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NFL • 12 months ago

2015 NFL Draft: 5 Prospects Washington Redskins Should Target In First Round

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Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

5 Prospects Washington Redskins Should Target In Round 1

Washington Redskins Draft — The Washington Redskins created a bit of buzz about two weeks ago when reports connecting the team to Oregon QB Marcus Mariota began to circulate. While the interest in the Heisman winner is likely a ploy to facilitate a trade, the Redskins have plenty of actual targets in the draft. Whether the team stays at No. 5 or trades down, here's a look at five players who may be headed to the nation's capital.

The Washington Redskins created a bit of buzz about two weeks ago when reports connecting the team to Oregon QB Marcus Mariota began to circulate. While the interest in the Heisman winner is likely a ploy to facilitate a trade, the Redskins have plenty of actual targets in the draft. Whether the team stays at No. 5 or trades down, here's a look at five players who may be headed to the nation's capital.

5. La'el Collins (OT-LSU)

La'el Collins LSU

5. La'el Collins (OT-LSU)

La'el Collins LSU — If the Redskins are able to trade down, La'el Collins could be the target of new general manager Scot McCloughan. Collins is a physical left tackle who could slide inside to guard in the NFL. He excels in the run game, getting to the second level with ease. His pass blocking isn't refined, however he has improved in that area over the past couple of seasons.

If the Redskins are able to trade down, La'el Collins could be the target of new general manager Scot McCloughan. Collins is a physical left tackle who could slide inside to guard in the NFL. He excels in the run game, getting to the second level with ease. His pass blocking isn't refined, however he has improved in that area over the past couple of seasons.

4. Landon Collins (SS-Alabama)

Landon Collins Alabama

4. Landon Collins (SS-Alabama)

Landon Collins Alabama — With Ryan Clark retiring and Brandon Meriweather still unsigned, the Redskins are in desperate need of help in the secondary. Landon Collins is the best safety in the draft and can start immediately. The question the team has to ask now is whether to draft Collins at No. 5 or trade down and hope he's still on the board. Using the fifth pick may be a bit of a reach, but it's one the team may decide is worthwhile.

With Ryan Clark retiring and Brandon Meriweather still unsigned, the Redskins are in desperate need of help in the secondary. Landon Collins is the best safety in the draft and can start immediately. The question the team has to ask now is whether to draft Collins at No. 5 or trade down and hope he's still on the board. Using the fifth pick may be a bit of a reach, but it's one the team may decide is worthwhile.

3. Leonard Williams (DL-USC)

Leonard Williams USC

3. Leonard Williams (DL-USC)

Leonard Williams USC — The best possible scenario for the Redskins is for Leonard Williams to fall into their laps at No. 5. In order for this to happen, Marcus Mariota would almost certainly have to be selected in the top four. If that scenario occurs, Washington would enter the 2015 season with a completely different three-man front than the one that ended the 2014 season. Williams, along with Terrance Knighton and Ricky Jean-Francois, would create a formidable line.

The best possible scenario for the Redskins is for Leonard Williams to fall into their laps at No. 5. In order for this to happen, Marcus Mariota would almost certainly have to be selected in the top four. If that scenario occurs, Washington would enter the 2015 season with a completely different three-man front than the one that ended the 2014 season. Williams, along with Terrance Knighton and Ricky Jean-Francois, would create a formidable line.

2. Vic Beasley (OLB-Clemson)

Vic Beasley Clemson

2. Vic Beasley (OLB-Clemson)

Vic Beasley Clemson — The Redskins have yet to fill the void left be OLB Brian Orakpo. While it will be difficult to replace Orakpo's production, the team may target one of the top edge rushers with the fifth pick. Vic Beasley, Dante Fowler, Randy Gregory and Alvin Dupree are all possible targets. At least one will likely be off the board, but Beasley is the best fit in Washington. He has an explosive first step and is ready to start right away.

The Redskins have yet to fill the void left be OLB Brian Orakpo. While it will be difficult to replace Orakpo's production, the team may target one of the top edge rushers with the fifth pick. Vic Beasley, Dante Fowler, Randy Gregory and Alvin Dupree are all possible targets. At least one will likely be off the board, but Beasley is the best fit in Washington. He has an explosive first step and is ready to start right away.

1. Brandon Scherff (OT-Iowa)

Brandon Scherff Iowa

1. Brandon Scherff (OT-Iowa)

Brandon Scherff Iowa — If Robert Griffin III is going to make it through an entire season, the Redskins must upgrade the offensive line. There's no better way to do that than by selecting the top offensive lineman in this draft. Brandon Scherff starred at left tackle for the Iowa Hawkeyes, but he's better suited to play guard in the NFL. He can immediately take over at either guard spot. Like Zack Martin, Scherff has the talent to make the Pro Bowl as a rookie.

If Robert Griffin III is going to make it through an entire season, the Redskins must upgrade the offensive line. There's no better way to do that than by selecting the top offensive lineman in this draft. Brandon Scherff starred at left tackle for the Iowa Hawkeyes, but he's better suited to play guard in the NFL. He can immediately take over at either guard spot. Like Zack Martin, Scherff has the talent to make the Pro Bowl as a rookie.

Shawn Spencer is an NFL Draft writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Spencer_NFL, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Related:
Redskins Interest In Mariota An Obvious Smokescreen

2015 NFL Draft: 5 Prospects Philadelphia Eagles Should Target In First Round

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Washington Redskins

Shawn Spencer is a writer for RantSports.

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