2017 NFL Draft: Washington Redskins Final 7-Round Mock Draft

By Fansided and Bryan Manning/FanSided via NFL Spin Zone
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The Washington Redskins can make a leap forward if they nail their 2017 NFL Draft class. Our final 7-round mock draft for the team in D.C.

The Washington Redskins are coming off back-to-back winning season for the first time in 20 years, yet there's been nothing but controversy surrounding the team since the season ended. Losing offensive coordinator Sean McVay to the Los Angeles Rams, firing defensive coordinator Joe Barry and later firing general manager Scot McCloughan have overshadowed what has been a solid free agency for Washington.

Yet, after signing several new starters on both sides of the ball, needs still remain. Specifically, the Redskins need more bodies on the defensive line, another pass-rusher, and depth in the secondary. Fortunately for the Redskins, the upcoming NFL Draft is loaded with depth on the defensive side of the ball.

While popular opinion persists that Washington must go defense, there's a lot of talent on the offensive side of the ball, too. Running back, tight end and wide receiver have plenty of depth. This isn't the draft for you if you have needs along the offensive line. Fortunately for Washington, it has one of the better offensive lines in the league.

Then there's the quarterback quandary. Will the Redskins select a quarterback in the first few rounds? Or could Washington choose a development prospect on Day 3 like it did last year in Nate Sudfeld? Kirk Cousins is guaranteed to return in 2017, but beyond that, the Redskins have yet to make a commitment.

While this is a deep draft for quarterbacks, it does not feature anything close to a sure thing. The talent drop-off from the top-five quarterbacks to the next group isn't significant.

Let's dive into a full seven-round mock draft for the Washington Redskins.

Round 1, Pick 17: Christian McCaffrey, RB – Stanford

The biggest mystery surrounding this pick is will Christian McCaffrey even be there for the Redskins at No. 17? McCaffrey's stock has risen rapidly over the last few weeks after an impressive Combine performance on the heels of a great career at Stanford.

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    McCaffrey quelled concerns about his size and speed when he showed up at the Combine weighing 202 pounds and running the 40-yard dash in 4.48 seconds. On the field, McCaffrey has proven to be a great receiver and returner in addition to his phenomenal work as a running back. He's the perfect running back/chess piece in the modern NFL.

    Washington head coach Jay Gruden will know how to use him. Gruden is one of the more creative offensive coaches in the league, particularly in the passing game. And if McCaffrey is drafted by the Redskins he won't be required to carry the ball 20-25 times per game. The Redskins have Rob Kelley and Chris Thompson already in place. While neither player is a standout top back, both do some things really well, particularly Thompson.

    Adding McCaffrey to the mix makes Washington even more dangerous on offense. Gruden can not only line him up in the backfield but also split him out wide or use him in the slot. The possibilities are endless with McCaffrey. That's why, if he's on the board at No. 17, he should be the pick.

    Sep 26, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive end Chris Wormley (43) during the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

    Round 2, Pick 49: Chris Wormley, DL – Michigan

    The right player wasn't there for Washington in Round 1 on the defensive side of the ball. Couple that with McCaffrey being there, and he was just too good to pass up. That leaves the Redskins addressing their needs on the defensive line with their second-round pick.

    Chris Wormley, a 6-5, 298-pound defensive lineman who can play the 5-technique in Washington's 3-4 defense and is versatile enough to kick inside on passing downs, is an excellent pick for Washington in the second round. Wormley is a three-down lineman who has the size, flexibility and raw power to dominate at the next level.

    Wormley is a versatile defender that defensive coordinator Greg Manusky will love. He will generate some pass rush and is strong versus the run. The Redskins have struggled to generate any rush from their defensive linemen over the last few years, relying solely on the outside linebackers. Wormley can help change that.

    The former Wolverine is also very coachable and will take to any position he's asked to play. He will make a nice pupil for new defensive line coach Jim Tomsula.

    Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson (54) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

    Round 3, Pick 81: Dalvin Tomlinson, DT – Alabama

    Two picks in a row, Washington has significantly addressed its needs on the defensive line. Dalvin Tomlinson, a 6-3, 312-pound run-stopper can immediately give the Redskins something they've lacked for years: a true nose tackle.

    While Tomlinson isn't a three-down lineman, he doesn't have to be. Washington is only in the base 3-4 between 10-20 snaps per game. If that holds true in 2017, that fits Tomlinson perfectly. In four seasons with the Crimson Tide, Tomlinson only played 50 percent of the team's snaps in one season, which was last year. He spent his first three years playing behind future NFL players Jarran Reed and A'Shawn Robinson.

    Tomlinson brings an interesting background to the NFL. He was the heavyweight state wrestling champion three times in high school. When you watch him play you see that wrestling background. Tomlinson understands leverage and possesses tremendous power.

    Tomlinson is also an accomplished scholar, too. He turned down a chance to go to the Ivy League to play for the Crimson Tide and earned multiple national championships. Tomlinson is a plug-and-play guy which is what Washington needs.

    Gruden said Tomsula would find a nose guard, and in Tomlinson, he may found the perfect one. With the addition of Wormley and Tomlinson, Washington got a lot better on the defensive line on day two of the NFL Draft.

    Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

    Round 4, Pick 114: Carlos Henderson, WR – Louisiana Tech

    The Redskins lost some tremendous talent at wide receiver from 2016. Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson, both of whom went over 1,000 yards, departed the nation's capital for bigger and better offers. Terrelle Pryor signed with Washington, but it's just a one-year deal. The Redskins hope last year's first-rounder, Josh Doctson, takes a major step forward in 2017.

    So, Washington must address the wide receiver position in this draft and do so early on Day 3 with the selection of Louisiana Tech's Carlos Henderson.

    Henderson, at 5-11, 199 pounds, gives Washington's wide receiver corps another dimension. Jamison Crowder has the slot locked down and Pryor and Doctson give Cousins plenty of size on the outside. Henderson is a versatile weapon who is fast (4.46) with excellent hands. He knows when to change gears and is elusive in the open field. He won't have to play a significant role as a rookie, however, if he can make plays and impress coaches, he could allow the team to let Pryor walk after just one season. Of course, much of that depends on Doctson, too.

    Henderson also gives the Redskins another dynamic return man. With McCaffrey, Crowder and now Henderson in the fold, Washington is in much better shape on special teams than it has been in years. As a rookie, Henderson would compete with free-agent signing Brian Quick to be Washington's No. 4 receiver.

    Oct 15, 2016; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes tight end George Kittle (46) runs with the ball after making a catch against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

    Round 4, Pick 123: George Kittle, TE – Iowa

    If there is one position on Washington's team that would appear to have depth, it's tight end. However, as good as Jordan Reed is — and he's elite — you can almost count on him to miss time every season. That's not a knock on him, it's a fact. Backup Vernon Davis re-signed for two years, but he's also 33. Niles Paul, another of Washington's talented tight ends, has missed most of the past two years with injuries.

    That's why it was important for the Redskins to find them another tight end, especially one who could block. George Kittle can block. Kittle also happens to be a solid — yet underutilized — receiving weapon, too.

    Kittle's addition gives Gruden more options on offense. The Redskins can load up with multiple tight ends, showing run, and send Kittle out on a route. Reed isn't known for his blocking, while Davis and Paul are solid blockers. Paul, a former wide receiver, is still undersized when going up against bigger linebackers and defensive ends.

    Kittle possesses quite a bit of upside. He is 6-4, 248 pounds and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.52 seconds, a very impressive time. At Iowa, he ran all types of routes and is an experienced route-runner. He'll likely need to add an additional 10 pounds at the next level for when he meets big defensive linemen on the edge, but he gives the Redskins a player who can help in 2017 and beyond.

    Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

    Round 5, Pick 154: Daeshon Hall, EDGE – Texas A&M

    The Redskins need more pass-rushers, and finally in Round 5 Washington finds one in Texas A&M's Daeshon Hall. Washington could take a pass-rusher much higher if the right player is available. While the Redskins actually have some talented edge players in Ryan Kerrigan, Preston Smith, Trent Murphy and Junior Galette, questions surround the latter three.

    Smith, after a promising rookie campaign, took a step back in 2016. Murphy had a breakout season last year, but will be suspended for the season's first four games for violating the league's drug policy. Galette has missed the last two seasons with Achilles' injuries and comes with his own off-field concerns.

    So, the Redskins need someone to get after the passer from the edge. Hall would be an outstanding choice at this juncture.

    It's possible Hall is gone way before this point. There are also reasons to believe he could still be available, too. At 6-5, 266 pounds, Hall has great length and athleticism. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.76 seconds and plays with outstanding effort. Hall is still fairly new to football as he just started playing late in his high-school career. He's a nice project for someone, so why not the Redskins?

    Hall would give Washington a player who could contribute a limited amount of snaps per game in pass-rushing situations while he adjusts to the NFL. If he's there, he'd be the right pick.

    Dec 27, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Baylor Bears offensive lineman Kyle Fuller (55) against the Boise State Broncos during the Cactus Bowl at Chase Field. Baylor defeated Boise State 31-12. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

    Round 6, Pick 201: Kyle Fuller, C – Baylor

    Spencer Long was a third-round pick for the Redskins back in 2014. Long took over at left guard in his second year after an injury to starter Shawn Lauvao. Long was solid but didn't do enough to force Washington to let go of Lauvao in the offseason. In his third season, Long took over at center after starter Kory Lichtensteiger was injured and held his own. Does that mean he is the Redskins' long-term center?

    Well, that is up for debate. One thing is for sure, Washington could use more depth at the position. In the sixth round, Baylor's Kyle Fuller could be the perfect pick. He would immediately enter training camp as Long's backup and perhaps could push for the starting position down the line if the Redskins determine Long is best suited at guard long-term.

    Fuller is a big center, standing 6-5 and weighing 307 pounds. He has long arms and is powerful. His biggest weakness is a lack of athleticism. For Washington that could be bit of a problem. Under Bill Callahan, the Redskins still like to employ some zone-blocking principles. Does Fuller have enough athleticism for a zone-blocking team?

    Regardless of what you think of Fuller or his lack of athleticism, he would be a steal at this point in the draft. This is a player with big-time experience, starting 39 games and earning All-Big 12 honors in three-straight seasons.

    Dec 30, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) runs for a first down during the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

    Round 6, Pick 209: Joshua Dobbs, QB – Tennessee

    Don't believe some of the hype that Dobbs will go on Day 2 of the draft. If you have any questions about him then go back and watch his college film. With that being said, Dobbs is a nice developmental prospect. And he should go somewhere between the fifth and sixth round. For the Redskins and Gruden, Dobbs will bring good competition to the quarterback room for Sudfeld.

    At times, Dobbs shows an excellent feel for the passing game. He goes a good job of going through his progressions and finding the open receiver on shorter routes. That would make him a nice fit for Gruden's timing and rhythm-based offense. Down the field, though, Dobbs needs plenty of work.

    As an athlete, Dobbs is terrific. He is also smart, hard-working and has plenty of experience playing in big games.

    Dobbs makes sense for the Redskins this late. He has some upside and won't have to see the field right away. Dak Prescott's situation last year will make people look more closely at Dobbs, although Dobbs wasn't the college player Prescott was. Remember, quarterbacks are judged much differently than anyone else meaning a player could be picked much higher than his draft grade suggests he should.

    Jan 25, 2017; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad tight end O.J. Howard of Alabama (88) is tackled by cornerback Cameron Sutton of Tennessee (33) as inside linebacker Ben Boulware of Clemson (10) closes in during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

    Round 7, Pick 220: Ben Boulware, LB – Clemson

    Ben Boulware is the epitome of winning player. People assume Clemson was just terrific on offense in recent seasons because of Deshaun Watson and all those receivers, but the defense was pretty good, too. And a big reason for that was Boulware. Go back and watch him play. He isn't blessed with the most speed or power, but he is ferocious and relies heavily on his instincts and study habits.

      A two-time first-team All-ACC player, Boulware was Clemson's unquestioned leader on defense over the last two years. What Watson was on offense, Boulware was on defense. There's a place for that in the NFL.

      The question is what's Boulware's value?

      Scouts will pick apart Boulware's size, speed and short arms. The short arms can be a problem because of the length of NFL offensive linemen. Boulware is most certainly a Day 3 pick who will have to fight, scratch and claw to make a roster his rookie season. That's right up his alley.

      Washington needs more players like Boulware. The Redskins already have a similar player in Will Compton, a starter the last two seasons. However, Compton has yet to sign his tender and The Redskins could rescind it. Boulware can be a star on special teams, too. Players like Boulware, bottom of the roster stalwarts who can help in a variety of ways, is how you build a winner in the NFL. 

      Round 7, Pick 235: Aarion Penton, CB – Missouri

      The Redskins have yet to add to their cornerback group in this draft. In the seventh round, they do just that with Aarion Penton of Missouri. Penton, a Combine snub, is an experienced player who played four years in the SEC. Teams value that due to the level of competition in the SEC.

      Penton is listed at 5-9 and 177 pounds. He has experience playing against slot receivers and could find a role immediately doing just that. He ran a 4.61-second 40-yard dash at Missouri's pro day, which will affect his draft stock, too. Fortunately, playing in the slot sort of negates that, largely. Penton is quicker than fast.

      The Redskins picked Kendall Fuller in the third round last year and played him in the slot. After a hot start, Fuller struggled. Washington still has high hopes for Fuller, but he is more suited to play outside than the slot.

      Penton could come right in and compete. He had a good performance in the Shrine Game and impressed enough that he was given a chance at the Senior Bowl. Penton can play and some team will give him a chance. Corners picked this late — or go undrafted — can helps teams as a rookie. Brian Poole, of Florida, was undrafted last year and become a mainstay in Atlanta's secondary through the entire season.