2018 NFL Draft: Washington Redskins viewer guide – Day One

The wait is almost over. The 2018 NFL Draft is just hours away.

Set on the precipice of the entire first round, the Washington Redskins will have a very compelling choice to make this year, as will many other teams.

There is a chance, based upon a theoretical quarterback run early on, that the Washington Redskins could have a top-tier player fall to their laps at No. 13. If they don’t, however, they may mull over trading back to acquire more picks.

It’s always hard to predict the Washington Redskins’ first-round pick. No one expected Josh Doctson two years ago, and no analyst could have predicted the fall of Jonathan Allen in last year’s draft. What surprises might be in store for Washington Redskins fans tonight? And what will fans need to watch for as the first round moves along?

Here is a rundown of what to watch on day one of the 2018 NFL Draft for the Washington Redskins:

• As many as four quarterbacks could go in the top five of the NFL Draft, and as many as five could go in the top twelve. Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen, and Josh Allen all seem to be locks in that range, and there’s a chance that Lamar Jackson could sneak in as well, if a team views his abilities highly enough. The rise of other prospects, like tackle Mike McGlinchey, and edge rusher Harold Landry, could also facilitate the fall of a top ten player.
• If quarterbacks go off the board this early, it could push a talented player down the board to the Washington Redskins at No. 13. Minkah Fitzpatrick has been tied to the team, and they reportedly will pick him, rather than trade back, if he slides. Other players who could, in theory, fall to the Washington Redskins include defensive back Derwin James, cornerback Denzel Ward, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, and linebacker Roquan Smith. Quenton Nelson and Saquon Barkley fall into the category of “pipe dreams”, but as we saw last year, nothing is truly impossible.
• The Washington Redskins have met with several prospects ahead of the NFL Draft. For the Washington Redskins, in previous years, there hasn’t been much of a correlation between visits and picks, but the visits are notable nonetheless. The Washington Redskins met with the following possible first-round prospects (You can find corresponding articles on our draft page): RB Sony Michel, RB Derrius Guice, RB Ronald Jones II, DT Da’Ron Payne, NT Vita Vea, WR D.J. Moore, LB Leighton Vander Esch, and OL Billy Price. Only a few should be considered at No. 13, but all of these prospects have at least been in the first-round conversation.
• If the Washington Redskins were to trade back, their likely suitor would be a relatively complete team interested in moving up for a quarterback. The New England Patriots are a team that has been linked to the Washington Redskins through speculation. A trade back could give the Washington Redskins as many as two Day 2 picks, and help the team improve the depth that was lacking in 2017.
• While trading back might seem to be an attractive option, it is worth noting that, while teams vary in their evaluations, some teams have as few as fifteen first-round grades in this draft class. The Cowboys, per John Machota, have seventeen. The very top-tier of players is small, and far smaller from the second tier that the Washington Redskins would move into if they ultimately decide to trade back. At No. 13, the Washington Redskins have a chance to land one of the top players in this draft class. For a team that can gain a lot from going best player available, that’s a chance they might not want to waste.
• The realistic favorites at No. 13, for the Washington Redskins, include Washington nose tackle Vita Vea and Alabama defensive tackle Da’Ron Payne. Both players met with the Washington Redskins, and the team does have a moderate need on the defensive line; they could stand to bolster their rotation. While better value may be had in this draft, both prospects have enticing upside, and Jim Tomsula could help them reach their full potential.
• Derrius Guice was once a rumored favorite at No. 13, but his stock appears to have slid over the past two days. The only way the team might acquire Guice is if they trade back to pick him up later in Round 1, or if he slides to the No. 44 pick (which is unlikely). If the team fails to get Guice, however, they will have plenty of options in Round 2. One can expect them to use that pick on a running back, as they have expressed the desire to upgrade there.

Next: The Final Five: Likely options at No. 13 for Redskins

Of course, that conversation is for another time. Tomorrow, to be exact. Today, the Washington Redskins will be on the clock at No. 13, and there are countless options for them to choose at that pick. Make sure you don’t miss the pick by tuning into either NFL Network or ESPN at 8:00 P.M. eastern standard time.