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How the Jets’ trade up in the NFL Draft impacts the Washington Redskins

By Ian Cummings

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 02: Denzel Ward #12 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates an interception against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half during the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 02: Denzel Ward #12 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates an interception against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half during the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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It wouldn’t be draft season without a couple of absurd trades to move up for a quarterback.

The needy New York Jets got fleeced earlier today, trading for the Indianapolis Colts’ No. 3 pick. In exchange, the Colts received the Jets’ No. 6 pick, two second-round picks in this year’s draft, and another second-round pick in 2019.

For two teams who both need an immediate influx of depth, there is one clear winner to this trade, and that winner is the Indianapolis Colts. But now the New York Jets are guaranteed to grab a quarterback in the top five of the NFL Draft. And their presence there will ultimately have a trickle-down effect that will set the tone for the entire first-round.

But how will it impact the Washington Redskins?

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The Washington Redskins aren’t trading up for a quarterback, but many other teams could end up following the Jets’ example by doing just that. The Cardinals, Broncos, Bills, and Dolphins are all teams that will still have at least a moderate need at the quarterback position when the draft arrives. All teams have potential plug-in starters in place, but the need for a franchise quarterback eludes them yet, and it could be enough to coax them into trading up. The Bills and Dolphins, in particular, will be motivated to counter the move of their division rival.

As it stands, we could see as many as three or four quarterbacks go in the top five. Here’s a theoretical simulation of what might happen:

  • No. 1 – Browns pick QB Sam Darnold
  • No. 2 – Giants trade back, Bills pick QB Josh Rosen
  • No. 3 – Jets pick QB Josh Allen (because they’re bad at evaluating quarterbacks)
  • No. 4 – Browns trade back, Cardinals pick QB Baker Mayfield
  • No. 5 – Broncos pick OG Quenton Nelson

We’ve said this before, but this trade serves as a very recent reminder. A quarterback run in the top five would be very good for the Washington Redskins, and now, it looks as if it is almost certain to happen.

If a quarterback run occurs, then a number of talented players could drop to the Washington Redskins at No. 13. Players like Saquon Barkley and Quenton Nelson are fun to dream about, but there are more likely options, such as Derwin James, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Denzel Ward.

Next: Three players who the Redskins could logically sign

Without a run, the Washington Redskins could be forced to settle for an overrated defensive lineman. But with a run, they could get a top-tier player, and still be able to bolster their depth with quality players in later rounds. It’s not quite a dream anymore. The quarterback run of prophecy appears to be on the horizon. And the Washington Redskins are one team who will benefit without contributing at all.

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