NFL Draft 2017 preview: Washington Redskins' top needs, pick predictions

This is one in a series that covers each team, offering viewers information for homework, suggestions and then the opportunity to make a draft pick.

When the NFL Draft begins selections in Philadelphia April 27, the Washington Redskins have the No. 17 pick in the first round.

Here is an in-depth look at the team's needs, offseason changes, potential best fit and the selections by NFLDraftScout.com's experts.

Who would you pick and why?

TOP 5 NEEDS

1. Defensive line: The Redskins added two players at defensive end in Stacy McGee and Terrell 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.

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.

4. Inside linebacker: Washington signed Zach Brown late in free agency and that was a big addition at a position of need. Brown will help add sideline-to-sideline speed to go with holdovers Will Compton and Mason Foster. But Compton remains an unsigned restricted free agent and Brown signed a one-year contract. The Redskins still need long-term solutions at the position.

5. Quarterback: Until Kirk Cousins signs a long-term contract, the Redskins have to plan for the future. Colt McCoy will be the starter if Cousins is traded - though the team insists that won't happen. Nate Sudfeld was last year's developmental quarterback pick in the sixth round. He was a favorite of former general manager Scot McCloughan. But he hasn't shown near enough to get the nod going forward. Expect Washington to grab another developmental quarterback by the fourth round in 2017 to compete.

THE PICKS

BEST FIT: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford. The Redskins need more defensive players. But so what? They have 10 picks in this year's draft and could trade down for more. They still need help at running back, too, and McCaffrey is lauded for his pass-catching abilities, his explosiveness and he wouldn't have to be used as an every-down back in Washington, which has Rob Kelley for the tough up-the-middle runs and Chris Thompson as a true third-down back. Add McCaffrey to that mix and the Redskins' offense can again be explosive even after the loss of wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon in free agency. Tight ends Jordan Reed and Vernon Davis, slot receiver Jamison Crowder, free-agent signing Terrelle Pryor and 2016 first-round draft pick Josh Doctson provide plenty of other weapons for head coach Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins to work with.

Rob Rang: Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama. The Redskins surrendered an average of nearly 120 yards per game on the ground in 2016 and only three teams (the Chargers, Bills and 49ers) allowed more than their 19 rushing touchdowns. Foster was kicked out of the Combine after a run-in with medical personnel but his talent is undeniable. Possessing remarkable closing speed and the physicality to intimidate, he could prove a steal at this point in the draft.

Dane Brugler: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State. Josh Norman and Bashaud Breeland are a talented duo, but more depth is needed and Breeland, who might also be tried at safety, is entering a contract year.

Jim Miller: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State.

Frank Cooney, IMO: RB Christian McCaffrey wont still be available here and I have issues on multiple levels with Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster. So I'll go with Brugler and Miller and take one of the many talented cornerbacks in this draft, Gareon Conley of Ohio State.

OK, it's your turn. Tell us in the comments section who you would pick and why. Check out top 1,000 players rated by NFLDraftScout.com, including combine and pro day workouts, biographies, scouting reports.

Frank Cooney, founder and publisher of The Sports Xchange and NFLDraftScout.com, is in his sixth decade covering football and 25th year on the Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee.