The Washington Football Team shocked the world by winning the NFC East and competing against the Super Bowl team Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the post-season Wild Card round. Now, in this 2021 NFL Draft Mock in Washington, they continue their climb to sustained success.
Despite using four different defenders, with no real talent as a wide receiver behind Terry McLaurin, with a coach battling cancer and several other headlines off the field, Washington has managed to exceed all expectations. In addition to its draft selection, Washington also has one of the best capitalization situations in the NFL. A strong recruiting class would be the icing on the cake. In this Washington 2021 NFL Mock Draft, they have that strong class.
Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
It has a 6’5 ″ structure and a strong athletic profile. He is a nasty finisher in the running game, and his physical skill set designs him to be an elite pass protector. It is phenomenal in space and locates blocks exceptionally well. Its roof is a multi-time All-Pro, and that alone will put it in the top 20.
The value here is elite for Washington. Cornelius Lucas played left for most of the 2020 season and exceeded expectations. However, he was not good enough to justify the passing of a talent like Darrisaw if he dropped to 19. Lucas has been a swing player at this point in his career and is best suited for that role in Washington in 2021 if they get the chance to become younger and more talented in the position.
Fighting isn’t Washington’s most significant need – why Darrisaw?
While recognizing that Washington has more pressing needs than solving, at the end of the day, the team is at the mercy of the council. They cannot choose among all candidates at age 19 – that’s the downside of reaching the playoffs. However, if you ask Ron Rivera what he prefers, a playoff spot or a bigger choice in the draft, he’ll laugh at you for suggesting the question.
I’m using the PFN NFL Mock Draft Simulator with Trades to choose for the other 31 teams. This gives an authentic feel about the draft, and I’m not just assuming which players will be available in choice 19.
Players like Trey Lance, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Kyle Pitts and DeVonta Smith were all dreamlike scenarios, but none of them went over 13th. There is a genuine possibility that Darrisaw will be the best player available at age 19, and this is what happened in this 7-round simulation sketch in Washington.
Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
This Washington 2021 NFL Mock Draft board may not have fallen ideally in the first round, but fell in the second round. After catching Darrisaw with the 19th selection, Washington adds a weapon to the attack on Day 2. Seeing Moore available made that selection easy. Outside of Terry McLaurin, Washington does not have a receiver that can consistently break apart. Rondale Moore provides this capability.
Moore is an elite athlete. Not only is he a good athlete, but he is possibly the fastest and most explosive receiver in the 2021 class of the NFL Draft. This includes names like Jaylen Waddle and Kadarius Toney. Moore is a better route runner than he believes and an elite YAC receiver. His presence alone helps to divert Terry McLaurin’s attention a little, and if not, Moore will dominate light coverage in the first year.
Andre Cisco, S, Syracuse
Washington adds yet another young player to his already impressive defensive core. They found a star in the last draft of the 7th round choice Kam Curl. He is the future of the team in strong security, but the position of free security is still an important issue.
The looks on cover 1 and cover 3 are the most used in Washington’s defensive scheme. It means that a single high security operates the deep third and functions as a last resort. Ideally, this player can cover terrain in a hurry and force changes at high speed.
Covering ground and forcing turns are exemplified by security guard Andre Cisco in Syracuse. Cisco measures 6 ′, 209 pounds with excellent athleticism to cover the side laterally. Its most intriguing quality, however, is its rare ability to force rotation at high speed.
In three years in Syracuse, Cisco recorded 13 interceptions, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. If those skills with the ball can translate into level changes at the next level, this could be the final piece Washington needs to create a defense of the caliber of the championship.
Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss
Rondale Moore was previously selected in this 7-round Washington Mock Draft, but it shouldn’t shock anyone to see the team completely overhaul the unit with the current state of WR’s body. Rondale will be used as a Z, often moving and making moves around the scrimmage line. Scott Turner will use Rondale’s YAC skill, just like anyone in the NFL.
Elijah Moore would assume the functions of the primary slot receiver. An elite silent runner with a good explosion and a YAC threat would fit the attack perfectly. Instead of getting a high ball receiver, Washington decides to invest in separation and victory in space. A direction in which the NFL has been trending lately.
Davis Mills, QB, Stanford
After failing to get a QB in the first round, it seemed unlikely that they would select one in this Washington 2021 NFL Mock Draft. However, Davis Mills sitting there with his first pick on Day 3 is hard to ignore. The quarterback is obviously Washington’s most significant need, and if the team decides to play Taylor Heinicke and Kyle Allen in 2021, it might make sense for them to add the best quarterback of Day 3.
In the coming weeks, expect to hear Mills in the same conversation as guys like Mac Jones and Kyle Trask. Mills has a much superior arm to both and is substantially more mobile. Injuries hindered his career somewhat, but he shows excellent characteristics recorded at Stanford.
Thomas Graham Jr., CB, Oregon
It is difficult to know whether Washington will need to write a cornerback or not. Ronald Darby was excellent for most of the 2020 season, but he is a free agent in this off season. Until Washington rehires him or not, the team’s need for the job remains volatile. In this 7-round simulation sketch from Washington, the need is right in the middle.
Thomas Graham has the experience and skills to start in the first year, if Darby were to go free. If Darby returns, Graham can act as a rotation limit cornerback. Only 5’11 ”, but a plague at the receiving point, Graham had 32 pass deviations and eight interceptions in three seasons playing in Oregon. With Jimmy Moreland starting in the slot, Graham acts as a rotational boundary corner.
KJ Britt, LB, Auburn
Washington has ample athletic ability in the linebacker’s room and can move from side line to side. However, the unit is flexible and strives to recognize and fill gaps in the racing game. They fly past the hole and attempt an arm stroke. The linebackers’ inability to stop the race on the gaps is why Washington only yielded the 14th best run defense in the NFL, despite the best defensive line in football.
KJ Britt is not a great athlete, nor does he provide much for defense in passing scenarios. He’s a 6 ′, 243 pound old guard scout, and he’s going to bring some evil to the Washington defense unit. In the seventh round, you don’t have to find the next player in each down. Adding someone like Britt improves the unit because it lessens your greatest weakness.
Brian Robinson Jr., RB, Alabama
With his final selection, Washington takes Alabama Robinson Jr.’s running back reserve. Obviously, Antonio Gibson is the highlight in Washington’s attack. JD McKissic is also widely used, both as a rusher and receiver. However, Peyton Barber was the least efficient runner in the NFL last season, and he is the team’s main backstage.
Robinson weighs 226 pounds and crashes like a truck. He also possesses quality athleticism, at least enough to occasionally break sprints into large pieces. Barber is enough for a yard, but it rarely allows you to do 15 or more yards. Having someone like Robinson to complete a talented running back room would help to relieve the pressure of those playing as a Washington defender in 2021.
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