Is Tannehill a reach at #6?

[Neophyte]

After reading this new mock draft by the Sporting News which has the Skins taking Tannehill at #6, I have to ask, do you think that would be a reach by the team? Would drafting him anywhere in the first round be a reach?

While I know every year is different, I am forced to look at last year when I thought the Skins would have their pick of anyone of 3-4 QB's with their pick in the 2nd round but ended up with only the least interesting option left (Ryan Mallett) by the time their turn on the clock came around. Reports indicate that Shanahan was looking at Dalton for the 2nd round spot. If those reports are true, will losing out last year influence what the Skins do this year (especially in light of Dalton's rookie success)?

 

[Lanky Livingston]

Its hard to say at this point - right now, I would say it is a reach. But, if Tannehill sets the combine on fire with his skills, maybe he shoots all the way up into the top 10? Its so arbitrary until you see those combine results. All he needs is a little buzz and he'll skyrocket easily. A really bad combine could easily drop him to the third or fourth round also. You just never know.

 

[Ax]

If he turns out to be "The One", how could it be a reach? I couldn't care less what some draft guru thinks. Instant analysis is hard to do accurately.

 

[Neophyte]

If he turns out to be "The One", how could it be a reach? I couldn't care less what some draft guru thinks. Instant analysis is hard to do accurately.

I grok that, Ax. Maybe what I should have asked was if you would be disappointed if the Skins took him at #6? Or later in the first round after trading back? Or thought he was too much of a risk to take in the first round at all?

And what I am driving for here is what you think right there and then, during the draft, when his name is called. Not years down the road with the benefit of hindsight.

 

[Goaldeje]

I would be a little taken aback, sure. Disappointed slightly, if I'm being honest. Would much rather trade down, pick up some extra picks and pick him a little later. I can't imagine (all things being equal) that he wouldn't be there if we dropped to 13, for instance.

 

[Ax]

I grok that, Ax. Maybe what I should have asked was if you would be disappointed if the Skins took him at #6? Or later in the first round after trading back? Or thought he was too much of a risk to take in the first round at all?

And what I am driving for here is what you think right there and then, during the draft, when his name is called. Not years down the road with the benefit of hindsight.

I know. But I'm the wrong guy to ask. I will be optimistic that whoever we take will help the team.

I don't watch college, anything. Well, college girls, maybe. but I've lived long enough to know that college careers do not always translate to the pros. College highlights can be tantalizing, but for the most part, they're meaningless.

I don't care what a players draft status is. I only care if he can play.

 

[riggins44]

In a perfect world he would be a reach at 6. Our FO will have to look and see who behind us may be in market for a QB.

Then you have to decide to you reach and take him at 6? Or do you try to trade back and get him later?

I still feel FA will determine where we and a lot of teams go in the draft. If Green Bay puts franchise tag on Flynn then will anyone ante up the picks to get him?

 

[Jimbo]

OK, somebody PLEASE fill me in. When you put a franchise tag on the guy, don't you still have to offer him the average of the top 5 or 10 guys at his position or did that change with the new CBA? WHY would a team put a franchise tag on their BACKUP QB?

If the Packers did tag Flynn, I'd call their draft choice bluff and FORCE them to sign him to a huge contract. If I were Flynn, I'd sign on the dotted line right away and get rich backing up Rodgers for another year.

I just CAN'T see it happening.

On to the Tannehill debate....the one thing I DON'T want to happen is for our FO to feel like we absolutely HAVE to take a QB at #6. If they DO take him, they will have to convince me that he was in their plans all along because they sure as heck won't be able to convince Kiper, McShay and the rest of the pundits that they didn't reach. Even then, I'm pretty sure we could trade down and get him later in the first round, providing he doesn't light the world on fire at the Senior Bowl, if he gets an invite, or the Combine.

 

[Lanky Livingston]

Well, there were two complete reaches in this year's draft at the QB position, Jake Locker and Christian Ponder. Both were projects that needed some polishing, and played like it this season. That's about what we can expect if Tannehill is taken at 6th overall...

 

[Goaldeje]

Gabbert too, imo.

 

[Burgundy Burner]

IF Luck and RG3 are not meant to be, then we trade down. Cincinnati may feel like they are close to a good playoff run and could trade the 17th and 21st picks to the Redskins for the sixth pick.

New England has a history of moving up and they could be willing to trade the 30th and 31st picks (approximate) and a third rounder.

Take the lower pick in the first round (from either trade) and acquire addtional picks - just like last year.

Take Tannehill with one of those 1st round choices - it won't be too high or too low. For several weeks, I listed Tannehill as the third best QB in this draft behind RG3 and Luck. However, there is no need to reach at the 6th pick.

 

[Lanky Livingston]

IF Luck and RG3 are not meant to be, then we trade down. Cincinnati may feel like they are close to a good playoff run and could trade the 17th and 21st picks to the Redskins for the sixth pick.

Could definitely see them trading up for Mo' Claiborne or some other elite defender. This would be the ideal consolation prize if we indeed miss out on both Luck and RG3. Don't really want to think about that though!!

Take Tannehill with one of those 1st round choices - it won't be too high or too low. For several weeks, I listed Tannehill as the third best QB in this draft behind RG3 and Luck. However, there is no need to reach at the 6th pick.

I've seen a few articles that say Tannehill just might have the highest ceiling, but is definitely the most raw. Would definitely test the "Shanahan can mold QBs" hypothesis.

 

[Elephant]

Well, there were two complete reaches in this year's draft at the QB position, Jake Locker and Christian Ponder. Both were projects that needed some polishing, and played like it this season. That's about what we can expect if Tannehill is taken at 6th overall...

Especially if RGIII decides to stay in school. That will throw the entire draft for a loop.

 

[Boone]

I don't seen anything to indicate Tannehill is a top half of the first round kind of a guy. I'm not sure he's even a first round QB. He'll be taken by the 15th pick, but I think it's a reach.

 

[China]

It seems to me both the second and third options of your poll could be true. He could be a reach at #6, but a good pick later in the round.

 

[Skinsfan76]

I agree with the idea of him being a first round pick but not at six overall. He is still very much a project. A former WR and if it is in the Shanaplan to draft him then we need a starter for 2012.
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[Canadian Hog]

Given Allen's and Shanahan's performance a year ago in the draft, I think we have to give them the benefit of the doubt regardless of who they take and at what spot in the draft. In a large draft class from a year ago, every player outside of Aldrick Robinson, Brandyn Thompson, and Markus White have showed flashes and promise during live game situations, and have given us a level of confidence that they will be able to contribute long-term on this team in some capacity, large or small. Even in 2010, while there were some more obvious draft management mistakes made (e.g. McNabb), there were obvious positives as well. Trent Williams is a solid tackle if he decides he wants to be. Perry Riley is shaping up to be a nice contributor as a fourth round pick, and obtaining Carriker for a 5th rounder was a shrewed move. The fact that a 7th round pick in Erik Cook has stuck around for a couple seasons and has started in 2 games inspires some confidence as well in the front office's ability to acquire late round bodies that can provide depth at the very least.

In my opinion, it's all based on your front office's reputation and track record in handling the draft. Granted, Shanahan and Allen have a small sample size in terms of their draft track record, but many positives have been seen in just two short years.

I'll use that information and evidence as the deciding factor before throwing something at my television in April if the Redskins in fact draft someone who is not on Mel Kiper's or Mike Mayock's "Best Available" lists.

 

[Fear The Spear]

IF Luck and RG3 are not meant to be, then we trade down.

This would be the ideal consolation prize if we indeed miss out on both Luck and RG3. Don't really want to think about that though!!

I don't see how we could end up getting Luck in any scenario, since Indy has basically revealed they intend on taking him.

 

[Posse Lover]

Yes, I think at #6 he's a risk... we could more than likely trade back into the teens and still get him...

 

[Skinzfan]

The problem with deciding if Tannehill is a reach at #6 is twofold:
1. Has Shanahan seen enough of him, in his evaluation, to feel confident he can succeed in his system. If we assume that is a yes, then you have to consider...

2. Indianapolis takes Luck and Cleveland takes RG3; how far back can we go to ensure we still get him? Miami picks either 8th or 9th, depending on the outcome of the coin flip with Carolina. Carolina is not going to pick a QB, but Miami is. If we trade back to 10 or beyond, Tannehill is availabe at #8 or #9 and Miami will take him. So the only one we can trade back with comfortably is Jacksonville at #7. Jacksonville has no need to trade up 1 spot and does not need a QB.

So, taking Tannehill at #6 is not a reach if the Shanahans have determined from their evaluation of him that he is, or potentially is, the answer to their problem at QB. Last year's draft showed that Shanahan will not reach for a QB if he believes he is not worth it and can fix a hole elsewhere. However, after the failed Rex/Beck experiment, he may be inclined to take Tannehill and look for O-line/Receiver starters/playmakers with his 2nd, 3rd, and 2 4th round picks.