So...about #36 and #40

[Bulldog]

The most important positions on defense are rush end and cover corner. Currently, we don't have either position with an under 25 performer we label as core.

If we go defense, the DE or outside LB must be a beast in rush/win rate and if a corner we need a player that has good size and competitive speed.

You see corners come out and they are 4.55 guys that are physical, that's great. The problem is a number of these players don't make it on the outside and they get kicked to safety.

Safety is not a premium position across the league outside of the top several names. Most clubs fill in safety with middle round picks and veteran free agents.

 

[Boone]

The goal of this draft isn't to meet every need we have with a pick though Bulldog. The goal of the draft is to add the absolute best talent available. Obviously position needs aren't irrelevant (we aren't drafting 4 WRs because that's the best talent available), but I hope they are looking for the best players with position needs just a consideration.

 

[Bulldog]

To me with Daniels on board we now have to alter our strategy a bit.

I am not suggesting we sit at these spots and draft an OT at #36 that is rated #67.

But what I am suggesting is if we see a player at OT or CB that is falling and can help us at the most important positions on the core of the team that we take advantage of our range of picks to try and make that happen.

It may very well be that Peters already has in mind making a deal for a guy like Trey Pipkins from SD who is likely to be displaced by Joe Alt coming in.

And so OT may not be a 100% need in Round 2 or 3 for the front office once they saw the top guys go off the board in Round 1.

BUT, the bottom line is when we get to late August, one way or another we need to ensure we protect our investment in Jayden Daniels by giving him the best support we reasonably can on the OL and at the skill positions.

We can't do what Ron did and basically ignore a spot until it becomes an absolute eyesore and then go out and sign an Andrew Norwell type street free agent who can barely walk due to injuries to play OL for the team.

For seemingly forever posters here of all stripes have agreed that Ron and his predecessors didn't understand how important it is to build an offensive line and make the necessary investments there to maintain the continuity on offense.

Right now we have Biadasz and Cosmi as guys that were full season starters last year in the NFL and played at a reasonably high level.

Andrew Wylie was poorly rated by PFF and did not pass the eye test. Nick Allegretti was a part-time player for the Chiefs and started the disastrous Super Bowl against Tampa Bay where the Chiefs OL was completely overwhelmed inside by Suh and Co.

Likewise, Lucas was a part-time performer in his time here in DC. He has not been healthy at times and is now 32 years old.

So, there is more than just a need here, there is a screaming need for improvements

 

[Enforcer]

Some enticing secondary players still available like Kool-Aid and Dejean. WRs, and Peyton Wilson too, among others. Of course there are some tackles still around, but I don't know if they would rate them at 36 and 40, with so many other players that appear to be highly rated still around.

 

[Bulldog]

Agreed. If DeJean is there at 36, I would take him. A lot of draft boards have him rated in the early 20's.

The Bills who are picking ahead of us are a puzzle. They let a slew of players go in the offseason and yet their approach to the draft has been to move back and sit while some guys that could really help them were taken by others.

They would seem to need a replacement for Diggs, but by moving back they lost out on Leggette. They could still go Adonai Mitchell at WR.

They also need some OL and help at CB. That doesn't help us.

 

[Primus Porcus]

Cooper Dejean
Junior Colson
Adonai Mitchell
Keon Coleman
Marshawn Kneeland
Payton Wilson


Another thing to consider with some of these names, if we were to move back in the 2nd round and pick up another 2 in 2025, we could move back and end up with Blake Fisher or one of the other less sought after OTs while even adding draft capital.

 

[Bulldog]

We will still need to trade for a veteran OT in that case or look for a Leno Jr. type player that Ron actually lucked into back in 2021 when he was cut by Chicago.

But the opportunity to get a guy that comes in as a former #7 pick and starts here at LT for 2 years and does a reasonably good job is not one I would count on.

Sort of like finding Brock Purdy at pick no. 257.

Unless we fancy ourselves as Beathards that find starting caliber players in Round 6 and 7 on more than the odd occasion.

 

[Boone]

I suspect Dejean will be the first guy off the board tonight.

 

[Bulldog]

So, we can use the board and take 3 linebackers and 2 safeties tonight

The ESPN draft simulator shows us taking Spencer Rattler at #100. That would be a kick in the pants.

 

[Kel Varnsen]

So, we can use the board and take 3 linebackers and 2 safeties tonight

The ESPN draft simulator shows us taking Spencer Rattler at #100. That would be a kick in the pants.

Please, the Falcons will make that pick at 43 to plan for the post Penix era.

 

[Bulldog]

Arthur Blank made the front office draft a quarterback as a succession plan.

Another owner that thinks he knows more than anyone else.

 

[Primus Porcus]

We will still need to trade for a veteran OT in that case or look for a Leno Jr. type player that Ron actually lucked into back in 2021 when he was cut by Chicago.

But the opportunity to get a guy that comes in as a former #7 pick and starts here at LT for 2 years and does a reasonably good job is not one I would count on.

Sort of like finding Brock Purdy at pick no. 257.

Unless we fancy ourselves as Beathards that find starting caliber players in Round 6 and 7 on more than the odd occasion.

Fisher is the next rated tackle on the board if you buy into the rankings on ESPN and NFL network, so i don't understand what point you're trying to make.

I'm confused what you want them to do at this point. We all agree we need to address LT in some fashion, and that Lucas is not a preferred plan at the position.

The top LT in free agency was Tyron Smith who i think we all agree wasn't exactly a great person to count on.
We had the no. 2 pick in the draft where it was clear we were going to take a QB.
We attempted to move back up into the first round, seemingly to acquire an OT and there were no takers.

We are where we are with this. They appear to be making a major effort to address the position, but I am thankful they're not doing it out of desperation, resulting in the sacrifice of other areas, in year 1 of essentially, an expansion team.

Im curious, what is your preference at this point to happen tonight?

 

[Bulldog]

I plugged Cooper DeJean into the draft simulator on ESPN as the Buffalo pick at #33.

As a result, Washington ended up taking:

#36 - Keon Coleman - WR
#40 - TJ Tampa - corner
#67 - Blake Fisher - OT
#78 - Jonah Eliss - DE
#100 - Bucky Irving - RB

Of course the simulator had the 49ers taking a OT at 31 not Pearsall last night.

As a sample draft, these are OK players. Some contributors. No one that jumps off the page as a real value pick.

A wide receiver that runs a 4.61.

An OT whose profile is that of a 'backup that may be able to transition to being an NFL starter'.

An edge rusher in Elliss that doesn't have the size to be a three down contributor on D.

Irving? A 5'9 running back who has good hands in the passing game but lacks explosiveness. Labeled a 'good backup and special teams contributor'.

I know this isn't the REAL Washington draft but an example of one where a team gets 'meh' players. Not bad, not too great either.

 

[tomwvr]

I think we go CB with the first pick and Kool aid at 36 and try to trade down 2-5 spots with the second pick and pick up another pick
I would be happy with something like this

Jayden DanielsQB LSU
36.

Kool-Aid McKinstryCB Alabama
42.

Adisa IsaacEDGE Penn State

67.

Roger RosengartenOT Washington
78.

Christian MahoganyOG Boston College
100.

Ja'Tavion SandersTE Texas

 

[Bulldog]

If either DeJean and/or Mitchell is still available when we are picking I hope we don't trade down but take them

My goal is impact players. I don't want to end up moving back and ending up with six #4 picks and four #5 picks

That worked for New England for a long time, but not the last 6 or 7 years.

What I see now is teams moving up for impact explosive players that can come in and contribute that fall and represent good value.

You then round out with the middle to late picks.

Minnesota gave up a lot last night but in return they acquired the top rated defender in the draft at a value position - Dallas Turner at rush DE.

 

[tomwvr]

I would have done that trade minn did every day

 

[Bulldog]

Yep. I like to be aggressive in the draft when it comes to the critical positions - QB, OT, DE, CB and WR.

You can fill in at the other positions using free agency, middle to later picks and UDFAs.

There isn't much value in taking a running back in Round 1. Inside linebacker and safety are other positions I would be loathe to take that high.

While I don't oppose moving down in certain situations, I would be careful not to dilute the impact of my draft by ending up with too many picks in Rounds 4 and 5, giving up positioning in Rounds 1, 2 or 3.

Those top 3 rounds are where most of your impact starters end up coming from.

 

[Chris]

Darrell Green 🤦🏻‍♂️

 

[Bulldog]

Peters didn’t take RB or LB high.

Good man.

I bet Eugene Shen had some input on where the value picks come in 😉

 

[Boone]

Or guys they liked got sniped right in front of them We don't know...