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

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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BATON ROUGE, LA – NOVEMBER 03: Deionte Thompson #14 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after the LSU Tigers missed a second half field goal at Tiger Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Alabama won the game 29-0. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
BATON ROUGE, LA – NOVEMBER 03: Deionte Thompson #14 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after the LSU Tigers missed a second half field goal at Tiger Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Alabama won the game 29-0. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Picks 45-48

45. Atlanta Falcons: DE Jaylon Ferguson, Louisiana Tech

The Falcons continue to bolster their defensive line after landing Christian Wilkins in the first round. The team could use another pass rusher across from Takk McKinley as Vic Beasley has regressed since the Falcons’ Super Bowl run. Ferguson had 45 career sacks in four college seasons and performed well at the Senior Bowl. He would definitely upgrade the Atlanta defense, so he’s a sensible choice here.

46. Washington Redskins: S Deionte Thompson, Alabama

Thompson was once seen as an option for the Redskins in the first round, but his stock has fallen after his play slipped late in the season. Still, Thompson is a rangy safety who should find success as a ball-hawking centerfielder. He just has to improve his instincts a bit to avoid being caught out of position as he was during the College Football Playoff. Thompson would immediately start for the Redskins and would help to replace D.J. Swearinger. Oh yeah, he’s also from Alabama, so that may help his cause.

More. Ranking the Redskins impending free agents. light

Other options here include an interior offensive lineman (Garrett Bradberry, Eric McCoy) or a wide receiver (J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Andy Isabella).

47. Carolina Panthers: C Garrett Bradberry, NC State

Ryan Kalil’s career will soon come to an end and the Panthers need some help on their offensive line anyway. While they would probably love to land a left tackle, there are none available. Bradberry has shown well during the draft process so far and possesses quickness and good blocking ability. He will be a solid starter for the team and marks the second semi-local product the Charlotte-based team has selected in this mock.

48. Miami Dolphins: WR J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Stanford

The Dolphins are, again, eschewing the quarterback position to upgrade the rest of the team. They need a true No. 1 receiver and Arcega-Whiteside could fit the bill. Arcega-Whiteside is a big-bodied threat who will be able to win with strength and physicality in the NFL. He has 28 touchdowns in 33 career games and Miami will be more than happy to use him as their top option. Essentially, he has the chance to become what DeVante Parker never could.