NFL: Season or no, the draft is coming

An NFL season may not be on the horizon, but the NFL Draft will be on come the evening of April 28. The Washington Redskins, as is custom for most teams with bad records, are near the top of the order at No. 10 in the first round. Speculation has arisen as to who they’ll take at that spot in the recent days. Here is a look at some of the team’s needs — and there are plenty — when Skins brass commences in the war room on draft night.

Wide Receiver – Considering that Santana Moss — the team’s only viable pass catcher — may leave via free agency, this could be Washington’s biggest need. Let’s face facts…it wouldn’t be very imposing if Anthony Armstrong was your greatest threat through the air. Whether Moss goes or not, the Redskins would benefit from a young wide out joining the club. The first thought that comes to mind is Alabama’s Julio Jones, who may be available for the Redskins at No. 10. Jones is 6’3” and 220 pounds, who caught for more than 1,100 yards in 2010 for the Crimson Tide.

Offensive Line – Granted, the team did improve from an atrocious showing 2009. But Donovan McNabb went to the ground too many times last year to be satisfied with his protection. In addition, the Redskins were ranked 30^th in the NFL in rushing yards. The o-line is partially to blame for that. Should Washington want to take an offensive lineman in the first round for the second consecutive year, they might look toward selecting USC’s Tyron Smith.

Quarterback – It’s a good bet that Donovan McNabb won’t be returning to be the signal caller for the Redskins after a rough 2010. It’s also safe to say that Rex Grossman is not the answer. That brings Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton into the fold. Experts had the former Auburn star being taken by Washington in several mock drafts. However, hype and quality workouts have boosted Newton to the point where Carolina may take him with the top pick. If Newton is off the board, they could either take Missouri’s Blaine Gabbert or wait until the later rounds. After all, Tom Brady was a sixth round selection.

Cornerback – This could become a greater need if potential free agents DeAngelo Hall and Carlos Rogers depart D.C. Seeing both go is unlikely, but not impossible. What’s likely is that even if they lose personnel in this department, the Skins will fill this need in the second round and beyond. There are two reasons for this. The first is that there isn’t an incredible array of talent at cornerback outside of LSU’s Patrick Peterson. Secondly, this position isn’t a top priority considering the patchwork that needs to be done on the other side of the ball.

— Brian Wright