The Washington Redskins are in flux at the moment, but they can settle down the defense some with the pick of Vita Vea at this spot. Vea comes to the Redskins after spending three seasons at the University of Washington, here he became the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2017.
Vea is listed at close to 350 pounds, and would line up on the nose for Washington alongside Jonathan Allen. Think of all the double-teams that will go toward the interior, giving more freedom to the most underrated pass-rusher in the game, Ryan Kerrigan. Additionally, Allen and Vea would be devastating against the run, allowing Washington to be a bit more unpredictable with its defensive backs.
Vea was able to hit the passer some at Washington, racking up 8.5 sacks during his final two seasons with the Huskies. At the NFL level, it’s easy to make the comparison to Dontari Poe, who the Kansas City Chiefs took in the first round of the 2012 draft. Poe went on to be a huge piece in three playoff teams with the Chiefs before helping the Atlanta Falcons with 10 games last season.
The Redskins have a bunch of needs to fill, but this is the perfect marriage of need and best player available.