Loading ...
Munching the NFL Mocks
Taking a look at the major update to the hailRedskins.com Mock Draft database, we’re starting to see a shift in position a bit as well as players at the position for the Washington Redskins first round selection at #21 (assuming the Redskins stay at #21).
What is the hailRedskins.com Mock Draft Database? The hR Mock Database is the largest NFL mock database on the internet. It is the pioneer of mock draft databases. Before hailRedskins.com began tracking and updating NFL mock drafts, there was no single source site to direct NFL draft junkies to for a listing of various mock drafts. hailRedskins.com came up with the idea of pulling as many mocks as we could find, together on one links page, and provide who the Redskins would pick in the first round.
The Mock Draft Database has been online for 7 consecutive years. It has evolved to the point where we list the first THREE rounds of Redskins picks. Provide date of updates for those partner mocks that link to our Database. We have rated the pocks based on whether it is a NFL fan site, personal site, fantasy football site, or an actual professional draft site. We also have listed whether the mock is NEW to the Database, is a Veteran Mock to the database or whether it is an A+ mock, meaning, it has been listed on the hR database for at least 5 years. The A+ mocks are not your fly by night mocks, they have been around for at least 5 years, some were listed in our Database in it’s first year, 7 years ago.
Current Stats: The database lists a whopping 227 Mock Drafts! 137 of those are partner linked with the hR Mock database.
Here are your current numbers for the Redskins by position (some mocks are not included, based on how often the mock is updated):
Mock have the Redskins taking at #21:
- DEFENSIVE END: 85 Mocks
- WIDE RECEIVER: 53 Mocks
- SAFETY: 9 Mocks
- DEFENSIVE TACKLE: 7 Mocks
- OFFENSIVE LINE: 6 Mocks
- CORNERBACK: 5 Mocks
- LINEBACKER: 3 Mocks
That is your break down by position Redskins draft junkies!
Now, who are these mocks projecting the Redskins will land in the 21st position? Why is this so hard this year?
Quick answer is the change in mentality and personnel on the sidelines. The Redskins did something strange this year. They chose to sit on the sidelines in free agency, not signing one single free agent, outside their own. The once kings of free agency have apparently undergone a change in philosophy. Some say too much. Some say great. BUT, one thing is clear, for at least one year, the Redskins appear intent on building the franchise based on what it has now. Many fans are excited about that because of the status of the team.
Let’s face it. The Redskins had a terrific 2007 season given the fact they lost a total of 7 starters to season ending injuries, including two starting offensive lineman, QB Jason Campbell, and the tragic murder of Sean Taylor. Yet, the team managed to fight back and land a playoff spot. The Redskins have chose to build on that momentum by getting starter lost last season back to health and filling priority spots via a full draft (minus a 4th rounder). The Redskins actually have a first, second, and third rounder, can you believe it?
Also changed, the sideline management. Out, by a stunning decision, Redskins legend Joe Gibbs decided to re-retire after leading the Redskins to the playoffs in 2 of his 4 years, but obviously falling short of many goals that were set. After one of the weirdest and oddest head coaching searches I think I have ever seen, the Redskins chose to fill the position of Offensive Coordinator and Defensive Coordinator, before hiring a head coach. Very strange. Ousted were Al Saunders and Gregg Williams. In were Jim Zorn and Greg Blache. After another week of interviews and searching, perhaps the oddest part of the scenario unfolded, Dan Snyder named new offensive coordinator Jim Zorn, the head coach. Odd for Redskins fans why? Well, he was only offensive coordinator for a few days before being promoted to head coach. Second, when has Dan Snyder ever turned to a coach without any head coaching experience and that did not serve as a huge splash? I can answer that. NEVER!
SUMMARY: Gibbs stuns Redskins Park and retires. The Redskins oust Saunders and Williams. Follow up by hiring Jim Zorn and Greg Blache in those respective positions. Still no head coach. Suddenly out of no where, possibly they liked the way he moved into his office or the way he walked through the hall when he arrived, but it was good enough to land Zorn the head coaching spot a few days after landing the offensive coordinator gig. Zorn was ready to roll and lead the maroon and black ahh burgundy and gold. Then, finally, free agency arrives, mid night strikes, and Redskins One is grounded. No free agent visits, no signing, nothing.
So, then you wander why mock draft creators have problems determining who the Redskins will select. It isn’t like this is a normal Snyder run front office. It’s weird.
As for me, I will take it. I like the youthful exuberance of Zorn, am excited to see a high potent west coast offense that is not AFRAID to move the ball or afraid to put team AWAY (something we have not seen the last 4 years). I like the approach to build through the draft. So what if your bored. So what if the Redskins bored you this past month. When the Redskins weren’t boring you, you were still complaining. Fact is, the Redskins have tried the free agency model since Dan Snyder assumed personnel control in 2000. What do we have to show for it? ZERO NFC East championships. ZERO NFC Championships. ZERO Superbowl appearances. JUST 2 playoff landings. As a die hard ‘Skins fan, the way I look at the new approach, it really can’t get any worse, and it will be cheaper in the end.
How’s that for digression!
REDSKINS TEAM NEEDS: Defensive Line, Wide Receiver, Offensive Line depth, Safety, Corner back depth
So here are the top 5 projected players
1. DE Calais Campbell: You’ve seen him lead this list since we started the 2008 mocks. However, a bad combine experience and report have not only slowed Campbell’s Redskins projection, but some Mocks have the Skins nabbing Campbell in the second round. I suspect what we will see is Campbell’s numbers continue to decline as far as the Redskins taking him int hat spot. Trading down is a different story. CURRENTLY: 28 Mocks project Campbell to the Skins. TREND: Declining
2. DE Phillip Merling: Merling has skyrocketed from registered maybe 2 to 4 mocks to second place, trailing Campbell by 3 mocks. Merling did not have an unimpressive strength showing at the Combine, missed Pro Day on March 14 because of hernia surgery. So why he has climbed into the top 25 is a bit surprising to me. CURRENTLY: 25 Mocks project Merling to the Redskins. TREND: Sharply Increasing
3. DE Derrick Harvey: Harvey geld the number two spot earlier in the year in January, but seem to steadily decline since then. However, over the past two weeks, more mocks are beginning to choose Harvey at #21 again. Harvey apparently had an impressive combine which could be why were seeing his numbers increase. I like Harvey. I think he would be a solid #21 pick for the Redskins and provide an excellent young pass rusher, something we have desperately needed for 7 years. CURRENTLY: 19 Mocks project Harvey tot he Redskins. TREND: Increasing
4. WR Limas Sweed: The Redskins desperately need to get bigger at Wide Receiver and they know it. The question is — will they do it via the first round? The draft is deep at wide receiver well into the third round. But, their is some very good talent in the first round, guys like Sweed, James Hardy, Malcolm Kelly, and DeSean Jackson. More in depth information on Sweed and the combine. Sweed fits what the ‘Skisn are looking for. He stands 6′4″ has great hands and good speed. Sweed’s problems were a rather unimpressive senior year and his recent ability to stay healthy. CURRENTLY: 19 Mocks project Sweed to the Redskins TREND: Increasing
5. WR James Hardy: Hardy has remained pretty stead in the database. Hardy will get a big look from the Redskins because of his size and production. At 6′7″, Hardy caught 79 passes for 1,125 yards and added 16 TD grabs in his junior year at Indiana. If the Redskins are looking for size, well, you don’t get much bigger than Hardy. Here’s a decent profile from our friends at FF Tool Box on Hardy. CURRENTLY: 12 Mocks project Hardy tot he Skins. TREND: Steady
Overall: Defensive End continues to reign as the consensus choice for the redskins, but Wide receiver is closing quickly. Not a surprise given they are the two biggest needs and the two most talked about needs from the Redskins brass. As deep as these two positions are in the 2008 draft, deep into the third round in good quality players, look for the Redskins to possibly try and trade down to pick up another pick elsewhere, given the talent in this draft at these two needs. BUT, here is anothwer angle. Given these two positions are pretty deep in this draft, could the Redskins use the first round pick on offensive line, safety, or corner back, then use 2nd and 3rd rounds to address DL and WR? Quite possible. As this off-season indicates, it’s hard to tell.
By the way, check out the NBA and NHL Mock Databases
Comments are closed.