2015 DBN Mock Draft: Washington Redskins Select DE Leonard Williams at No. 5

With the fifth pick in the DBN 2015 NFL Mock Draft, the Washington Redskins select...

Leonard Williams, DE, USC

The selection and write-up were made by michael.hamper:

Washington won only 7 games in the last two years with the likes of RG3 and Kirk Cousins (and of course Colt McCoy) at the helm, which should be oddly satisfying to Browns fans. With QB set and Garcon, DeSean Jackson, and Andre Roberts at WR, and no top-10 OL pick in this years draft, I think Washington would be smart to draft on defense, or trade back to get a better lineman. If I am the GM, I am running up to the podium to make this pick.

On defense, Washington lost Brian Orakpo to free agency this year and could look to replace him with Leonard Williams, but they also have starters in Ryan Kerrigan and Trent Murphy. Murphy was selected with the 47th overall pick last year (Washington's first pick in 2014) and played 15 games before going on IR for a hand injury.

Along the defensive line, Washington signed Terrance Knighton (1 year deal), Stephen Paea (4 year deal), and Ricky Jean-Francois in free agency. Knighton grades out very well against the run and Paea was the 2nd rated DT behind Suh last year, but did not post a positive overall grade from PFF in any of his other seasons and could be a one-year wonder. Jean-Francois is a pet signing by McCloughan (drafted him in SF) and posted negative PFF ratings in Indianapolis the last two years before his release. The remaining starting DL is Jason Hatcher, who is going into his 10th season.

With the uncertainty as to whether Knighton will be in Washington after this year and whether Paea will boom or bust, Washington can utilize Williams' strengths this year in whatever position they want and plan for the future either at defensive end, defensive tackle, or linebacker. Williams will likely challenge Paea and Hatcher for a starting DE position, or Murphy for the starting OLB position he would likely hold. Either way, I think Williams makes an immediate impact and could be in the running for rookie of the year, barring a setback like Clowney had to start 2014.

This would certainly complete a significant upgrade to the Redskins' defensive line this offseason. Williams is projected to be a top five pick, and I don't expect him to get past the Redskins.

The New York Jets are up next, led by aszabo1.

2015 DBN Community Mock Draft Results (so far)