With the first round of the NFL Draft in the books, Washington's first pick, Brandon Scherff from Iowa, is starting to look a lot better. The reason being? Not only does Scherff fill a need and bring a level of toughness Scot McCloughan has been looking for, but the available talent in the second round should allow Washington to come away with two very good players. Washington picks 6th in the 2nd round, 38th overall. Here's a look at six prospects that they could target, at least one of which will be available by the time they pick.
Jaelen Stong, WR - Arizona State
A big bodied receiver standing at 6 feet 2.5 inches and weighing in at 217 pounds, Strong possesses the 4.4 speed that teams covet in a wide receiver. Projected as a first round pick, Strong fell out of the first round, most likely due to injury concerns about his wrist. Regardless, Strong is a big play receiver who would help complement Desean Jackson on the outside and give Washington some extra size at the wide receiver position. With Pierre Garcon's future in Washington in doubt after this year, adding to the wide receiving corps would be prudent, particularly if a prospect like Strong is available.
T.J Clemmings, OT - Pittsburgh
Clemmings is seen by some as one of the better left tackle prospects in this draft. Though he would probably start at the right tackle spot, Clemmings would offer great competition for the starting spot and allow Brandon Scherff to be played at left guard. Clemmings would potentially be a reach, depending on the other players still on the board, but if Washington has him rated highly enough, don't be surprised if they pick offensive lineman with their first two picks.
Jalen Collins, DB - LSU
Collins has the size and speed NFL teams covet at the cornerback position standing at 6 foot 1 and weighing 203 pounds with a 4.48 40 time. McCloughan is known to like defensive backs who stand taller than 6 feet. Collins fell primarily due to injury concerns, but he would add depth and talent to a secondary that was one of the worst in football last season.
Randy Gregory, OLB - Nebraska
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| Randy Gregory (44) offers incredible value in the 2nd round |
The off the field issues for Gregory have been well publicized, and his fall has not been unexpected, expect perhaps in degree. Gregory is one of the premier pass-rushers in this year's draft, and was projected as a top-10 pick early in the draft process. If Gregory slides to 38, Washington could find themselves with perhaps the best pure pass-rusher, while having already acquired a great offensive line talent in the first round. Despite his off-field issues, Gregory offers incredible value at 38.
Eli Harold, OLB - Virginia
Harold is one of the top prospects as an outside linebacker in this years draft. He doesn't offer the same punch as a pass-rusher as Randy Gregory, but is further along in terms of being able to drop back into coverage. Regardless, Washington should be able to allow him to develop even more in that regard with Trent Murphy filling the OLB role on first and second down. Harold's all around game may even put him above Gregory on Washington's board, especially given the latter's off the field concerns.
Landon Collins, S - Alabama
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| Landon Collins (26) wears the number of his idol, the late Washington star safety Sean Taylor |
Collins was seen by many to be a middle-first round pick, albeit in a very weak safety class. Damarious Randall, from Arizona State leap-frogged him last night, probably due to concerns over Collins' ability in coverage. Regardless, Collins possesses excellent speed, running a 4.53 40, and has size to boot. He plays best in the box, which may preclude him from being selected by Washington, who prefer their safeties to be able to play either role. It's hard to see where he fits with the additions of Dashon Goldson and Jeron Johnson, but with Johnson's ability to play the free safety position, if they have him rated high enough he could be their guy at 38. How great would it be to see a player who idolized the late Sean Taylor play for the Burgundy and Gold on Sundays?
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