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Redskins Saturday Spotlight: The complications of a top three pick

By Ian Cummings

LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMBER 28: Running back J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes pressures quarterback Adrian Martinez #2 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMBER 28: Running back J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes pressures quarterback Adrian Martinez #2 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 29: Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Washington Redskins in action against the New York Giants during their game at MetLife Stadium on September 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 29: Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Washington Redskins in action against the New York Giants during their game at MetLife Stadium on September 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

Drafting to build, not to win

Whatever the Redskins do, whether it’s picking the best available player in the top three, or trading back to accumulate assets, they need to understand that they’re not drafting to win right away. They’re drafting to build a winner the right way, and with that process, they must be patient.

Bruce Allen’s belief that the team was “close” in January of 2019 is the reason they’re currently tanking against their will, and battling a Dolphins team that’s actually trying to lose for the No. 1 overall pick. The Redskins are very far away from competing right now, but they can catalyze a quick rebuild by using their positioning to their advantage in the 2020 NFL Draft.

But herein lies the reason why many teams end up picking early for years on end. It’s not just the possession of the early pick that matters. It’s how you use it. There are endless horror stories available to reference the negligence some teams carry with them into the top of the NFL Draft. The last time the Redskins picked in the top three without making a trade, they selected Heath Shuler. Success is by no means a given.

dark. Next. Redskins Week 5 Reality Checks: The Patriots are coming

But by inadvertently tanking the 2019 season, the Redskins are putting themselves in a position to springboard off into a new era. Will they be able to take advantage of the complications that come with possessing a sought-after early first-round pick? All they have to do is keep losing, and they’ll get to answer that soon enough.

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