2019 NFL Draft: Washington Redskins full mock draft
By Joe Romano
Round 5 – Pick 153
Jahlani Tavai, LB, Hawaii
A position of need for Washington that does not line up well to value at any previous picks is at linebacker. A sleeper in this class that is being brought to light more recently is Hawaii’s Jahlani Tavai. He brings great size and instincts to the position. While he may not be a great athlete, his ability to diagnose and make plays is exceptional. For Washington, Tavai could be an early down contributor where the lack of athleticism is not going to hurt as much. There is a role for him in the NFL and the Redskins would be wise to find it.
Round 5 – Pick 173
Kendall Sheffield, CB, Ohio State
From a not great athlete to an exceptional athlete. Ohio State is used to putting high end athletes at defensive back and watching them go in the first round of the NFL draft. Kendall Sheffield got the athlete part down but needs to work on the other parts of playing corner. He’s a small framed corner, with no more than adequate length. He lacks the instinctual part of playing corner and has not developed good ball skills while with the Buckeyes. This is more of a projection at corner, banking on a high upside defensive back. Washington took a similar player in the third round of the 2017 draft in Fabian Moreau. He is expected to take a bigger role this season.
Round 6 – Pick 206
Sheldrick Redwine, DB, Miami
Adding pieces to a secondary that needs it at the back-end of this draft is a route Washington could take. Sheldrick Redwine of Miami is an intriguing player. He’s a chess piece in today’s NFL who can line up anywhere. He came into Miami as a corner and eventually made the move to safety. His best role would be as a matchup player in the NFL where he can roam with tight ends and bigger slot receivers. Redwine brings physicality to the field as well, never afraid to come up and play the run. He’s the type of player that can contribute for this defense right away in sub-packages. Long-term Redwine would be an ideal third safety for any team.
Round 7 – Pick 227
Max Scharping, T, Northern Illinois
Washington is set at tackle with Morgan Moses on the right side and Trent Williams on the right side. Williams injury history has to give them the idea of drafting a developmental player to eventually take over. Max Scharping is that type of player. While he may not be the best athlete, his big body and powerful play lend well to the NFL. He may be best served inside, another area Washington can address. At the end of the day Scharping is a good offensive lineman who can find a home on a roster and eventually develop into a starting-caliber player.
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Round 7 – Pick 253
Jerome Washington, TE, Rutgers
Like at tackle, Washington is set at tight end but has injury plagued players there. Vernon Davis and Jordan Reed are the top two tight ends. Reed is one of the best when healthy, but that rarely happens. Instead it is Davis who’s longevity is as impressive as his actual play, taking the majority of snaps. Jerome Washington is a great blocker and work in progress as a pass catcher. A team can stash him for some time as he develops that part of his game. However he can make a roster right off the bat because of his blocking and being a solid athlete at the position