REDSKINS DRAFT RECAP 2014

by PIGSKIN PAUL

This was the final year of draft purgatory for the REDSKINS because of the RG3 trade in 2012. So when reviewing this draft we have to keep in mind that RG3 is a part of it. If fully healthy GRIFFIN is a Franchise QB about ready to come into his own under the new coaching staff of JAY GRUDEN. And thanks to the EAGLES, the REDSKINS had Christmas in April with their signing of WR/DESEAN JACKSON.

Now on to the meat and potatoes of their DRAFT.

Round 2 Pick 47       TRENT MURPHY/DE/LB/STANFORD

6’5       250 4.86/40   It certainly seemed like the Redskins were channeling their RYAN KERRIGAN-luv with this selection. MURPHY looks to be very similar to KERRIGAN, who has developed more than many felt he would coming into the League. The best comparison that I have heard for MURPHY is that he comes to the pro game with the same skill set/potential as MIKE VRABEL. His numbers from the Combine are fairly mediocre, but when you watch him play he’s nothing short of productive. He played with his hand both up and down for the stout Stanford D and produced 23.5 TFL & 15 sacks in 2013. My guess is he’s the replacement for BRIAN ORAKPO who may want way too much money long term for the Redskins tastes going forward. Was a team Captain.

PP rank #67.

Round 3 Pick 66       MORGAN MOSES/OT/VIRGINIA

6’6       315              5.35/40              Was a little disappointing at the Senior Bowl. He played/practiced way too upright and was beaten regularly to the outside by speedy pass rushing DE in Mobile. Then he went to the Combine and really posted some disappointing numbers. But his productivity in college, as well as 35.375” long arms still make him a solid developmental pick. MOSES will be highly motivated to prove teams were wrong in passing on him until Round 3. His slipping was great luck for Old DC. MOSES has starting potential and should accept coaching.

PP Rank #48.

Round 3 Pick 78       SPENCER LONG/OG/NEBRASKA

6’5 320   Lost most of his 2013 season to injury. We can assume he is progressing well medically for him to go this high. He’s a throwback to the HOGS of old. Operates primarily on strength and power. Was originally a walk-on at Nebraska. Has big strong hands (10.750”), with 33.125” arm length. Those are well above average for an Interior OL. He’s country strong and aggressive. Could move into the starting lineup soon. Another team Captain.

PP Rank #198.

Round 4 Pick 102       BASHAUD BREELAND/CB/CLEMSON

5’11       197   4.62/40              An aggressive press-Corner who has decent ball skills and is a willing, effective tackler. Still has developmental skill work to do, including improving his ball awareness once the ball is in the air. He has a knack for separating people from the ball ala PEANUT TILLMAN. Expect him to contribute in sub-packages right away and fight for a starting job as early as 2015. A very good value pick in Round 4.

PP Rank #78. 

Round 5 Pick 142       RYAN GRANT/WR/TULANE

6’0       200       4.64/40    Only lack of pure speed kept this guy out of the Top 100. He had 70+ catches in both 2012 & 2013. He has hands that measure 9.675” and he uses them to catch the ball away from his body. He gets open deep despite a lack of top end speed and locates the ball well. He has the potential to be a productive No. 3/4 receiver in the NFL. Could beat out some underperforming receivers like HANKERSON for a roster spot, especially if he can help out on Special Teams.

 PP Rank #206.

Round 6 Pick 186       LACHE SEASTRUNK/RB/BAYLOR

5’9       200 4.51/40   Was thought originally to be a Top 100 player, but his workout numbers were a bit disappointing to personnel people. He does have some burst and quickness in his running, but at times he dances too long picking his running hole. He should make a nice compliment to Alfred Morris and could give ROYSTER a battle for the No. 3 RB slot. Solid value pick with potential to upgrade the overall RB group.

PP Rank #104

Round 7 Pick 217       TED BOLSER/TE/INDIANA

6’5       255       4.79/40              BOLSER provides something that the ‘Skins are short of… full sized, inline blocking TE. He demonstrated during Shrine Week that he is athletic enough to compete at the highest level both as a blocker and as a short/middle-of-the-field receiver. The team is hoping he can be a better all-around version of LOGAN PAULSEN. With a RB like MORRIS, BOLSER’s blocking in the Red Zone could be a welcome addition to the offensive arsenal. Was a tri-Captain for the Hoosiers.

PP Rank #257.

Round 7 Pick 228       ZACH HOCKER/K/ARKANSAS

6’0       190          At first blush this might seem like a questionable selection. But perhaps his versatility & potential have Salary Cap appeal to the organization over the long haul. HOCKER was able to reach the end zone with 68% of his kick-offs last season. He has also seen double duty as a K and P during his collegiate career. He has good leg strength and looks like he might be able to bulk up a tad and improve his overall accuracy. At the Shrine venue I asked him if his punting career was over. He hedged his answer by saying he intended to go to the Combine as a K, but if he had a bad day he would ask to be allowed to punt. We may have to wait until Training Camp to understand the big picture with him.

Considering the lack of a First Round pick this was a pretty solid effort. Long term they may have gotten two starting OL out of this Draft. MURPHY may ease the potential cap loss of ORAKPO, or KERRIGAN. BREELAND, BOLSER, SEASTRUNK & GRANT could all be upgrades at positions of need. The only area I see a deficiency is a lack of upgrading team speed with this group. As a group these players would rank below average in NFL level speed and quickness.

I don’t give out grades for team drafts any more, but if I did this one would certainly be above average! Combine these 8 players with the VFA group that was signed earlier and the overall REDSKINS roster has been significantly upgraded in my opinion.