New Washington Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan has done a great job of addressing defensive needs this offseason. He's added five potential starters so far and we aren't even close to training camp. But one position that still needs to be addressed is pass-rusher. The Redskins ranked just 21st in sacks last season (36). The departure of outside linebacker Brian Orakpo in free agency likely won't push that number higher in 2015.
That is why ESPN NFL Draft Insider Todd McShay projects the Redskins to select Missouri OLB Shane Ray with the No. 5 overall pick in his Mock Draft 4.0.
"I expect Washington will be looking to trade back and add picks, and in this scenario, the team could find potential trade partners like the Bears or Browns looking to move up to draft Leonard Williams. I think that a trade back is the Redskins' best option, because they could likely fill their biggest need - edge rusher - several picks later, including with Ray. But absent a trade, I think the Redskins will be looking to take an edge rusher here. Randy Gregory is the perfect fit from a football standpoint, but I don't think they can afford to take a character risk with this pick. That leaves Ray as the next-best available player at the position, and while there's some concern about his ability to rush from a two-point stance and drop into coverage, he has elite first-step quickness and was very productive at getting to the quarterback at Missouri."
The Redskins have long been linked to Florida OLB Dante Fowler Jr., who is off the board in this scenario. But if the draft plays out like this and USC's Leonard Williams is available, there is virtually no chance he makes it past the Redskins at five. Williams is considered by some draft analysts to be the best overall prospect in this draft. It would be a surprise to see him fall outside the top three, let alone all the way to the Chicago Bears at No. 7.
Ray would be a nice addition but fifth overall may be just a bit too rich for him.
