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

The Redskins shouldn’t draft a quarterback early. I’ve said it numerous times, and I’ll say it again: Dwayne Haskins is the guy at quarterback, and a rough first impression shouldn’t change that. The quarterback development process is a long-term affair, and patience is a must. There’s no guarantee any player works out, but the Redskins have to be willing to give Haskins the time and the resources to make it possible.

That said, while drafting a quarterback early on should be avoided, in the later rounds, the acquisition of a signal caller carries more merit. The Redskins have two veteran quarterbacks with expiring contracts in Case Keenum and Colt McCoy, and it wouldn’t hurt to have cheap insurance if, far down the line, Haskins proves he isn’t the right man for the job.

It’s unlikely Brian Lewerke lasts this long in the 2020 NFL Draft; he’s mounting a very solid 2019 campaign, and has rebounded nicely from his forgettable 2018 season. If Lewerke continues along his current trajectory, he could be a mid-round pick in April. But in this simulation, he was available in Round 7, and thus, he constitutes a very nice value deal at the most important position.

If you’ve read my work for a while, you know by now I’m a Michigan State fan, so this is a bit of a homer pick. But the press coverage surrounding Lewerke’s 2018 season was unfair, to say the least. Lewerke regressed, but his situation was an amalgam of terrible circumstances. His throwing shoulder was injured, his offensive line was porous, and the offense was riddled with injuries.

Now, in 2019, with a new play caller, healthy weapons, and a healthy shoulder, Lewerke has restored his confidence. His arm talent is on display once again, and while his accuracy can wane, he can generate velocity with ease, and can have laser-like precision when his base is set. He does need to work on his footwork in the pocket, but his athleticism bails him out of tough situations often, and allows him to extend plays.

Lewerke’s biggest issue is consistency, and that is what will cause him to drop in the draft. But in 2019, he’s righted the ship; in six games, he’s thrown for 1,543 yards, 11 touchdowns, and just two interceptions, already eclipsing his touchdown totals from the 2018 season.

For the Redskins, Lewerke brings quarterback insurance on a cheap rookie deal. With two veterans set to leave, it’s a good bet that at least one of them does, and thus, the Redskins need a third quarterback. Lewerke is a high-upside passer to place in that role.