Redskins Saturday Spotlight: Post-Week 5 seven-round mock draft

In this mock, the Redskins picked at No. 2 overall, behind the Cincinnati Bengals. The first pick was predictably a quarterback, leaving Washington with an interesting choice on their hands.

One of the most important positions on offense versus one of the most important positions on defense. Offensive tackle versus edge rusher. Andrew Thomas versus Chase Young.

Give me one hundred days to make this decision one hundred different times, and I might go 55-45 in favor of Thomas. It’s a close call, as Ohio State’s Chase Young is a near-generational athletic talent, and with Ryan Kerrigan close to fading, passing up a talent such as Young would be dangerous.

But the Dwayne Haskins factor won out in this particular scenario; the Redskins to invest everything they have into protecting their quarterback and preserving his development. And Georgia’s Andrew Thomas serves that purpose well.

Thomas, standing at around 6-foot-5, 320, is one of the most exceptionally complete tackle prospects to hit the draft cycle in recent years. Against No. 9-ranked Notre Dame, he wowed onlookers with his mobility, presence, and fundamental prowess. He has the length and power to impose himself quickly, and he has the lateral lightness of feet to stick with faster edge rushers and negate outside maneuvers.

As of now, it looks like the chances of Trent Williams returning to the Redskins are, at the very least, weakening. For now, the front office seems to stubborn to trade him, but if they eventually come to their senses, they’ll need a new blindside blocker for their franchise quarterback. Andrew Thomas fits the bill better than anybody else.