Washington Football Team all-linebacker 7-round mock draft
Rounds 4-7
Round 4 – Monty Rice, Georgia – 6-0, 240
Monty Rice is a solid defender in the middle and can clog up passing and running lanes on a routine basis. He lacks elite speed and that limits his effectiveness as a drop-back cover linebacker and pass rusher. If Rice could lose about ten pounds, but maintain a good muscle structure, his fortunes could improve. He would still be limited due to lack of quickness, but the issues would not be as exposed as we see at his current size. He would be an elite special teamer for the Washington Football Team.
Round 5 – Charles Snowden, Virginia – 6-6.5, 235
Charles Snowden may seem like a player who is simply too tall to be an effective linebacker, but he has learned to take that lengthy frame to his advantage. Primarily an outside linebacker, Snowden would still be a very good option for the Washington Football Team in their 4-3 defense. He is able to provide good coverage over the middle and routinely breaks up passes with his long arms.
Round 7 – Derrick Barnes, Purdue – 6-1, 245
Derrick Barnes spent his time for the Boilermakers as a stand-up edge rusher and rarely dropped back in coverage. He offers a bit of versatility, but his skillsets are somewhat limited. On occasion, Barnes is able to gain a step on the left tackle and close in quickly on the quarterback. Barnes is comfortable within a ten-yard radius of his operational area, but his lack of speed doesn’t afford him the opportunity to expand that base beyond what you see.
Round 7 – Justin Hilliard, Ohio St. – 6-1, 225
Justin Hilliard could be a very underrated linebacker in this draft and he could be a steal in the seventh round. He was part of a rotation that featured Baron Browning and Pete Warner. That limited Hilliard’s production, but he has a knack for making good plays at timely moments. Hilliard could’ve played elsewhere and he would’ve had a greater impact, but his dedication to the Buckeyes was apparent. He is a very good fit in the 4-3 defense – probably at SAM and is likely to be a core special teamer. The Washington Football Team has an uncanny ability to find hidden gems in the final round and Hilliard could be that gem in 2021.