The potential selections all make sense mainly because the Redskins have a lot of holes. So if they take a defensive end or a linebacker or a receiver or just about any position, it can honestly be said: They needed to fill a hole at that spot.
Which is why many of the experts’ predictions for the Redskins at No. 10 make sense.
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Peter King (Sports Illustrated) » King listed who the Redskins will pick (end/linebacker Robert Quinn) and who they should take (guard/center Mike Pouncey). Quinn has a terrific highlight tape, something coach Mike Shanahan loves. And he fills a major need. But Pouncey? A team with severe needs on defense, at quarterback and at receiver should take a guard/center? At No. 10? You never draft an interior lineman that high. If the Redskins had had a Pro Bowl guard or center this season, they would have finished … 6-10.
Wes Bunting (National Football Post) » He had the Redskins trading the 10th pick to Detroit at 13 and selecting running back Mark Ingram. We like the trade, but though Ingram fits the offense well, this draft has good value at running back in the later rounds. Besides, Shanahan has never selected a running back in the first round.
Charley Casserly (NFL Network/former general manager)/Russ Lande (Sporting News/former scout) » Both have the Redskins taking defensive end Aldon Smith. Fine by us. Smith is an athletic player and has traits that fit well in a 3-4. Durability is an issue, but he would improve the pass rush.
Nolan Nawrocki (Pro Football Weekly) » He predicts receiver Julio Jones, a superb talent with good intangibles. Our quibble: Can they ignore the defense in the first round for a second straight year? At some point Shanahan must give coordinator Jim Haslett legitimate help to complete the transition to a 3-4.
Mel Kiper/Todd McShay (ESPN) » Both have the Redskins selecting defensive end J.J. Watt. He’s described as a low-risk pick. That’s not Shanahan’s style, though he would fill a need. Some scouts aren’t that high on Watt. This feels like a reach.
