Redskins Week 11 quarterback matchup could provide glimpse at future

Kirk Cousins and Drew Brees square off on Sunday, in a battle that could be a subtle glimpse at the Redskins’ future.

Reports out of Washington favor the theory that the Redskins will franchise tag Kirk Cousins for a third time after the 2017 season. And while some, like me, believe Cousins should be awarded a long-term deal, the reality of the situation is that Cousins very well could suit up with another team in 2018.

Thus, the Redskins will be forced to look for options in the draft, where they can find a possible immediate solution for a much cheaper price. But because of this team’s infuriating habit of middling in the thick of the pack, they’ll likely have a mid-to-late draft pick in the first round. Most of the perceived franchise quarterbacks would be gone by that point. Save for one prospect taking college football by storm. Underrated and overlooked. By just a couple inches.

Baker Mayfield is one of the best quarterbacks in football. He has the arm talent to make incredible touch throws, but he can fire it deep. He’s a master of improvisation, and while he might be a bit cavalier, his numbers are not. They’re top of the league. Through two and three-quarter years at Oklahoma, he has 107 touchdowns to just 20 interceptions, a 70.0 % completion percentage, and over 11,000 yards. This year, through 10 games, he has over 3,500 yards, 31 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. He’s a six-foot scoring machine. Sound like someone you know? Sounds like a certain veteran quarterback the Redskins are preparing to face in Week 11. He sounds a lot like Drew Brees.

Indeed, analysts have called Mayfield a mixture of Russell Wilson and Drew Brees. A playmaker with athletic ability, as well as the ability to throw the perfect pass. To make the perfect play. They’ve also called him a flash in the pan, a college player, through and through, with few hopes at seamlessly transitioning to the NFL because of his height and the help he gets from his team. A Johnny Football, without the interventions, although Mayfield has also had his share of trouble with alcoholic beverages.

Regardless of the criticisms, however, Mayfield remains atop the pantheon of college football. And those players who rise atop a pedestal are the ones who get taken in the first round, no matter the analytical drawbacks. Mayfield’s production and his playmaking ability will get him drafted in the first round, but his height will hold him back. He could potentially fall to the Redskins, and if Cousins is gone by that point, and the first-round running backs are long gone, they’d do well to take a chance on Mayfield. And they’ll be reminded of that possibility this week. When they head to the Superdome and line up against another six-foot quarterback.

Next: Redskins vs. Saints: 5 players to watch in Week 11

A six-foot giant who’s heading to the Hall of Fame.