Rumors: Washington Redskins looking to trade down from No. 13 pick

The Washington Redskins are armed with a solid pick at No. 13 overall. However, the team is reportedly considering trading down to pick up some extra value.

Often in the NFL Draft, the most prudent strategy is to trade down. Picking up extra value on cheap, controlled rookie contract is the best way to add quality depth to any roster. That’s why it seems like the New England Patriots seem to trade down from their selection every year. To pick up more assets to add to their team.

This year, the Washington Redskins could end up being a good spot to trade down. They are picking at the No. 13 spot, and there could be a quarterback needy team that elects to trade up to get a passer. The Chiefs and the Texans both were able to do this last year, and the Bills were major beneficiaries from the move down in the Chiefs trade.

According to WalterFootball.com’s Charlie Campbell, there are rumors that the Redskins are in fact interested in trading down in this draft. In his NFL Hot Press, Campbell said the following of what moving down could do for the team.

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"The Redskins are keeping their draft options open. They would like to add more talent to the defensive line, and they like Alabama nose tackle Da’Ron Payne. On offense, Washington is in the market for a guard. It would also consider adding more talent at wide receiver, and would really like a feature running back. In the second round, the Redskins like a group of running backs including Sony Michel, Derrius Guice, Ronald Jones and Kerryon Johnson. They don’t believe that Michel or Guice will get to their second-rounder, but if they move down in the first round, they could have more ammunition to move around the draft board in the following rounds"

If they do indeed like both Michel and Guice, moving down in Round 1 would be the right move. The No. 13 pick is too early to take any running back save for Saquon Barkley who looks like a sure-fire top three selection. So, if they really want to get one of those guys, moving down into the 20s to get Michel or Guice would make sense.

Some potential trade partners could include the New Orleans Saints and the Pittsburgh Steelers, as both teams could use a developmental quarterback behind their veteran starters. The Buffalo Bills could also try to move up from their two low-20s selections if they aren’t able to work their way into the top 10 for a quarterback.

In this analyst’s opinion, moving down would be the right move for the Redskins. If they could pick up the third round pick they lost in the Alex Smith trade, they could put themselves in position to fill all the major holes on their team. It’s also possible that they could move down and still try to get nose tackle Da’Ron Payne, who they happen to like a lot. Either way, they would be in position to land a quality player if they moved down in Round 1.

Next: Redskins meet with Maryland WR D.J. Moore

As time goes on, there will be more clarity about the team’s draft strategy. But early on, these rumors seem to make sense and could be a possibility for the team.

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