The Washington Redskins were one of the biggest surprises during the 2015 season, as they went from last place in the NFC East in 2014 with a 4-12 record to winning the division with a 9-7 record. The Redskins front office knows that there is still plenty of work to be done this offseason, as Washington is looking to build on its success from last season.
The Redskins have already placed the franchise tag on quarterback Kirk Cousins after a career-best season, and he is "content" with the current situation in Washington. While the Redskins have their quarterback position locked up for the 2016 season, they still have some major decisions to make in which players they are looking to add to their roster in the upcoming draft.
The team has needs on its offensive line, defensive line, as well as at both its wide receiver and cornerback positions this offseason, and some have projected the Redskins to land a defensive tackle like Alabama's Jarran Reed in the upcoming draft. If they choose not to address their interior defensive line in the first round of the draft, one player to keep an eye on is Ohio State wide receiver Michael Thomas.
Washington reportedly has the Buckeyes receiver at the top of its big board for the receiver position, and he is considered a top-three receiver by many draft analysts in this year's draft class. The 6-foot-3, 212-pound wide receiver is projected to have a high ceiling in the league, but he didn't produce huge numbers at Ohio State compared to other receivers in the year's class, as he recorded 56 receptions for 781 yards and scored nine touchdowns.
While Thomas' production at Ohio State could be seen as a negative in the lead-up to the draft, it must be remember that the Buckeyes didn't have strong aerial attacks in 2015, as both quarterbacks J.T Barrett and Cardale Jones didn't produce big numbers through the air. The Redskins reportedly like Thomas' size and speed and think that he could develop into a redzone target for their offense.
It's unknown if Washington will take a wide receiver in the first round of the draft, but if Thomas is still on the board with the 21st pick, he may be looking to catch passes from Cousins in 2016.
