Washington Football Team trades up for quarterback in 7-round mock draft

After winning the NFC East in 2020, the Washington Football Team needs to begin planning for the future and trade up for a franchise quarterback.

After a year that saw them win the NFC East at 7-9, the Washington Football Team have made several moves to keep them atop the division. They signed cornerback William Jackson III to put on the other side of Kendall Fuller, added a much-needed weapon at receiver in Curtis Samuel and it looks as if Ryan Fitzpatrick will be the man under center in 2021.

Washington is a team with talent all over the field. The only thing they seem to be lacking is a franchise quarterback as Fitzpatrick is a fine option but also a stopgap player under center.

With that in mind, let’s look at the latest 7-round 2021 mock draft for the Washington Football Team, which gets started with an aggressive move up the draft order.

Washington Football Team trades into top five for a quarterback in a new 7-round 2021 mock draft.

Round 1, Pick 4: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

Washington is a quarterback away from being a perennial playoff team. Being that they are stacked on defense and added a few pieces on offense, they can afford to give away some draft capital to get their franchise quarterback. To move up to the fourth-overall pick, they give up the No. 19 and 51 picks in the 2021 NFL Draft along with next year’s first, third and fourth-round selections.

Trey Lance is the best dual-threat quarterback in this draft. He is Lamar Jackson with a better arm in terms of both accuracy and power. His run style is comparable to that of Josh Allen, where he isn’t afraid to run through people rather than around them. Whether it’s in the passing game or as a runner, Lance can dissect defenses at the next level.

Giving him the Tua treatment and letting him sit behind Fitzpatrick until his time comes is something that would greatly benefit Washington for the next decade.

Round 3, Pick 74: Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan

The Trent Williams debacle cost Washington one of the best left tackles in the game and they are still in search for a new franchise left tackle. Jalen Mayfield is coming out as a redshirt sophomore and has shown the ability to be a quality tackle at the next level.

He has great size standing 6-5 and weighing just under 320 pounds, but balances that with great athleticism and ability to hold his own in space. Drafting a franchise left tackle to protect your new quarterback is a must and it would be a big win for Washington.

Round 3, Pick 82: Chazz Surratt, LB, North Carolina

Chazz Surratt’s story is an incredible one. He went to UNC as a quarterback before switching to linebacker prior to his junior season. In his first season at linebacker, he had 115 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks while nearly winning ACC Defensive Player of the Year. He had a great senior campaign as well, notching 91 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 6.0 sacks.

Surratt would fit great in Washington’s 4-3 in both the run game and in pass coverage. Adding another piece to their already great front seven would make their defense that much better.

Round 4, Pick 124: Austin Watkins, WR, UAB

Austin Watkins is an under-the-radar guy who played at a smaller school. That said, his skill jumps off the screen when you watch his tape. 50-50 balls are more 70-30 when they are thrown to him. On top of that, he is a good route runner and is among the best receivers in this class in terms of what he can do after the catch.

Washington could put the newly-signed Curtis Samuel in the slot while Watkins and Terry McLaurin play outside. This would be a great turnaround at the position compared to what they had last season.

Round 5, Pick 163: JaCoby Stevens, S, LSU

JaCoby Stevens isn’t the average safety. He’s thicker than the average safety, weighing north of 210 pounds. Stevens is a solid coverage guy and very good when lined up in the box. He is a very solid run-support safety that can make an impact in a hybrid role of MIKE linebacker and box safety.

If used correctly, he could make an impact on Washington’s defense.

Round 7, Pick 244: Dez Fitzpatrick, WR, Louisville

Dez Fitzpatrick is a big, lanky receiver who would serve the Washington Football Team well as a red zone threat. He showed his ability to go up and get balls in Mobile during Senior Bowl practices with his 80-inch wingspan and can create his own space with his route-running ability.

He isn’t the fastest or most athletic receiver in the class but he is smart and uses his size to his advantage.

Round 7, Pick 246: Briley Moore, TE, Kansas State

Briley Moore went to Kansas State as a grad-transfer from Northern Iowa and he showed off his skills. He was an All-Big 12 selection and he is one of the most balanced tight ends in the class.

He is a physical and effective blocker, but can also give you an option in the short passing game. The Washington Football Team need another tight end to put opposite of Logan Thomas and Moore would be a solid fit.