Washington Football Team 7-round mock draft: Trading up to No. 5

Round 3, Pick 88: LB Chazz Surratt, North Carolina

As of today, Washington holds the No. 82 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. However, during my simulation, as I reached pick 82, there were multiple players that I felt fit Washington’s needs.

Given that and the trade package I gave up to get Fields, I deemed it best suited that Washington trade down to recoup some draft capital. I traded down six spots with the Lions and acquired a fifth-round pick. The draft goes as follows:

Chazz Surratt began his career at North Carolina as a quarterback. He didn’t take a snap at linebacker until the beginning of 2019. So, 2020 was only his second year at linebacker. That makes what he did at North Carolina even more impressive.

His athletic traits were on full display in 2019 as his speed and athleticism helped him compensate for mistakes made learning a new position. His larger build and physicality also helped. In his first year playing a new position, Surratt was the runner up for ACC Defensive Player of the Year.

In 2020, Surrant looked much improved as far as technique goes. He looked like he understood his gap assignments much better. He was found out of place and in the wrong gaps much less often. His coverage drops were much better. He created more depth in his drops making him much better in coverage. He also seemed to miss fewer tackles.

Selecting Surratt is a pick that banks largely on his upside. And with a player that will be 24 in a few days, that can be risky. However, as of today, Surratt can be a very effective blitzing backer that has sideline to sideline range.

His coverage, technique, and understanding of the position still need to improve. However, given that he still is pretty green at the position, the place he is at is very encouraging. Once Surratt can get some NFL coaching, he has a pretty high ceiling.

If Surratt were able to pick up the defense early, he could start on Day 1. He could make an instant impact. He and his former teammate Cole Holcomb make a solid, athletic pairing with immense upside.