The “Malik Willis to Washington” Mock Draft 1.0

Washington needs a playmaker on the back end that has adequate range and versatility at all three-levels on defense.

With Bobby McCain’s future with the team uncertain, Landon Collins looking to make a move permanently to linebacker, Washington needs a safety that has good ball skills, can come up and make a tackle in the box, yet also has the range to play his deep half responsibilities.

Insert Oregon’s Verone McKinley III. The three-year starter at safety for the Ducks, McKinley has some of the best instincts in his class. Throughout every phase of the position, McKinley has shined bright no matter the task.

In coverage, he displayed adequate range, IQ and ball skills to play either man or zone. Whether it be your single-high safety, slot corner, deep-half safety, whatever the asks are, McKinley proved that not only is he skilled enough, but playing coverage comes naturally to him.

In addition, he packs a major punch as he comes downhill in the run game. He’s quick to identify the ball carrier and pack a blow with him as he shoots through the gaps like a rocket. As a second-level run stopper, McKinley proved he can make an impact there as well.

In totality, he flashed high-levels of upside as a do-it-all safety. Not only is Ron Rivera a lover of “position flex” in his players, but he also likes athletes who tend to score well according to RAS. Not only do I believe McKinley is a good scheme fit for Washington, but he provides some juice at the safety position, something Washington definitely needs.