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Washington Redskins 2018 Mock Madness

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*A compilation from Redskins.com of various league experts' predictions about what the Washington Redskins will do with the No. 13-overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. *

Check back weekly until the draft -- which is being held April 26-April 28 in Arlington, Texas -- for updates!


Check out these photos of Washington defensive lineman Vita Vea.

EXPERT:Mel Kiper Jr.; ESPN (click here for full article; must have ESPN Insider access)

SELECTION: Vita Vea; Defensive Lineman, Washington

DATE OF SELECTION:March 28, 2018

PREVIOUS SELECTION(S):

  • Baker Mayfield; Quarterback, Oklahoma (Jan. 18) **

ANALYSIS:"As I noted in Mock Draft 2.0, Washington ranked last in the league in run defense in 2017, allowing 134.1 yards per game. This team needs a nose tackle who can eat up space and take on blockers, and that's what Vea brings. He's a strong and athletic tackle who can also get after quarterbacks. The Redskins like 2017 first-round pick Jonathan Allen, who played in only five games because of a Lisfranc injury, and he and Vea would be a nice defensive foundation on which to build."


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EXPERT:Todd McShay; ESPN (click here for full article; must have ESPN Insider access)

SELECTION:Mike Hughes; Cornerback, Central Florida

DATE OF SELECTION:March 7, 2018

PREVIOUS SELECTION(S):

  • Roquan Smith; Linebacker, Georgia (Feb. 6)
  • Derwin James; Safety, Florida State (Dec. 13, 2017)

ANALYSIS:"Hughes is a talented cover corner who also supports the run. A playmaker when the ball is in the air, he's also a dynamic return specialist."


Check out these photos of Washington defensive lineman Vita Vea.

EXPERT:Charley Casserly; NFL.com (click here for full article)

SELECTION: Vita Vea; Defensive Line, Washington

DATE OF SELECTION:Feb. 13, 2018

ANALYSIS:"With Vea and Jonathan Allen, the D-line all of a sudden becomes a strength of the team." **


EXPERT:Daniel Jeremiah; NFL.com (click here for full article)

SELECTION: Marcus Davenport; Edge Rusher, Texas-San Antonio DATE OF SELECTION:March 7, 2018

PREVIOUS SELECTION(S):

  • Baker Mayfield; Quarterback, Oklahoma (Jan. 26)

ANALYSIS:"Davenport has solidified his spot as the No. 2 pass rusher in the draft behind Bradley Chubb." READ MORE:Marcus Davenport To The Redskins?


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EXPERT:Bucky Brooks; NFL.com (click here for full article)

SELECTION:Mike Hughes; Cornerback, Central Florida

DATE OF SELECTION:March 19, 2018

PREVIOUS SELECTION(S):

  • Josh Allen; Quarterback, Wyoming (Jan. 30)

ANALYSIS:"The loss of Kendall Fuller and potential departure of free-agent Bashaud Breeland is forcing the Redskins to explore the rookie CB market. Hughes is a standout performer with a set of tools that could allow him to develop into a lockdown CB1 as a pro." READ MORE: Mike Hughes To The Redskins?


EXPERT:Lance Zierlein; NFL.com (click here for full article)

SELECTION: Derwin James; Safety, Florida State

DATE OF SELECTION:March 27, 2018

PREVIOUS SELECTION(S):

  • Vita Vea; Defensive Lineman, Washington (Jan. 30)

ANALYSIS:"The Redskins could use a defensive tackle, but James has the raw talent and leadership that can help transform defenses."


EXPERT:Charles Davis; NFL.com (click here for full article)

SELECTION: Roquan Smith; Linebacker, Georgia

DATE OF SELECTION:March 22, 2018 PREVIOUS SELECTION(S):

  • Vita Vea; Defensive Lineman, Washington (Feb. 20)

ANALYSIS:"Nothing wrong with more speed being added on defense, and Smith fits the bill. He's often favorably compared to Atlanta MLB Deion Jones due to his build, and ability to play FAST." READ MORE:Roquan Smith To The Redskins?


Check out these photos of Maryland wide receiver D.J. Moore.

EXPERT:Chad Reuter; NFL.com (click here for full article)

SELECTION:D.J. Moore; Wide Receiver, Maryland

DATE OF SELECTION:March 20, 2018

PREVIOUS SELECTION(S):

  • Denzel Ward; Cornerback, Ohio State (Feb. 27)
  • Calvin Ridley; Wide Receiver, Alabama (Feb. 6)

ANALYSIS: "Alex Smith is coming to town, so finding him a reliable, quick, and strong-handed target like Moore makes all kinds of sense."


Check out these photos of Ohio State cornerback Denzel Ward.

EXPERT: Will Brinson; CBSSports (click here for full article)

SELECTION: Denzel Ward; Cornerback, Ohio State

DATE OF SELECTION: March 27, 2018

PREVIOUS SELECTION(S):

  • Josh Jackson; Cornerback, Iowa (March 7)
  • Maurice Hurst; Defensive Line, Michigan (Feb. 27)
  • Da'Ron Payne; Defensive Line, Alabama (Feb. 20)
  • Denzel Ward; Cornerback, Ohio State (Feb. 13) **

ANALYSIS: "With Bashaud Breeland a free agent and Kendall Fuller traded, the Redskins need to restock the cupboard when it comes to their defensive backs." READ MORE:Denzel Ward To The Redskins?


Check out these photos of Virginia Tech linebacker Tremaine Edmunds.

EXPERT:Pete Prisco; CBSSports.com (click here for full article)

SELECTION:Tremaine Edmunds; Linebacker, Virginia Tech

DATE OF SELECTION:March 13, 2018

PREVIOUS SELECTION(S):

  • Josh Jackson; Cornerback, Iowa (March 6)
  • Derwin James; Safety, Florida State (Feb. 15)

ANALYSIS:"This is a big, physical player who can run and would really help the second level for the Redskins."


EXPERT:Chris Trapasso; CBS Sports (click here for full article)

SELECTION:Tremaine Edmunds; Linebacker Virginia Tech

DATE OF SELECTION: March 26, 2018

PREVIOUS SELECTION(S):

  • Minkah Fitzpatrick; Defensive Back, Alabama (March 19)
  • Leighton Vander Esch; Linebacker, Boise State (mock trade down to No. 17) (Feb. 9)
  • Derwin James; Safety, Florida State (Feb. 26)
  • Denzel Ward; Cornerback, Ohio State (Feb. 19)
  • Tremaine Edmunds; Linebacker Virginia Tech (Feb. 5)
  • Roquan Smith; Linebacker, Georgia (Jan. 29)
  • Courtland Sutton; Wide Receiver, SMU (Jan. 22)
  • Josh Allen; Quarterback, Wyoming (Jan. 15)

ANALYSIS: "The Redskins re-signed Zach Brown but need more talent at the linebacker position behind their underrated defensive front. Edmunds is ready to roam freely at the second level and has loads of upside."


EXPERT:R.J. White; CBS Sports (click here for full article)

SELECTION: Isaiah Wynn; Offensive Lineman, Georgia

PREVIOUS SELECTION(S):

  • Vita Vea; Defensive Lineman, Washington (March 21)
  • Da'Ron Payne; Defensive Lineman, Alabama (March 8)
  • Tremaine Edmunds; Linebacker, Virginia Tech (Feb. 22)
  • Quenton Nelson; Guard, Notre Dame (mock trade to No. 8) (Feb. 8)
  • Da'Ron Payne; Defensive Lineman, Alabama (Feb. 1)
  • Baker Mayfield, Quarterback, Oklahoma (Jan. 25)
  • Josh Allen; Quarterback, Wyoming (Jan. 18)

ANALYSIS: "The Redskins should be looking to upgrade the interior of their offensive line with an early pick in this draft, and this is about the range where we expect Wynn to come off the board. He doesn't really have the size to stick at tackle, but he's an excellent blocker who will immediately solidify the left side of the team's offensive line, as long as Trent Williams can stay healthy." READ MORE: Isaiah Wynn To The Redskins?


Check out these photos of Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick.

EXPERT: Walter Cherepinsky; WalterFootball (click here for full article)

SELECTION: Minkah Fitzpatrick; Defensive Back, Alabama

DATE OF SELECTION: March 28, 2018

PREVIOUS SELECTION(S):

  • Da'Ron Payne; Defensive Lineman, Alabama
  • Vita Vea; Defensive Lineman, Washington

ANALYSIS: "I've had the Redskins taking Da'Ron Payne for a while, and I still believe he's a very likely selection. However, that would change if Minkah Fitzpatrick falls to them. Fitzpatrick is a stud defensive back, and it would be difficult for Washington to pass on him.

And yes, it's possible for Fitzpatrick to fall to No. 13. Teams will trade up for quarterbacks, and we've seen the safety market move very slowly in free agency. Plus, as Charlie Campbell reported in the NFL Hot Press, some teams have Derwin James rated above Fitzpatrick."


Check out these photos of Alabama defensive tackle Da'Ron Payne.

EXPERT: Charlie Campbell; WalterFootball (click here for full article)

SELECTION: Da'Ron Payne; Defensive Lineman, Alabama

DATE OF SELECTION: March 26, 2018 ANALYSIS: *"I think the Redskins are hoping that Minkah Fitzpatrick or Da'Ron Payne slide to them and would be fortunate if one of them makes it to their pick. Washington could use an upgrade to the defensive line if neither of those players is available. Reuniting Payne and Jonathan Allen could be nasty for the Redskins' defense. *

Payne dominated at the point of attack in 2017, stuffing runs while showcasing his freakish speed and athleticism. On the year, he totaled 53 tackles, two half-sacks, three passes batted, an interception and a touchdown reception. I heard general managers and scouts raving about Payne all season.

Scouts were already raving about Payne's potential in the preseason. He was the Crimson Tide's best defensive lineman in 2017, following Jonathan Allen's moving on to the NFL. Payne (6-2, 311) is a run plugger with a lot of potential to grow. When given the opportunity to rush the passer in 2016 and 2017, Payne was impressive, and sources have said that he helped set up sacks for numerous Alabama defenders, including Jonathan Allen, Tim Williams, Ryan Anderson and Rashaan Evans, over the past two seasons."


Check out these photos of Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick.

EXPERT: Steve Palazzolo; ProFootballFocus (click here for full article)

SELECTION: Minkah Fitzpatrick; Defensive Back, Alabama

DATE OF SELECTION: March 6, 2018

PREVIOUS SELECTION(S):

  • James Washington; Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State (Jan. 18)
  • Minkah Fitzpatrick; Defensive Back, Alabama (Oct. 17, 2017)

ANALYSIS: "At worst, Fitzpatrick looks like a good slot corner or safety, though his size makes him an intriguing option as an outside cornerback despite playing only 13 snaps there last season. He has three strong years of grading under his belt on 2,281 career snaps."


EXPERT: Dan Kadar; SB Nation (click here for full article)

SELECTION: Derwin James; Safety, Florida State

DATE OF SELECTION:March 26, 2018

PREVIOUS SELECTION(S):

  • Vita Vea; Defensive Lineman, Washington (March 19)
  • Da'Ron Payne; Defensive Lineman, Alabama (Feb. 26)
  • Vita Vea; Defensive Lineman, Washington (Feb. 12)
  • Da'Ron Payne; Defensive Lineman, Alabama (Feb. 5)
  • Lamar Jackson; Quarterback, Louisville (Jan. 29)
  • Vita Vea; Defensive Lineman, Washington (Jan. 22)
  • Derwin James; Safety, Florida State (Jan. 15)
  • Josh Allen; Quarterback, Wyoming (Jan. 8)
  • Vita Vea; Defensive Lineman, Washington (Jan. 1)

ANALYSIS: "There are plenty of spots on defense where Washington could use an upgrade and James is a player versatile enough to fit in multiple spots. He can play free safety, strong safety or drop into the box as a dime linebacker. With Su'a Cravens unlikely to ever play in Washington again, James is a perfect replacement."


EXPERT:Luke Easterling; USA Today (click here for full article)

SELECTION:Derwin James; Safety, Florida State

DATE OF SELECTION:March 26, 2018

PREVIOUS SELECTION(S):

  • Denzel Ward; Cornerback, Ohio State (March 7)
  • Derwin James; Safety, Florida State (Feb. 12)

EXPERT:Matt Miller; Bleacher Report (click here for full article)

SELECTION:Derwin James; Safety, Florida State

DATE OF SELECTION:March 26, 2018

PREVIOUS SELECTION(S):

  • Derwin James; Safety, Florida State (March 5)
  • Leighton Vander Esch; Linebacker, Boise State (Feb. 16)
  • Baker Mayfield; Quarterback, Oklahoma (Jan. 15)
  • Da'Ron Payne; Defensive Lineman, Alabama (Feb. 5)

ANALYSIS: "Washington has been aggressive this offseason in adding quarterback Alex Smith, wide receiver Paul Richardson and cornerback Orlando Scandrick to a roster that still needs a decent bit of work. At pick No. 13, we could see another running back come off the board. But after looking at last year's draft class and talking to sources, I wouldn't be surprised if they go back to the defensive line.

Vita Vea is a giant at 6'4", 347 pounds but is much more than just a big anchor in the middle of the line. Vea has movement skills, is an expert at splitting double-teams and can get into the backfield to make plays against the pass. He might be a two-and-a-half-down player, but he'll wreck things on those downs."


EXPERT:Albert Breer; MMQB (click here for full article)

SELECTION:Denzel Ward; Cornerback, Ohio State

DATE OF SELECTION:March 21, 2018

PREVIOUS SELECTION(S):

  • Marcus Davenport; Edge Rusher, Texas-San Antonio (Feb. 21)

ANALYSIS: "Ward's size knocks him down the board a little bit, with the league-wide trend being towards bigger corners. He's too good to resist as a replacement for Kendall Fuller here." READ MORE:Denzel Ward To The Redskins?**

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