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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Bears tap Deshaun Watson

By Brad Weiss

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive lineman Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates with head coach David Shaw (L) after defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels 25-23 at Sun Bowl Stadium. Thomas was named MVP of the game. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive lineman Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates with head coach David Shaw (L) after defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels 25-23 at Sun Bowl Stadium. Thomas was named MVP of the game. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports /
17

Solomon Thomas

DL, Stanford

The Washington Redskins head into the 2017 offseason with plenty of questions surrounding their roster. The first item on the docket has to be locking up Kirk Cousins, who has blossomed into a legitimate starter in the league during his first two seasons as the starter. He played under the franchise tag last season, and while he has said he would do it again, the team needs to make a long-term investment in him.

Last season, the Redskins did a nice job moving the ball, and they nearly made the playoffs for the second straight season. One year removed from an NFC East title, their kept their playoffs hopes alive up until the final weeks of the season, falling just a bit short. The division is going to be loaded once again in 2017, and the Redskins need to bolster their defensive line if they hope to get back to the postseason.

The biggest area on the defense that needs an upgrade is along the front, where the team way too often gave up big gainers on the ground. The Redskins have to face the likes of Ezekiel Elliott twice a season, so being able to get some push up front is going to be key. Solomon Thomas is one of the best defensive lineman in this class, and with his ability to play all over the defensive line, he could wind up being a perfect selection for the Redskins at No. 17.

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