The Redskins didn’t have a first round pick, but that doesn’t mean they can’t walk away with some impact players from this draft. Here are some of the top options potentially available to them in Rounds 2 and 3:

Round 2:

Defensive line:

Johnathan Hankins

John Jenkins

Jesse Williams

Margus Hunt

 

Cornerback:

Jonathan Banks

Darius Slay

Jordan Poyer

Robert Alford

 

Safety:

D.J. Swearinger

 

Offensive line:

Barrett Jones

Dallas Thomas

Terron Armstead

 

Wide Receiver:

Robert Woods

Quinton Patton

Markus Wheaton

 

Tight End:

Zach Ertz

 

 

3rd Round Options:

 

Defensive Line:

None

 

Cornerback:

Logan Ryan

B.W. Webb

Dwayne Gratz

 

Safety:

Tony Jefferson

Phillip Thomas

Bacarri Rambo

Shamarko Thomas

 

Offensive Line:

David Bakhtari

David Quessenberry

 

Wide Receiver:

Ryan Swope

Aaron Dobson

Stedman Bailey

 

Tight End:

Vance McDonald

Gavin Escobar

 

Now safety, corner and offensive tackle are the Redskins three biggest needs, but the value could be there at another position and the Redskins could justify taking a defensive lineman, a tight end or a wide receiver (particularly a slot wide receiver). Now of course in reality some of the players listed in the 2nd or 3rd round will be off the board when the Redskins select, but there should at least be a reasonable chance that these guys will be there (guys like Jonathan Cyprien and Jamar Taylor I don’t believe have a reasonable chance to be there). Now the best case scenario would of course be if the Redskins can get two of the names off the 2nd round list, but for the purpose of this we will look at one from each list. Here are my top 5 scenarios for the Redskins:

#1

2nd Round CB Jonathan Banks, 3rd Round S Phillip Thomas

-This would fill the Redskins two biggest needs and give them a pair of young defensive backs to build around in 2014 when Wilson, Hall, Biggers, Meriweather and Doughty are all free agents. In addition to filling the needs, it lands the Redskins great value at each position.

#2

2nd Round DE Margus Hunt, 3rd Round CB B.W. Webb

-This would be a high-upside scenario for the Redskins. Hunt has incredible potential and could develop into a poor man’s J.J. Watt, giving the Redskins a big boost for their pass rush and helping to add depth to a unit that has been riddled with injuries and underperformance. Webb isn’t as touted as a number of higher ranked corners, but his potential is pretty high. He’s got a strong work ethic and shows impressive awareness and technique. He also should contribute on special teams as a returner.

#3

2nd Round DT Johnathan Hankins, 3rd Round S Bacarri Rambo

-This would be an interesting scenario. Hankins could be a steal in terms of value and he should bolster the defensive line. He can split time at both nose tackle and defensive end, adding depth and potential to both spots. Hankins showed the potential to be major force along the line, as he can eat up blockers and still get good penetration. He should really boost the Redskins run defense, which should help overall by putting opponents in longer passing situations. Rambo would fill the Redskins need at free safety, and give them someone with nice range and potential.

#4

2nd Round OL Barrett Jones, 3rd Round S Tony Jefferson

-This would be considered an odd draft by some, but I think it would be a very safe and versatile draft. Barrett Jones may be listed as a center but the reality is he can play anywhere along the line. He’s incredibly intelligent and had just a fantastic career at Alabama. He could be a Bruce Matthews type of player who moves all around the line throughout his career, but continues to rack up trips to Hawaii. Tony Jefferson is one of the smarter safeties in this class, I love his instincts and though he’s probably a better SS fit, he should be able to play free safety as well.

#5

2nd Round S D.J. Swearinger, 3rd Round WR Ryan Swope

-This would be a balanced draft for the Redskins. Targeting their biggest need, but slightly reaching in the 2nd round and addressing a future need in the third round. The immediate impact of this draft would likely be more limited, but it doesn’t ignore either side of the ball and gives them some playmakers. Swearinger should compete for a starting job, and even if he struggles early in his career would be an upgrade over what the Redskins currently have at safety. Swope could be the eventual replacement for Santana Moss, and give the Redskins a versatile guy, who could fit nicely in the Redskins creative offense. Should also make an impact on special teams.