Up or down, Redskins look to move .. (Speculation from PFW)

[MauiRam]

The Way We Hear It


Posted April 17, 2011 @ 2:52 p.m. ET
By Eric Edholm

There is a growing sense* that the Redskins are not happy with their current draft position at No. 10 and could seek to slide up or down on Draft Day. What they do will depend on what they are targeting and who is still available.

Unless they are interested in moving up to No. 1 to draft, say, QB Cam Newton, the Redskins might allow the first few picks of the draft to take shape and then try to make their move. Some have speculated that they are interested in Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert, which would make sense. The Redskins might have to move ahead a number of teams — Cincinnati at No. 4, Arizona at No. 5 to begin with — in order to draft him.

What hurts them is their lack of ammo regarding this year's picks. They lack third- and fourth-round selections because of trades (including the Donovan McNabb deal), although the Redskins never have shied away from mortgaging future picks to get the player they most crave.

The Redskins tried like crazy to trade with the Rams, holders of the No. 1 pick last year, to get Sam Bradford. That failed, as did their attempt to land Mark Sanchez the year prior. Having failed previously on these fronts might only fuel the brass' desire to get their guy this time around.

If that option is not possible, the Redskins could opt to move back in the draft — perhaps a smarter, more economical move. Recouping one or more picks would be a smart play, considering the number of needs this team has. Mike Shanahan would love to come out of this draft with his QB of the future, but he might not have the pieces needed to get it done.

Either way, don't be shocked if the Redskins don't end up picking at No. 10.

* "There is a growing sense" .. That's a new way to express speculation .. Anyway, there is some merit to the "speculation" that Washington may wish to make a move, as they have a history of doing so or at least trying .. If they move up, could that help us? I wonder .. If they were to move down, the Rams might be an interested partner depending who is still on the board at the 10 spot. This scenario will add to the suspense and drama on draft day ..

[Nick]

The value of Washington's first and second round picks (1790) is nearly the same as the value of Arizona's first and fourth round picks (1788). So that's a deal that could work and wouldn't cause any team to lose a draft choice completely in the process.

Some outsiders feel the Cardinals will draft Blaine Gabbert if he's there @ 5, but beat writers close to the Cardinals really believe they'll pass on a QB in the opening round. If some are right and the Bengals also pass on Gabbert in favor of A.J. Green, the Redskins could make a swap with Arizona and move up five spots.

It's entirely possible - if not probable - that the Cardinals could move down five spots and still have a chance at one of the top corners (Amukamara) or pass rushers (Quinn, Smith, Kerrigan).

I wouldn't be shocked to see that kind of trade, and to be honest, might work on a mock with trades in it just to see how it would go.

[AtlantaRamFan]

I just threw up a little in my mouth at the mental image of Sam Bradford in a Redskins uniform

I'm glad the Rams front office was smart enough to hold onto there pick. If they think they guy they're targeting will be gone, or if someone is falling they want, I'd be all for them moving up.

[BarronWade]

With this report it is pretty obvious the Skins want there franchise QB NOW! This could really benefit us. If their main intention is to get their franchise QB then they might even reach for Locker or Mallet leaving Jones to fall right into our grasp.