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2017 NFL mock draft: Who will the Washington Redskins pick?

By Howard Balzer, NFLDraftScout.com
Ohio State's Gareon Conley is projected to be the Redskins' top pick. Photo courtesy Redskins.com
Ohio State's Gareon Conley is projected to be the Redskins' top pick. Photo courtesy Redskins.com

The Washington Redskins have 10 picks in the NFL Draft, including No. 17 in the first round April 27 in Philadelphia.

A tumultuous start of the league was headlined by the departure of general manager Scot McCloughan off the field and wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon from the offense. There has also been the ongoing saga of quarterback Kirk Cousins, who had the franchise tag placed on him for the second consecutive year.

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Want more? How about offensive coordinator Sean McVay being hired by the Rams as their head coach and the firing of defensive coordinator Joe Barry. Their replacements are Matt Cavanaugh on offense and Greg Manusky on defense. They both were on the staff last season, so the hope is there will be continuity.

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Wide receiver Terrelle Pryor has been added to the offense, while key newcomers on defense are linemen Terrell McClain and Stacy McGee to try and replace the departed Chris Baker.

Here is a look at the Redskins' five-year draft record with roster tallies reflecting totals as of the end of the 2016 season. Below that are key personnel moves made this year and the team's current needs heading into this draft and our projection for all their 2017 picks.

REDSKINS FIVE-YEAR DRAFT BREAKDOWN

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

TOTAL PICKS 9 7 8 10 7

STARTERS 1 1 3 1 0

BACKUPS 0 1 2 4 7

OTHER TEAMS 4 2 0 1 0

OUT OF LEAGUE 4 3 3 4 0

TOP 3 NEEDS IN 2017 DRAFT

1. Defensive line: The Redskins added two players at defensive end in McGee and McClain. But they also lost Chris Baker, who signed with Tampa Bay. He was their most disruptive player on the line the past two seasons. More youth is needed here.

2. Running back: Rob Kelley, a surprise as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2016, will likely be atop the depth chart when training camp begins. Chris Thompson is one of the league's best third-down backs. But they need help. Matt Jones, a 2015 third-round pick, didn't play the final two months of the season because of fumbling issues. The Redskins could make a splash here if one of the top backs in the draft falls to them.

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3. Safety: Washington added D.J. Swearinger in free agency and second-year pro Su'a Cravens will move to safety from dime linebacker. But the health of DeAngelo Hall (torn ACL) is unclear and both he and Will Blackmon, a converted corner, are over 30. The Redskins need youth here.

MOCK DRAFT

Below is list of all 10 of the Redskins picks, with players suggested by NFLDrafTScout.com Sr. Analyst Dane Brugler.

Who would you take? Let us know in comments.

REDSKINS 2017 Draft (10 picks)

Rd./overall pick: Player selected

1/17: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State (6-0, 195, 4.44)

2/49: Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt (6-3, 234, 4.67)

3/81: D'Onta Foreman, RB, Texas (6-0, 233, 4.42)

4/114: Montravius Adams, DL, Auburn (6-4, 304, 4.81)

4/124: Xavier Woods, FS, Louisiana Tech (5-11, 197, 4.49)

5/154: Danny Isidora, OG, Miami (Fla.) (6-3, 306, 5.00)

6/201: Josh Malone, WR, Tennessee (6-3, 208, 4.40)

6/209: Ejuan Price, DE/OLB, Pittsburgh (5-11, 241, 4.74)

7/220: Josh Tupou, NT, Colorado (6-3, 353, 5.30)

7/235: Chad Kelly, QB, Ole Miss (6-2, 224, 4.88)

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Now it's your turn. Check NFLDraftScout.com for a list of the top 1,000 prospects in this draft.

Frank Cooney and TSX NFL team insiders contributed to this analysis.

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