As the Washington Redskins round out the top ten of the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft, they happen to be a team with a mess on their hands. Mike Shanahan has not handled Donovan McNabb or Albert Haynesworth well. McNabb may or mot be back next season and Rex Grossman, his backup, is no longer under contract. The running game is without a star and the receiving corp relies on an aging Santana Moss.
With all the needs that Washington has, and that does not even start on the defensive side of the ball, they need a playmaker. So here is my selection for the Redskins:
Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
Washington could go a number of ways. In fact, there has even been a little buzz that they might make a huge splash and take Washington QB Jake Locker with the 10th pick overall. He fits the mold of a Shanahan guy, with characteristics that are in line with Jay Cutler and even John Elway. But they think better of it. Taking Locker this high would be irresponsible.
It comes down to two guys and two needs. Do they take CB Prince Amukamara or WR Julio Jones? Amukamara would be a great fit, but in the end, Shanahan is a guy who wants points on the board and his offense needs a lot of help and goes with the 6-3, 220 lb receiver from Alabama. Sure, the quarterback position is unclear, but adding a guy like Jones changes things. He has size, strength, hands and speed. If Washington is going to make a splash at QB, they will need someone better than Moss (the less talented one, that is) to throw to.
Durability could be an issue, but considering that he ran a 4.39 40 with a broken foot, his speed and production are too good to pass up. He is dominant when healthy and very good even when hurt. it is a great pick for the 'Skins.
Next up in the draft are the Houston Texans, the 2010 team of Matt Leinart. Cory Williams will bring you his pick for them.
Check out the mock draft on the Arizona Cardinals team blog Revenge of the Birds to see who both the community and the writers are projecting.
2011 SBN AZ Mock Draft recap:
1- Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn (Jess Root)
2- Denver Broncos: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M (Cory Williams)
3- Buffalo Bills: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri (Scott Howard)
4- Cincinnati Bengals: AJ Green, WR, Georgia (JR)
5- Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU (CW)
6- Cleveland Browns: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson (SH)
7- San Francisco 49ers: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina (JR)
8- Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn (CW)
9- Dallas Cowboys: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama (SH)
10- Washington Redskins: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama (JR)