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NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Redskins end up with a first-round quarterback, go defense in Round 2

By Jacob Camenker

NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 10: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners looks to throw against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma defeated Oklahoma State 48-47. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 10: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners looks to throw against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma defeated Oklahoma State 48-47. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 07: Quinnen Williams #92 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks on against the Clemson Tigers in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi’s Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 07: Quinnen Williams #92 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks on against the Clemson Tigers in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi’s Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Defensive Lineman. Alabama. Quinnen Williams. 1. player. 32.

For quite a while, the presumed top pick in this draft has been Nick Bosa. Let’s pump the brakes on that for just a moment. While Bosa is talented, it’s notable that he barely played this year for Ohio State, as he suffered an injury and then elected to prepare for the draft. While that was unequivocally the right move for him, it may mean that he doesn’t go with the first pick.

Because of Bosa’s absence, other players have been able to improve their draft stock and make an intriguing case for themselves as the No. 1 pick. Quinnen Williams is the most notable, as the Alabama defensive lineman had a breakout season in his first year as a full-time starter.

Williams helped to replace the departed Daron Payne in the Alabama defense, and he was nothing short of spectacular in that role. He posted 71 tackles — a ridiculous number for an interior defensive lineman — and also logged eight sacks. He constantly collapsed interior offensive lines and has an elite first step that will allow him to shoot through gaps at the NFL level.

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The Cardinals have been searching for a successor to Calais Campbell since he left to join the Jacksonville Jaguars. Robert Nkemdiche has been a bust so far, so it may intrigue them to add Williams to the fold to become their new Campbell.

Under Vance Joseph, it seems probable that the Cardinals will shift back to a 3-4 base defense after mostly using a 4-3 last year. In the 3-4, Williams could either function as a five-technique or as a nose tackle depending on the package. Either way, he would be a massive upgrade for the team’s defensive line that was relying heavily on Corey Peters and Rodney Gunter on the interior last year.

The Cardinals could also opt to trade down from this pick for a team that wants one of the top pass rushers. If they can get a king’s ransom and then pick a top offensive lineman in the latter part of the top-10 picks, that may be the best route for them to take. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear that any team will have to trade up to No. 1 to get a quarterback, as the four teams behind the Cardinals have no need to add a player at the position.

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