2020 NFL Mock Draft: Dueling GMs mock sees Redskins make big move

Jacob: Trading down is definitely a solid option for the Redskins. I do prefer taking Chase Young, but if they get a nick package to move down while staying in the top five, that could end up really accelerating the team’s rebuild.

At this juncture, there were two defensive players on the board that were worth considering. They were Isaiah Simmons and Jeffrey Okudah. Initially, I was thinking that the ‘Skins would grab Okudah, but I’m ultimately going with Simmons.

Simmons is a versatile, athletic piece that could become a real difference-maker on the Washington defense. He put up insane numbers for Clemson last season with 104 tackles, 16.5 sacks for loss, eight sacks, and three interceptions. He can play so many different roles on defense from linebacker to safety to the edge and would be a chess piece for Ron Rivera to utilize in so many ways.

Simmons is also an elite athlete and he clocked a 4.39 40 at the NFL Combine to further boost his draft stock. It seems likely that he’ll be a top-10 pick and it’s possible that he could be the best defensive player in this draft class.

For the Redskins, Simmons would help solidify the linebacker corps with a true star. They have a couple of potential role players in Cole Holcomb and Shaun Dion Hamilton but not much else for the future given Thomas Davis’ age and Reuben Foster’s questionable health. Simmons could play middle linebacker or either outside spot; whatever the team thinks works the best.

As mentioned earlier, Okudah could end up being a target if the Redskins trade down. But given that the team just signed Ronald Darby and added Kendall Fuller at the beginning of free agency, I think they’ll opt to go Simmons in this scenario.