By Adam Aniba
The need for Quarterback stability in Washington has been an issue for decades. Redskins' fans love talking about their prospect projections and mocks on social media. It's all fun and games for fans, but the Redskins need to make a move for a quarterback. this year.
I was a recent guest on the Urban Sports Scene with host Wally Akinso, in which the topic of the potential quarterback fits in Washington were discussed. The topic of Washington trading for Arizona signal caller Josh Rosen was at the forefront. The speculation has only increased this week with the Redskins rumored to be the front runner for Rosen's services.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/urban-sports-scene/id370571535?mt=2&i=1000434089273
Today's focus will center around the quarterback options in the upcoming draft, with the Rosen trade possibilities on the back burner, considering any trade announcement will most likely not happen until the week of the draft.
Although Washington traded for Case Keenum, his contract wasn't extended beyond this season and I wouldn't expect that to change. McCoy will also be a free agent after this season and with Alex Smith's chances of returning unlikely, the future is now.
The talk of a trade up for Kyler Murray, Drew Lock or Dwayne Haskins seems unlikely based on the draft capital it would cost to move into the Top 10. Washington has a dearth of needs on their roster and can't mortgage their future.
So what are the Redskins options After the Big 3 Come Off the Board?
Day 2 Options
West Virginia signal caller Will Grier might be the most intriguing Day 2 Quarterback. Although Grier played in a shotgun heavy offense while at WVU, the quick game and RPO are staples of the Mountaineer offense. Grier seems like a good fit in Round 2 for the Redskins and should be available when their selection comes around.
Grier's ability to play out of the shotgun won't hurt him on the next level considering the redskins employ many college concepts. A trade up to assure Grier's selection in Round 2 will be something to watch as his stock continues to rise as a Top 32 prospect.
Most experts vary on their opinions of former Duke QB Daniel Jones. Regardless, he will likely hear his name called in the latter part of Round 1 -Early Day 2 based on his athleticism alone. Word is Redskins Vice President Doug Williams walked away impressed, after watching Jones throw for 423 yards in his final collegiate performance in the 2018 Independence Bowl.
Jones took far too many unnecessary hits in David Cutcliffe's quarterback friendly passing scheme. The Duke quarterback's questionable decision making, while in the pocket, will scare off many teams. Washington would be better served going with Grier in Round 2 and going with another position such as; Edge Rusher, FS, Tight End or Wide Receiver with their first selection.
Day 3 Options
The final four rounds of the draft have some intriguing options in Buffalo's Tyree Jackson, Boise State's Brett Rypien, NWU's Clayton Thorson and Auburn's Jarrett Stidham. Although the aforementioned prospects have tremendous upside, it's unlikely any would see the field in year one.
If the Redskins elect to wait until Day 3, that would be a sign that they're still holding out hope for Alex Smith or will go all in for one of the highly touted QB's in 2020, with Alabama's Tua Tagovailoa and Oregon's Justin Herbert leading the way.
With less than a month a away, prospects will see their stock rise and fall based on varying opinions in the media. The fact is, most teams already have their draft boards set.
False reports and blatant smoke screens are the norm during the NFL Draft season and is what separates the NFL from all others. The teams that master the art of deception this time of year are the teams that get the best out of the process and usually get over paid to trade back for a desired prospect.