The Washington Redskins once again have a top five draft pick this year and names like Kevin White, Dante Fowler and Randy Gregory could be potential targets and the team may also consider a trade with Kirk Cousins heading into the 2015 season, as RG3 has been named the starter by Jay Gruden, although Marcus Mariota is another potential name to watch.
The Redskins have a new general manager in Scot McCloughan and that makes this draft a very important one for the franchise moving forward. Robert Griffin III is coming to the point where the team has to decide on his fifth year option and if the team doesn't pick it up, they will need another long term prospect at quarterback. There has been some talk of the Redskins going after Mariota and that may happen, but McCloughan has a strong draft record and likely will go after who he thinks is the "best player" at the pick.
Redskins.com has put together some mock draft options and names like Amari Cooper, Dante Fowler, Kevin White and Vic Beasley have all come up as targets. The Redskins may look at adding another wide receiver to help add depth behind Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson, which could help Griffin rebound after another inconsistent year. According to Pro Football Talk, the team may also consider trading Kirk Cousins, as the Redskins have signed back Colt McCoy and that could make Cousins a target. The Browns reportedly were interested in Cousins last year and they could look at making a deal again.
White and Amari Cooper are considered to be the top two wideouts in the draft and if Cooper is gone by number five, White could be the pick. White had 109 catches last season for 1447 yards and 10 touchdowns for West Virginia and he put up great speed at the combine. White has size over Cooper at 6'3", 215-pounds and he could be a game changing player for the Redskins. Gruden needs more help on the offensive side of the ball and White could be the target.
The defense also could use some help and with Brian Orakpo leaving in free agency, linebacker/defensive end Dante Fowler could be a potential target. ESPN.com listed Fowler as a potential option for the Redskins, as the Florida star is coming off of a strong season and registered 8.5 sacks while playing for the Gators and he also was strong against the run. Beasley is also getting attention and he could be a potential option for the Redskins if Fowler or Leonard Williams are already gone when they pick.