The Washington Redskins have the second overall pick in April’s NFL Draft. And while they appear set with their quarterback, last year’s first-round pick, Dwayne Haskins, head coach Ron Rivera says “everything is in play” for the No. 2 pick.
Speaking to reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine, Rivera revealed the Redskins will meet with both the top-two quarterback prospects in this year’s draft, LSU’s Joe Burrow and Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa. Rivera also stated their meetings are more than due diligence.
It’s understandable the Redskins are turning over all options. He later said they’ll also meet with Ohio State pass rusher Chase Young, who many mocks have the Redskins slated to pick with the second overall pick. But, Rivera at least wants us to believe they’re “looking at everything” including trade offers for the No. 2 pick.
For a team that finished 3-13 with a roster that is expected to see a great amount of turnover, Rivera’s words should be taken at face value. While it’s seems far-fetched the Redskins would pick a quarterback a year after using a first-round pick on a QB, it’s not unprecedented.
Just last season, the Arizona Cardinals selected Kyler Murray first overall a year after using a first-round pick on Josh Rosen. Much like Arizona’s situation, the Redskins have a new coach and new regime in store.
Rivera has praised Haskins on his strong finish during his rookie season. Wednesday, he praised the fact that Haskins has been around Redskins Park a lot during the off-season. But he stopped short of crowning Haskins as the team’s No. 1 QB going into the season.
Could Rivera be blowing smoke to the other 31 teams in the NFL?
With Burrow expected to go No. 1 overall to the Cincinnati Bengals, there could be other QB-needy teams wanting to trade up to ensure they’ll get Tua. And the Redskins will be expected to listen to offers.
He could also be using his words carefully to motivate Haskins and keep him with feeling complacent and entitled to the starting position this offseason.
Nonetheless, Rivera’s words today left a lot of intrigue around the NFL and did not tip the Redskins’ hands on their plans. It’s a bit refreshing to see the Redskins act accordingly going into a draft process for once.
