The Washington Redskins are sitting pretty with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. They seem to be locked in to former Ohio State star edge rusher Chase Young.
We focused on why that makes a whole lot of sense earlier in the week. However, there’s another scenario people are not focusing much on. Washington is coming off a three-win season and is much more than one elite edge rusher from contention. What does this mean?
Trade down: Washington needs to think of the second overall pick in April’s draft as much more of an asset than anything else. It can add multiple core pieces to help new head coach Ron Rivera with the rebuild.
The plan: Quarterback-needy teams would be lining up to talk to the Skins about the No. 2 pick and the possibility of landing Tua Tagovailoa.
- Despite reports, Washington has no interest in replacing young quarterback Dwayne Haskins. That was made more than clear just recently.
- If this is indeed the case, these Skins can capitalize on boasting a pick that could ultimately land another team a generational talent in that of Tua.
- As we’ve seen with draft trades in the past, teams will give up a huge bounty to move up for a possible franchise quarterback. Think Jared Goff and the Rams and Carson Wentz with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The scenarios: Now that we have delved a bit into the possibility of Washington moving down from the second overall pick, it’s time to look at realistic scenarios.
- Trade second pick to the Dolphins for fifth pick, 18th pick and third-round pick: This scenario would enable the Skins to add a mid first-round selection and a mid-round pick while moving down just a few spots and remaining in the top five.
- Trade second pick to the Panthers for seventh pick, second-round pick and 2021 first-round pick: With Carolina rebuilding, that first-rounder next season would be incredibly valuable for the Redskins.
- Trade second pick to the Las Vegas Raiders for 12th pick, 19th pick, 2021 second-round pick and Derek Carr: Even if the Skins are not going quarterback in the draft, Carr would act as an upgrade for them this coming season.
Of the three trade possibilities mentioned above, I’m inclined to believe that Washington would go with the hypothetical Dolphins offer. It’s also important to note that Miami has been linked to Tagovailoa more than any other team and has the draft capital to pull off the deal.
If that is indeed the case, let’s check in on what the early part of Washington’s draft might look like.
- First round, 5th pick: Jeff Okudah, cornerback, Ohio State — Washington is obviously in need of cornerback help after releasing veteran Josh Norman and with fellow starter Quinton Dunbar requesting a trade. Okudah is the consensus top corner in the class and would fit in as a starter immediately. Untapped upside here.
- First round, 18th pick: Henry Ruggs, wide receiver, Alabama — The Skins could go a number of different ways with the first-rounder they acquire in the hypothetical deal with Miami. Here, I envision them looking to get Haskins a true No. 1 receiver. Ruggs showed out big time in the NFL Scouting Combine and is ascending the boards big time. This would be a major coup for Washington.
- Third round, 66th pick: Ben Bredeson, guard, Michigan — Washington is expected to place the franchise tag on Brandon Scherff. It would also like to retain impending free agent Ereck Flowers. Even then, the team needs to get younger on the interior. Grabbing a potential multi-year starter in Bredeson would equate to both value and need at the top of Round 3.
- Third round, 70th pick: Brandon Jones, safety, Texas — It’s not just the cornerback position that needs upgrading in the Skins’ secondary. They need someone to play next to high-priced veteran Landon Collins. It’s in this that Jones would be a tremendous fit as a strong safety in the nation’s capital. As with Bredeson, he was a multi-year starter for a high-level college football program.
Bottom line
Washington’s brass has to be asking itself one thing. Would it rather have Young or a trio in that of Okudah, Ruggs and Jones? I’m inclined to believe the latter is more appealing to Doug Williams and Co.
If that is indeed the case, a trade with Miami makes more sense than simply staying put and going Young No. 2 overall. It really is that simple.