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Redskins 7-Round Mock Draft: Re-examining what happens if the team takes a quarterback early

By Jacob Camenker

DURHAM, NC - OCTOBER 20: Daniel Jones #17 of the Duke Blue Devils drops back to pass against the Virginia Cavaliers during their game at Wallace Wade Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. Virginia won 28-14. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC - OCTOBER 20: Daniel Jones #17 of the Duke Blue Devils drops back to pass against the Virginia Cavaliers during their game at Wallace Wade Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. Virginia won 28-14. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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AUBURN, AL – NOVEMBER 5: Linebacker Deshaun Davis #57 of the Auburn Tigers celebrates after tackling wide receiver Kalija Lipscomb #16 of the Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 5, 2016 in Auburn, Alabama. The Auburn Tigers defeated the Vanderbilt Commodores 23-16. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
AUBURN, AL – NOVEMBER 5: Linebacker Deshaun Davis #57 of the Auburn Tigers celebrates after tackling wide receiver Kalija Lipscomb #16 of the Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 5, 2016 in Auburn, Alabama. The Auburn Tigers defeated the Vanderbilt Commodores 23-16. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /

The Redskins’ need at linebacker is a bit overstated. Sure, they cut Zach Brown. Yes, Reuben Foster might end up getting suspended. But even still, they already have some solid depth and contributors at the linebacker position.

Shaun Dion Hamilton showed well as a starter for the last month of 2018. He could get a chance to start alongside either Foster in the Washington corps, Reuben or Mason (if Reuben is suspended). Meanwhile, Josh Harvey-Clemons showed some solid coverage ability, so he can be a good backup in that area.

The team should still invest in some depth at linebacker, but they don’t have to do it early. And it’s more likely unless a top-caliber player falls into their lap in the early rounds. For that reason, Deshaun Davis could make sense as a late-round flier.

Davis was a very good starter in his final two years at Auburn, and in 2018, he totaled a whopping 112 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. All were career highs, except the sack number (4.0 in 2017).

Davis will be a bit limited at the NFL level by a lack of size (5-11, 233 pounds) and his lack of speed and athleticism. Still, he could be a two-down thumper thanks to his instincts, and he could find a role on special teams. As a fifth linebacker, he could definitely fit on the ‘Skins’ roster.

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