The Washington Football Team doesn’t have a greater need for defensive players in the 2021 NFL Draft, but a few could be targeted. Today’s all-defensive mock takes a look at some of these players.
The Washington Football Team added some key players during the first few days of free agency and the 2021 roster is now slowly starting to take shape. Additional players have been signed in recent days and the secondary market will continue to slowly evolve. Later in April, Washington will have more opportunities to improve the roster through the draft. With that in mind, we have another mock draft for you today.
Recently, we brought you a mock draft that was dedicated to offense only. In the spirit of fairness to players who make their living on the other side of the ball, we have a mock today that is devoted to defense only. While this may seem like an exercise in futility, the overall purpose is to introduce more prospects who could be targeted in the draft.
We will not be using the “either/or” format that you have seen in several mocks and there are no trades today. Would the Washington Football Team consider devoting their time and energy to one side of the team only in the upcoming draft? That’s possible, but not too realistic. Conventional wisdom seems to suggest that offense could receive more attention next month, but the defense will be a focal point as well. Let’s see if we can find a bunch of defensive gems!
Round 1 – Zaven Collins, Linebacker, Tulsa – 6-4, 260
The Washington Football Team is in dire need of linebackers, so don’t be surprised if the front office targets one in the first round. Zaven Collins is arguably the most talented linebacker in the 2021 draft and he could be there for Washington with the 19th overall draft pick. Analysts have universally said that Collins is an all-around prospect with skills that defy the laws of basic athleticism.
Collins has the build of an edge rusher or defensive end. He has the sideline-to-sideline speed of an elite safety. The Tulsa, OK native has the football smarts of a defensive assistant coach. Collins is also a team leader in the locker room. Each of these attributes has come together to produce one of the best defensive players in the nation. In fact, Collins won the Bronko Nagurski award for the best defensive player in the nation for 2020.
What can fans of the Washington Football Team expect from Collins if he is in a Burgundy and Gold uniform in 2021? Fully abstracted, he can do it all.
Collins is able to drop back in coverage effectively or disrupt passing lanes over the middle. He is a terror for opposing running backs. This Golden Hurricane can reach the quarterback quickly in the backfield or with any scramble. He has a knack for scoring defensive touchdowns. Do you need a forced fumble or fumble recovery? He can do that as well.
Other sports that Collins participated in included basketball, baseball, track, and gymnastics. His favorite sport (other than football) is golf. Could we see him on the Senior Tour in the future? Also, he is an avid outdoorsman. What’s not to like about this young man? He is a perfect fit for Washington and the team needs a playmaker at linebacker.
Round 2 – Richie Grant, Free Safety, Central Florida – 6-0, 195
The Washington Football Team desperately needs a reliable and talented free safety. That’s about as succinct as we can be about a position that has been neglected for far too long.
Richie Grant is one of the better prospects in the draft and he would go a long way in solving the deep safety woes that Washington seems to endure year after year. After mocking an American Athletic Conference athlete in the first round, we are now mocking one in the second round.
Richie Grant is a jack-of-all-trades in the defensive backfield. He can play in the box as a strong safety. In a pinch, Grant can play on the outside at cornerback. He can log some quality time as a slot corner. However, he is a master of his domain at free safety. Grant is a ball-hawk, but can be prone to poor angles and missed tackles on occasion. With experience, he can improve on the few weaknesses and should be able to thrive at the next level.
Round 3
The Washington Football Team will pick twice in the third round this year.
Dylan Moses, Linebacker, Alabama – 6-3, 235
When in doubt, just grab yourself an Alabama defensive player and you will not regret it. In recent years, Washington has brought several Alabama defenders to the team and the strategy has been one of success.
The powers that be in Ashburn could add another Crimson Tide player next month. Dylan Moses is an underrated linebacker and adding him early in the third round makes a lot of sense. When the 2020 college season began, Moses was considered a lock for the first round. Is he still a good defender? Why did Moses’ stock drop so much?
First, many underclassmen have entered the draft this year and that caused him to drop from a perceived late first-rounder to a late second-round prospect. Also, he is not a pure edge rusher and that affects his draft status as well. However, Moses is still one of the better linebackers in the draft and taking him early in the third round will pay dividends for Washington.
Trill Williams, Cornerback, Syracuse – 6-2, 200
Trill Williams has been a starter for the Syracuse Orange since his freshman year and is highly underrated. If Williams had stayed another year in school, he would likely be one of the top corners available in 2022. That could be a huge benefit to the Washington Football Team if they decide to select him on the second day of the draft.
Williams is physically imposing and he can play zone or man coverage when asked to do so. He can jam smaller receivers at the line, but his coverage lacks some depth against taller, speedy, and agile receivers. Williams will need a year to adjust to the NFL and could be a solid starter by his second year.
Round 4 – Darius Stills, Defensive Lineman, West Virginia – 6-1, 285
The Washington Football Team seems to have a keen interest in West Virginia defensive lineman Darius Stills. Front office personnel have met with Stills at the Senior Bowl and chatted with him virtually on Zoom. The team has also attended West Virginia’s Pro Day. It’s safe to assume Washington likes Stills.
Stills could be a good option to add more depth to the line if the talented Mountaineer is drafted by Washington. It’s easy to see why Washington likes him. Stills would be a good fit for Jack Del Rio’s 4-3 defense as a 3-technique lineman. He is quick off the ball and is able to penetrate the line of scrimmage at will. His short frame allows him to gain lower leverage against offensive linemen and become a disruptive force in the pass rush defense.
Some of the moves that Stills uses to be a good pass rusher can also be a negative as a run defender. Shifty running backs will often make one move to make a hard-charging Stills over-pursue on many plays and this is where he needs to be more focused and aware. Otherwise, he provides good value here in the fourth round.
Round 5 – Monty Rice, Linebacker, Georgia – 6-0, 240
Monty Rice has the perfect build and skills to be an inside linebacker in a 4-3 defense. The fit would be perfect for the Washington Football Team if they are looking for a quality backup at the position. He is not starter material – just a good backup who could be ready to start, if needed, for a game or two within the next couple of years.
Rice has the intangibles to excel as a core special teams player and the coaches should be able to plug him in from day one. His lack of size (height) hurts him against taller receivers and tight ends coming over the middle and bigger running backs are an issue as well. However, Rice has a sufficient motor and his long-term potential is encouraging.
As a special teams ace, his overall speed and agility will afford Rice to be an effective asset for many years. This is his true calling card in the NFL.
Round 7
The Washington Football Team will select twice in the seventh round.
Damar Hamlin, Free Safety, Pittsburgh – 6-1, 200
Damar Hamlin isn’t the kind of player who generates a lot of dynamic video moments, but he is a decent free safety who should find his niche as a special teams ace and defensive backup in the NFL. As a defensive back, Hamlin has played free safety, slot, and in the box. His best position is free safety.
Hamlin is not the most talented defensive back in the draft, but he rarely makes mistakes and simply works hard to make his presence felt. This Panther will add depth and some versatility to the safety corps. He is likely to carve out a very respectable career as a special teams standout.
Paddy Fisher, Linebacker, Northwestern – 6-4, 240
When a heralded player out of high school enters a Power Five Division I program, there are certain expectations. Paddy Fisher was believed to be on his way to a great career in the NFL, but he never lived up to the hype that was expected of him. The shortcomings are simple to understand. He is a good run defender, but offers very little in the passing defense.
Fisher can still be a serviceable depth piece and a special teams player. Has he reached a plateau or can this Wildcat prove the naysayers wrong? Fisher is likely to have one chance in the NFL and he needs to be ready for that moment. Will the Washington Football Team be the organization to give him that opportunity?
Additional Thoughts
The Washington Football Team continues to rebuild its roster and the upcoming draft will be another step in the process. Would the front office actually draft defensive players only? Anything is possible, but don’t count on it. Washington is likely to have a mix of players on both sides of the ball and they will be looking to fill team needs.
If you missed the offense-only mock draft recently, you can see it here and compare it to the defensive mock. Even with a few specialty mocks coming, we will get to the serious and actual predictive mocks very soon. After the draft, we will begin the process of trying to predict the roster of 53 and the practice squad. Training camp will be here before you know it.
The Washington Football Team is in the process of evaluating prospects, virtually interviewing players, and attending college team pro days across the nation. The excitement and anticipation are building and we’re here to provide you with all of the information and news as it develops.