Another Draft is in the books, and NFL rosters are beginning to take shape. There were several different prospects who Redskins fans were calling for, but this Draft wasn't what most were anticipating, including myself. I won't hide from my mistakes, though. If you wish to see my Redskins 2014 NFL Mock Draft click here. I was dead wrong in my predictions, but you can't win 'em all, right?
I will be dishing out grades to each individual Redskins Draft pick, and explaining why I think that grade is justified. So, here is your 2014 Redskins Draft class!
Round 2, (47th Overall) (From Cowboys)
Trent Murphy - Outside Linebacker - Stanford
This pick was acquired from the Dallas Cowboys after the Redskins traded down from their original pick at #34. By doing this, the Redskins received Dallas' third round selection in the Draft. Washington then proceeded to take Trent Murphy, who happened to lead collegiate Football in sacks last season. You read that right. Not Jadeveon Clowney, but Trent Murphy. Murphy also placed second in the nation in tackles for a loss. Redskins fans probably didn't even know who Trent Murphy was at this time in the Draft, because Outside Linebacker wasn't even considered a need for the team. Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan already man those spots, which is why the pick came as such a surprise. However, Brian Orakpo is under the franchise tag, and it doesn't look like both sides are going to work out a long term deal, so Trent Murphy is insurance in case Orakpo departs after 2014. Trent Murphy is a hard worker, good leader, and dangerous presence on the defensive side of the ball. This wasn't the pick everyone was expecting, as there were other players on the board that would've filled a bigger need, but you can never have enough pass rushers. After carefully evaluating Murphy, it is hard to find anything bad about this pick. The Redskins needed more guys to get after the Quarterback, and they got just that by drafting Trent Murphy.
See his Highlights Here
2013 Statistics: 62 tackles - 23.5 tackles for a loss - 15 sacks - 1 interception - 1 interception return for TD - 6 pass deflections - 2 forced fumbles
The Grade: A-
Round 3, (66th Overall)
Morgan Moses - Offensive Tackle - Virginia
Everything falls into place for Washington thus far, as one of the top Offensive Tackle prospects in the Draft falls to them at the top of the third round. Unlike Trent Murphy, Morgan Moses was very high profile among Redskins fans. It isn't a secret that Right Tackle is still a position of need for this team, or it was until Morgan Moses came along. He is a massive O-Lineman with a wide wingspan, enabling him to engulf defenders and keep them away from Robert Griffin III. Before this Draft got underway, Moses was considered to be a late first round pick by some, so the fact that Moses slipped all the way to the third round for the Redskins to snatch him up could make him an absolute steal, but it all depends on his performance on the field. The Redskins could've taken Moses at #47 like almost every fan suggested during the Draft, but they show that patience is key and end up getting a steal at #66 instead. Seeing that only Tyler Polumbus and Tom Compton stand in his way, expect to see Moses start sooner than later.
See him work against Oregon Here
The Grade: A
Round 3, (78th Overall) (From Cowboys)
Spencer Long - Offensive Guard - Nebraska
This was somewhat of a questionable pick. Spencer Long wasn't very high on everyone's Draft boards, and Redskins fans were left wondering why their team drafted him so high if he was only rated as a mid/late round pick. Draft boards are fun to go by, but you really have to look at a player's film and characteristics to get a feel for their value in the NFL. Initially, the pick could be considered a reach, but after looking at film and reading up on Long, the pick becomes more and more likeable. Many believe that Long could've been an All-American had he not suffered an MCL tear during his 2013 campaign. He is a big (6'5", 320 lbs.), smart lineman who excels in pass blocking, which is exactly what Head Coach Jay Gruden wants with his Offensive Linemen. However, there were other big Guards available at this point in the Draft (Gabe Jackson, Cyril Richardson), but we will see soon enough whether Washington made the right choice or not. There is no doubting Long's maturity and leadership, though. He was a first team Academic All-American and Team Captain at Nebraska. Long also has some experience playing Center, so expect to see him get some reps at that position as well.
The Grade: B-
Round 4, (102nd Overall)
Bashaud Breeland - Cornerback - Clemson
The Redskins get a potential steal with this pick. Breeland had a productive career at Clemson and was rated pretty highly on Draft boards. Some Draft analysts believe that he had the talent to go somewhere in the second round, and if he had stayed in school for his Senior season, he could've been a first rounder in 2015. He came out of college early to provide for his daughter, which is a respectable decision. After being drafted by the Redskins, Breeland stated he was excited to learn from one of his favorite Cornerbacks in the NFL, DeAngelo Hall. Breeland wasn't the biggest Corner on the board, but he plays with good physicality and will blend well with the rest of the Redskins secondary. He is also a valuable addition on Special Teams, an area this team struggled with in 2013. In his film, he is always the first one down to the punt returner, and it is good to see that kind of determination on the field. By the end of the Preseason, he could find himself climbing the depth chart.
See him work against Syracuse Here
2013 Statistics: 56 tackles - 5 tackles for a loss - 2 sacks - 4 interceptions - 10 pass deflections - 2 forced fumbles
The Grade: B+
Round 5, (142nd Overall)
Ryan Grant - Wide Receiver - Tulane
Even though the Redskins signed Wide Receivers DeSean Jackson and Andre Roberts in Free Agency, they still felt the need to add to that unit during the Draft. Throughout the Draft process, Ryan Grant got lost in the middle of an extremely talented Wide Receiver class. He is underrated, and even though he comes from a small school, he should be praised for his catching ability. It's not like the team is asking Grant to be a superstar, although that would be nice. They simply want someone who can come in and contribute in the passing game, and Grant brings that to the table. Defenders will already have to worry about talented players like Garcon, Jackson, and Roberts. With that being the case, things could open up for Grant in the Offense, but it's an uphill battle. It's nice to think that Ryan Grant may be Washington's version of Marvin Jones in Cincinnati, who played a big part in Jay Gruden's Offense in 2013. It's hard to help but think that Jay Gruden drafted Ryan Grant for this purpose, and we will know what kind of impact he can make once Preseason rolls around.
See his Highlights Here
2013 Statistics: 77 receptions/1,039 yards - 13.5 yards/reception - 9 touchdowns
The Grade: B-
Round 6, (186th Overall) (From Titans)
Lache Seastrunk - Running Back - Baylor
This is a great value pick. It's really fun to watch this guy play ball. Seastrunk is fast, elusive, and an all around great ball carrier. It's a surprise that he dropped all the way to the sixth round of the Draft. Lache ran a 4.51 40 yard dash at the Combine, but improved to a 4.46 at his Pro Day. However, his speed shouldn't be put into question, because he runs like a flash of lightning on film. Combining Seastrunk with Alfred Morris would be a great, one-two punch and it would really tire out opposing defenses. At Baylor, the coaching staff didn't run an offense that required their Running Backs to catch the ball very often, so Seastrunk's catching ability is untested. This brings up the question of whether he can be a good third down Running Back or not. Looking at his Combine film, it seems as though he should have no problem in that category, because he caught nearly everything that was thrown his way. He also believes that he has soft hands and should be able to catch in the NFL. This is also a good pick because Roy Helu Jr. is in his contract year, and Seastrunk is good insurance in the event of a Helu departure after the 2014 season.
See his Highlights Here
2013 Statistics: 158 attempts/1,117 yards - 7.4 yards/average - 11 touchdowns
The Grade: B
Round 7, (217th Overall)
Ted Bolser - Tight End - Indiana
This one was a bit of a head scratcher, but can you really predict who the team will pick in the seventh round? Ted Bolser won't blow you away with stats or film, but he adds more talent to Special Teams. Head Coach Jay Gruden described him as being a real "war daddy" on kickoffs, and the Redskins need that. He may not be the flashiest pick of this class, but it makes sense for the Redskins to go this direction late in the Draft. The only problem with this pick is the fact that the team already has an effective Tight End special teamer, Niles Paul. Sure, Paul hasn't been productive in Washington's Offense, but he really knows how to lay the boom on Special Teams. Bolser and Paul may end up competing for that third Tight End position on the final roster. If Bolser can flash offensive ability in the Preseason, expect him to make it past the final cuts.
See him work against Indiana State Here
2013 Statistics: 35 receptions/320 yards - 9.1 yards/reception - 6 touchdowns
The Grade: C+
Round 7, (228th Overall) (From Titans)
Zach Hocker - Kicker - Arkansas
Washington shows that there is a clear focus on Special Teams late in this Draft. After swapping sixth round picks with the Tennessee Titans, the Redskins acquired the Titans' seventh round pick in return, giving them the ability to take Place Kicker Zach Hocker. There are some questions surrounding this pick because the Redskins already have a reliable Kicker, Kai Forbath. The one knock on Kai Forbath is his leg strength on kickoffs and field goals, which is an area where Hocker excels. This will make for some good competition in camp and throughout Preseason as well. The most exciting thing about Hocker is his ability to bang through 50+ yarders with ease. At the East West Shrine Game, Hocker scored 11 points for the East, and also bested his career record by putting through a 56 yarder. Hocker went 3 for 3 on his field goals that day. Washington may have just gotten their Kicker for the future, but he has to go through Kai Forbath first.
Watch him kick Here
The Grade: B-
Overall
Morgan Moses smiles for the camera with NFL Commisioner Roger Goodell and London Fletcher.Special Teams, depth, and getting big guys to protect RG3 was the main philosophy behind Washington's 2014 Draft. They had a plan in place and they executed. Can fans really be upset with that? The front office addressed some of the most pressing matters on the team, and they are much improved compared to their 2013 form. However, not a single Safety was taken, and that position remains the most glaring issue for Washington. Aside from that, Washington did a good job of moving around in the Draft and getting as many picks as they could out of this deep and talented Draft. Things are looking up for the Burgundy and Gold in 2014.
Final Grade: B
