liability in the running game, but his quickness makes up for that skillset. Can focus in on receivers and stay with them step for step. Needs to improve his tackling and should do so with good coaching. A natural free safety.
Other Possible Targets:
Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan
Caleb Brantley, DT, Florida
Raekwon McMillan, ILB, Ohio St.
Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
Cooper Kupp, WR, Eastern Washington
T.J. Watt, ILB/OLB, Wisconsin
Round Three: D'Onta Foreman, RB, Texas
The Redskins GM has been looking for his Marshawn Lynch since arriving at Redskins Park. Matt Jones wasn’t the answer. Rob Kelley is a good running back, but only in a relief role. Chris Thompson is a passing down back. D'Onta Foreman from the BIG 12’s Longhorns could be the answer. He’s a big, powerful, bruising, and intimidating back who has a great reputation for picking up major chunks of yardage every time he touches the ball. Incredibly quick. A true goal line threat. Consistently breaks tackles. Very effective on screen passes. A team first player.
Other Possible Targets:
Marcus Williams, FS, Utah
Forrest Lamp, OT/G, Western Kentucky
Elijah Qualls, DT, Washington
Alvin Kamara, RB, Tennessee
Kendell Beckwith, ILB, LSU
Nathan Peterman, QB, Pittsburgh
Round Three: Anthony Walker, ILB, Northwestern
There are several inside linebackers who garner more attention, but Walker comes from a Big Ten program that receives lesser attention. Couple that with him being something of a sleeper prospect and it is not surprising to learn that he is rated a bit lower. But Walker should be rated higher and could be a starter on day one. Has extreme quickness – gets to the quarterback quickly and limits running backs coming out of the backfield. Would need to improve his coverage skills, but is very intelligent and a quick learner.
Round Four: Jarron Jones, DE/DT, Notre Dame
Jones is a productive force at defensive tackle and end. He has superb athleticism for a man his size and figures to play more at the end, but could slide inside at times. Jones has the potential to dominate offensive linemen when he is in a groove and can live in the backfield. The ACC (Affiliated) standout uses his length to block passes and possesses a respectable pass rush. Specialty is stuffing running backs at the line of scrimmage.
Other Possible Targets:
Bucky Hodges, TE, Virginia Tech
Josh Reynolds, WR, Texas A&M
Carlos Watkins, DT, Clemson
Jaleel Johnson, DE, Iowa
Jehu Chesson, WR, Michigan
Brendan Langley, CB, Lamar
Charles Walker, DE/DT, Oklahoma
Jake Butt, TE, Michigan
Round Four: Ryan Glasgow, DE/DT, Michigan
Scot McCloughan decides to snatch a second defensive lineman in this round as the Redskins GM wastes little time in trying to improve the defensive line. The Big Ten defensive lineman adds to an overhaul. Glasgow, the younger brother of Detroit offensive lineman Graham Glasgow, is a relentless defender who can play tackle and end interchangeably. With a humble attitude, the Wolverine takes a simple blue collar approach to the game and does his job. Dominant in the run game and is an effective pass rusher.
Round Five: Nico Siragusa, G, San Diego St.
At 6-5 and 330 pounds, Nico Siragusa obviously has the size to play on the line and he also has the talent. The long term starter for the Aztecs is not related to that other Siragusa, but he could forge a solid career in the NFL. The MWC product is powerfully strong and helps to open big holes for running backs. Struggles a bit with pass protection and will likely need a year to learn and perfect those techniques – as such, he is very teachable and a good teammate.
Other Possible Targets:
Joe Mixon, RB, Oklahoma
Jeremy Sprinkle, TE, Arkansas
Haason Reddick, OLB/ILB, Temple
Tanoh Kpassagnon, DE, Villanova
Montravius Adams, DT, Auburn
Kyle Fuller, C, Baylor
Round Six: Cole Hikutini, TE, Louisville
The six concussions that Jordan Reed has endured can’t be ignored – he could be one hit away from forced retirement. Some good insurance is needed. Cole Hikutini from the Cardinals of the ACC had a very productive 2016. He did benefit from great quarterback play, but the talented tight end proved his worth throughout the season. Very productive. Decent speed. Needs to work on his blocking skills.
Other Possible Targets:
John Johnson, FS, Boston College
Josh Augusta, DT, Missouri
C.J. Beathard, QB, Iowa
Richie Brown, OLB/ILB, Mississippi St.
Charles Walker, DT, Oklahoma
Josh Tupou, DT, Colorado
Round Six: Eddie Vanderdoes, DT/DE, UCLA
After a surprise in round one, the unexpected happens again. Defensive line is obviously a huge need and the PAC 12 standout from the Bruins would be a good addition late in the draft. He is stout against the run and does not provide much of a pass rush. Instead, he occupies double teams extremely well. Will need a year of adjusting at the next level and should a good rotational player by then.
Round Seven: Ben Boulware, ILB, Clemson
The first thing that you want to know about the ACC’s Ben Boulware is his speed – or lack thereof. However, the Tigers madman makes up for it a bit with his football smarts. He can read plays quickly and hunt down running backs and quarterbacks. He would be a major liability in the passing defense and would need at least a couple of years to adjust. His early niche would likely be on special teams.
Other Possible Targets:
James Quick, WR, Louisville
Pharaoh Brown, TE, Oregon
Elijah Hood, RB, North Carolina
David Jones, FS, Richmond
Tyrique Jarrett, DT, Pittsburgh
Ben Braden, G, Michigan
Blake Jarwin, TE, Oklahoma St.
Hardy Nickerson, ILB, Illinois
Round Seven: Ricky Seals-Jones, WR, Texas A&M
Ricky Seals-Jones was a five star recruit for the Aggies of the SEC, but has failed to live up to the hype. However, some pundits feel that his best days are still ahead of him as he does flash occasional bouts of greatness. At 6-5 and 240, he would be a definite target in the end zone for jump balls and various fade routes. He likely needs two years to get a feel of the NFL. He ceiling is very high, but can he reach it? Scot McCloughan may think so. Could potentially play defense when the opposing team lines up for a field goal – jumping and raising those long arms would be interesting.
Undrafted Free Agent Prospects:
Channing Stribling, CB, Michigan
Jordan Evans, ILB, Oklahoma
Jamari Staples, WR, Louisville
Matt Elam, DT, Kentucky
Cam Keizur, C, Portland St.
Stevie Tu'Ikolovatu, DT, Southern California
Adam Griffith, K, Alabama
Elijah McGuire, RB, Louisiana-Lafayette
Christian LaCouture, DT, LSU
Kai Nacua, FS, BYU
Grover Stewart, DT, Albany St.
Patrick Towles, QB, Boston College
Johnny Mundt, TE, Oregon
Tanner Gentry, WR, Wyoming
Prospects Contacted, Interviewed, Visited:
East-West Shrine game - EW
Senior Bowl - SB
Combine – NFLC
Team Pro Day – TPD
Team Visit – TV
Private Workout – PW
Billy Brown, WR, Shepherd – EW
Avery Moss, DE, Youngstown St. - EW
Erik Austell, OT, Charleston Southern – EW
De’Veon Smith, RB, Michigan - EW
Tony Stevens, WR, Auburn - EW
Channing Stribling, CB, Michigan – EW
Joey Ivie, DT, Florida – EW
Forrest Lamp, G, Western Kentucky – SB
Ryan Glasgow, DT, Michigan – SB
Brendan Langley, CB, Lamar – SB
Josh Reynolds, WR, Texas A&M - SB
Marquez White, CB, Florida St. – SB
Ben Gedeon, ILB, Michigan – SB
Tarell Basham, DE/OLB, Ohio - SB
Zach Banner, OT/G, Southern Cal - SB
Montravius Adams, DT, Auburn - SB
Dalvin Tomlinson, DE, Alabama – SB
Patrick Vidal, DL, Catholic Univ. - PW
There is your second mock for February and prospect lists. Free agency is just around the corner and the draft will be here before you know it. See you as we go along.
Hail To The Redskins!