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2010 NFL Mock Draft, Fans' Picks Edition: No. 4 - Washington Redskins

Apr 6, 2010 – 8:00 PM
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The voice of the fan matters here at FanHouse, so we're giving you the power to stage your own 2010 NFL Mock Draft. Let us know whom the Redskins should take with the No. 4 pick --You're on the clock.

The Redskins made headlines over the weekend with by bringing in Donovan McNabb, but they still have a lot of shortcomings on both sides of the ball. In fact, pretty much most positions on the field need serious help, with the exception of perhaps tight end, the defensive line and now quarterback.

On defense, the secondary struggled preventing big plays last season -- it doesn't help that LaRon Landry forgot how to tackle (newsflash LaRon: Leave your feet on every tackle and you're going to get juked once or twice) and bites on every pump fake. Though they signed cornerback Phillip Buchanon after releasing Fred Smoot, the 'Skins could use the draft to get some help at safety or cornerback.

On offense, Washington was a mess last season. Trading for McNabb was a major move at QB, and should quell any rumors of the 'Skins drafting a QB with the No. 4 pick. They released some key contributors in Atwaan Randle El, Ladell Betts and Rock Cartwright, so the draft could be an opportunity to plug some of those holes. A big, go-to receiver would allow Santana Moss to move to the slot position, and combined with improvements to the backfield, that would make for a more balanced offense in the nation's capital.

The most glaring problem the Redskins face is their horrendous offensive line. After longtime Redskin Chris Samuels retired, the team brought in Artis Hicks to add some experience to the line. Dan Snyder and company aren't known for drafting offensive lineman, though, so don't be surprised if they go after a big name or skills position with their top pick.

(Note: The poll is now closed. Click here for the latest on the 2010 NFL Mock Draft, Fans' Picks Edition)

Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State: At 6-foot-5 and 307 pounds, Okung would bring a much-needed power presence to the line. He's one of the stronger tackles in this year's draft class, putting up 38 reps of 225 pounds at the combine. Okung uses great footwork and athleticism, making him a versatile player -- a particularly effective pass blocker who can also move well on run plays. Okung's rated the top tackle in the draft, and the 'Skins would be wise to snatch him up if he's still on the board.

Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame: This pick seems much less likely now that the Redskins have traded for McNabb, but at 33 years old, the former Eagles QB probably doesn't have too many good years ahead of him. If Snyder has his eyes on Clausen as Washington's QB of the future, you could see Clausen go No. 4 and get a few years to develop under McNabb's experience. Clausen already came to Washington on Friday to see the cherry blossoms, (and squeeze in a workout and interview), so it appears he was already on the Redskins' radar. He has the size (6-2, 220) and experience playing in a pro-style offense to transition well to the NFL game. Plus, he's shown he can play through injuries, something he'll need to do in Washington if the 'Skins don't address the problems on the line.

Eric Berry, S, Tennessee: The top free safety in the draft would be a nice compliment to Landry. Washington would have to shuffle its personnel around, but Berry is a physical player, runs the 40 in 4.4 and has the coverage skills to allow Landry to cheat up, as he so often does. Berry is another player who has met with the Washington staff, so he could find himself wearing the burgundy and gold come draft day.



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Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma: Williams is quicker than most tackles in the draft, but he doesn't sacrifice size for speed. At 6-5, 315, Williams runs a 4.81 (compared to Okung's 5.15) but lacks the strength that Okung has. Williams only put up 23 reps at the combine, but the 'Skins need line help so bad, they would be well-advised to draft and develop rather than acquiring middle-of-the-road linemen via free agency or trades.

Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State: Though probably not a top-10 pick, Bryant is the top receiver in this class. He didn't have a stellar pro day, struggling on the 40 with a time of 4.52, but he impressed observers in position drills and has the natural athleticism to develop well in a pro game. It's unlikely the Redskins will take him at No. 4, but they can save some money by trading down in the draft and scooping up Bryant later in the first round.

The updated draft board:

Pick Team Player Position School
1. St. Louis Rams Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma
2. Detroit Lions Ndamukong Suh DT Nebraska
3. Tampa Bay Bucs Gerald McCoy DT Oklahoma
4. Washington Redskins
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