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Why the Redskins should consider making a trade offer for Jordan Howard

By Jacob Camenker

CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 10: Jordan Howard #24 of the Chicago Bears runs into the endzone for a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 10: Jordan Howard #24 of the Chicago Bears runs into the endzone for a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images) /
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AUBURN, AL – NOVEMBER 25: Da’Ron Payne #94 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after recovering a fumble during the first quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan Hare Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
AUBURN, AL – NOVEMBER 25: Da’Ron Payne #94 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after recovering a fumble during the first quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan Hare Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

It would allow the Redskins to fill their other needs in the first two rounds

In the event that the Redskins are able to trade for Howard, whether it’s for a fourth-round pick or some other combination of future assets, they will no longer have a need at running back. Howard would be the logical lead back while Thompson would slot in as the third down back and Samaje Perine would serve as the backup. That committee would work very well for the team, so they wouldn’t need to add more talent at running back.

Right now, the Redskins still have three major needs to fill on their roster. One is obviously running back. The other two are nose tackle and guard. The team needs starters desperately at those two positions, and in the first two rounds of the draft, they will have a shot at landing both of those positions.

In Round 1, it seems probable that either Vita Vea or Da’Ron Payne will be available with their pick. Either would be an upgrade, but Payne has a lot more athletic upside than Vea and projects as an excellent complement next to Jonathan Allen, as they played well together in college. Unless a guy like Minkah Fitzpatrick slides to the No. 13 pick, which is a possibility, the team will probably choose to take a nose tackle. And it is probably going to be Payne.

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In the second round, their options are a bit more open. If they do need a running back on draft day, the second round would be the ideal time to take one, as Nick Chubb, Kerryon Johnson, and Ronald Jones are all likely to be available. However, if the team was able to land Howard, they would be able to use that second round pick on one of the best players available, which well could be a guard.

The Redskins are looking into some late-first to early-second round guards, and they are set to work out Billy Price, a solid interior lineman from Ohio State. In addition to Price, Auburn’s Braden Smith and Arkansas’ Frank Ragnow would be terrific options to take over as a starter at the guard position. And, Price and Ragnow would have positional versatility, so they could play center and allow Chase Roullier to move to guard.

In short, getting Howard would allow the team to get a better interior lineman to complete their strong offensive line. Waiting until Day 3 to get a lineman wouldn’t necessarily be the worst thing for the team, getting a potential falling first rounder like Price or a more versatile player like Ragnow would undoubtedly be beneficial for the team.

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