2015 TST Community NFL Mock Draft: Redskins Use 5th Overall Pick to Bolster Pass Rush

#5.  Washington - Dante Fowler Jr. (OLB, Florida)

The Washington Redskins are really counting on RG3 to make a comeback this year.  It is very tempting to bolster the offense to help him out, but the skill positions are set and the interior of the offensive line can be had in later rounds. An impact player on defense would go a long way in helping the Redskins against all the offensive fire power in the NFC East.  There are a couple up-and-coming players in the secondary so this pick boils down to defensive line and linebacker.  Do they try to solidify the run defense or go with someone who can get to the quarterback?  With Eli Manning, Tony Romo, and Sam Bradford (lol) in the division, they are going to need to get tothe QB quickly.  The Redskins did sign Terrance Knighton in free agency, allowing them more freedom for this pick.

Dante Fowler Jr. would be an excellent addition to the Washington Redskins pass rush with Ryan Kerrigan and Trent Murphy.  Folwer made a lot of big plays at Florida and that is just what is missing for the Skins’ defense.  In time, his run defense will improve.  With Brian Orakpo leaving, there is no depth at OLB for the Redskins and this pick will allow them to constantly have a fresh and dangerous pass rush.

Others considered:  Danny Shelton, Leonard Williams, Shane Ray, Randy Gregory, Trae Waynes

holtfan decided to go a completely different direction than that of managing editor at Hogs Haven, Kevin Meringolo, who selected offensive lineman La’el Collins with the fifth overall pick in SB Nation’s NFL writers mock draft.

Dan Kadar, from Mocking the Draft, didn’t necessarily love the Collins pick and, like holtfan, felt the pick could’ve been better utilized to find a replacement for a key player they lost this offseason...

This pick is sort of ironic considering that the best comparison for Collins is Trent Williams, Washington's starting left tackle. Collins obviously wouldn't be replacing Williams, but he could start opposite him on the right side. That would give Washington an excellent pair of mauling, nasty tackles. The only knock on this pick is Washington needing a pass rusher to replace the departed Brian Orakpo. There are a lot of options here in that regard – namely Nebraska's Randy Gregory – but a solid player could be had in the second round at that position.

Kadar mentions Randy Gregory (OLB, Nebraska), who was still on the board at five when Washington was on the clock.  He’s also got Gregory as the fourth overall ranked player in the draft.  holtfan’s pick, Fowler, fell to 13 (Saints) in the writer’s mock.  Ultimately though, holtfan and Kadar agree the Redskins need to better their pass rush, and he did just that by snagging Folwer and addressing a key vacancy on the defensive side of the ball.

Next up:  Rainman23 picking in the 6th spot for the New York Jets.  Stay tuned!