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Washington Redskins: 5 prospects to draft after Senior Bowl week

By Ian Cummings

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - SEPTEMBER 03: Kyle Lauletta #5 of the Richmond Spiders looks for an open passer during a game at Scott Stadium on September 3, 2016 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Chet Strange/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - SEPTEMBER 03: Kyle Lauletta #5 of the Richmond Spiders looks for an open passer during a game at Scott Stadium on September 3, 2016 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Chet Strange/Getty Images) /
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AUSTIN, TX – SEPTEMBER 26: UTEP Miners fans before a game with the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 26, 2009 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX – SEPTEMBER 26: UTEP Miners fans before a game with the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 26, 2009 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

No. 4 – OG Will Hernandez – UTEP

Will Hernandez was dominant in Mobile all week, and some scouts have him creeping into the first round.

It comes as no surprise that Hernandez is on the uptick. Throughout his career at UTEP, he was well-known as one of the most physical and most overwhelming blockers in the entire league. I said as such in a recent draft article, in which I pegged him as a player who could start right away for the Washington Redskins.

"Hernandez’s early performance at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama has only reinforced that judgement. Hernandez has dominated in both run and pass blocking. Right at the point of attack, he locks down the defender with his hands, and he has the strength to keep them outside the pocket. In one rep, he grabbed the defender and watched the defender run himself in a circle around the entire pocket. Few have the strength, or the quickness, to best Hernandez at the start of the play, where it matters most."

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Hernandez’s rise as of late has been so impressive that drafting him at No. 13 wouldn’t be a terrible idea for the Washington Redskins. Of course, they may want to work toward solidifying the defense or nabbing a quarterback (which they shouldn’t) with that pick, but nonetheless, Hernandez has the size, strength, and production to warrant a very early look. He would be an immediate upgrade over Shawn Lauvao, and in time, he and Trent Williams could form a fearsome combination.

Aside from Hernandez, Colby Gossett of Appalachian State is another offensive guard prospect to watch. He had a very solid practice week, displaying an affinity for getting a jump on the start of the play. When his first assignment disengaged, he always seemed eager to look for work. Standing at 6-foot-6, 315, Gossett has the size to emerge at the next level. If the Washington Redskins aren’t willing to draft Hernandez so early, they can easily choose Gossett as a backup plan in the middle rounds.

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