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NFL Mock Draft 4.0: Quarterbacks rise post-combine, Redskins land pass catcher

By Jacob Camenker

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 29: Kyler Murray #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners looks on against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 29: Kyler Murray #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners looks on against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 01: D.K. Metcalf #14 of the Mississippi Rebels runs for a 58 yard score after making the catch in the first quarter against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at NRG Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 01: D.K. Metcalf #14 of the Mississippi Rebels runs for a 58 yard score after making the catch in the first quarter against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at NRG Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Yes. Believe it or not, this could happen. D.K. Metcalf could fall into the Redskins’ lap. Even after a terrific combine, Metcalf hasn’t cemented himself as a top-10 pick, but he will be a first-round pick to be sure.

Metcalf has two issues that are working against him. The first is regarding his agility. He timed with the third-worst time in the 3-cone drill of any receiver at the combine. The 3-cone is a key test in determining agility and given that his route-running skills are already a concern, this would raise concerns that his route tree could be limited. If that’s the case, teams may shy away a bit, as he might not truly be able to become a No. 1 receiver.

The second issue is that there aren’t a lot of receiver-needy teams picking ahead of the Redskins. The Jaguars, Bills, and Dolphins could all use a pass-catcher, but they also have big needs in the trenches. And in a seemingly deep receiver class with a number of potential quality Day 2 picks, Metcalf could slip a bit.

Washington Commanders
Washington Commanders /

Washington Commanders

Still, Metcalf is an athletic beast. He ran a 4.33 in the 40-yard dash despite tipping the scales at 6-3, 228 pounds. He has great strength and should be able to win with speed, strength, and jump-ball ability. He is explosive, athletic, and if he can refine his route running, he could easily be a stud at the NFL level.

For the Redskins, Metcalf would immediately slot in as the team’s No. 1 receiver. He would be a great current and future weapon for the offense and would push Josh Doctson into the No. 2 role. Paul Richardson would rotate in and out with Doctson in that position and it could push ever receiver the team has into more natural roles. And at the very least, Metcalf would be a great starter and potential-packed weapon for Washington. He would give Case Keenum someone to throw to.

If Metcalf is off the board, the team will likely consider an edge rusher here. In a dream scenario, Montez Sweat would fall to this juncture. If not him, Brian Burns is on the board, so he could be a good replacement for Preston Smith. Elsewhere, there are some solid offensive linemen still on the board, and any of Jawaan Taylor, Jonah Williams, and Cody Ford would work out well for the team.

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