2014 NFL Mock Draft: Washington Redskins Three-Round
Florida Gators defensive back Marcus Roberson (5) against the Vanderbilt Commodores works out prior to the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Washington Redskins have several needs to take care of, and they’ll have to build a much better defense and add another wide receiver to the mix without having the benefit of a first-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. While new head coach Jay Gruden is busy working with Robert Griffin III in the hopes of getting a big third year out of the Redskins franchise quarterback, GM Bruce Allen will have to revamp one of the worst defenses in the league. Free agency will be a busy time for the Redskins for sure, but it’s also important to take a look at the draft ahead.
Fan Speak’s simulator is an indispensable tool that allows me to formulate my own 2014 NFL Mock Draft for just one specific team, as the rest of the picks are simulated. This mock draft from the Redskins point of view will last three rounds, meaning that I will be picking for the Redskins in the second and third rounds. Below are the results.
Round 2, Pick 34 Ha Ha Clinton-Dix of Alabama
I have no idea how Clinton-Dix was available here, but Oklahoma State’s Justin Gilbert also slipped into the second round. Although the Redskins could use a corner more than a safety, I viewed defensive back as an equal need and decided to take Clinton-Dix, whom I view as the better player. It’s a bit of a risky decision to pass up on CB and a guy with Gilbert’s raw talent, but I’m incredibly impressed by Clinton-Dix’s all-around ability at safety and tape from Alabama. In the second round, either player is a steal.
Round 3, Pick 66 Marcus Roberson of Florida
Now I landed a new cornerback for the Washington Redskins, but it was a difficult decision to pass up on Pittsburgh’s Aaron Donald and Washington Huskies star tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins, who is my second-ranked tight end in the draft class behind Jace Amaro. The thought of a twin-TE set with the uber-athletic Jordan Reed and the well-rounded ASJ was incredibly enticing, but it wasn’t enticing enough for me to go with what would have been a bit of a luxury pick. Donald would have been good value here as well, but I felt like corner was just too big of a need to pass up on. While Roberson isn’t regarded as being as good of a prospect as Donald or ASJ, I think he is right about as good as Donald and is deserving of a second-round grade. Even though former Florida teammate Loucheiz Purifoy is the bigger name, Roberson is much better in coverage and would immediately be an upgrade as the Redskins No. 2 corner.