The Perfect Draft: Washington Redskins

With the draft approaching, we ignore projections and identify the dream scenario for each team in a series we call The Perfect Draft.

The Redskins made the biggest early splash this offseason, luring beastly defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth from Tennessee to anchor their defensive line. Their work, however, is not done. Unfortunately for Washington, it plays in arguably the best division in the NFL. Fortunately, the few holes the Redskins still have on their roster should be perfectly fixable. In fact, many could be done in-house, with younger players developing further.

The Ideal Pick

Brian Orakpo. Penn State's Aaron Maybin also fits the bill here, but I like Orakpo's versatility and strength better. If the Redskins could grab him at pick 13, it would be an absolute steal, and they could completely shift their focus to the offensive side of the ball for the rest of the offseason. Orakpo is a stellar pass-rusher, to the point that Greg Blache wouldn't have to alter his defensive scheme in order to increase the pressure on the passer -- a concern last season. Orakpo is also versatile enough to play outside linebacker if need be. The 'Skins have enough defensive end depth that they could conceivably shoot for Orakpo on the outside and move Rocky McIntosh to the middle.

Regardless, he's much too talented a pass rusher for the Redskins to ignore if he falls all the way to 13. This selection would likely make the Redskins one of the NFL's top defenses in 2009.

Other Needs

The offensive line needs to get deeper and younger, another quality receiver would help, and they could possibly bring in a kicker in an attempt to replace Shaun Suisham. The only problem with that is they don't have a full slate of picks. I am firmly behind the development of both Jason Campbell and Devin Thomas, so I'm not looking for a backup quarterback and any receiver taken would be slot competition. It's too bad the Redskins don't have second- or fourth-round picks, but they do have a solid nucleus already intact.

Should Orakpo fall -- which is a long shot -- the Redskins would need to grab an offensive lineman in the third round, preferably a strong run-blocker. Houston's Sebastian Vollmer, Troy Kropog from Tulane and Gerald Cadogan of Penn State are some guys who should slot as mid-third-round picks and would be considered.

As for receiver, they will need to find someone with good hands who isn't scared to run underneath routes. They already have Santana Moss, Thomas and Chris Cooley. Antwaan Randle-El provides good organizational depth, but the Redskins need to find someone who can push Thomas on the outside and fulfill a slot-type position in the future. Unfortunately, they are looking at a fifth-rounder by this point. Perhaps Kenny McKinley (South Carolina) or Juaquin Iglesias (Oklahoma) would make it all the way there.

Should Washington land Orakpo, find a solid offensive tackle to develop, and a useful receiver, you'd have to call it the perfect draft.