Less than a day away from the 2021 NFL Draft, the draft rumors are sure to heat up. The Washington Football Team is not immune to the reports and rumors.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano, Washington “has done legwork” with potential teams “in or around the top 10.” However, it’s not believed Washington is targeting a quarterback.
Trying to move up from the 19th pick overall is no surprise. But what brings intrigue is a potential move up wouldn’t be for a quarterback. It’s hard to scope what type of player would be worthy of moving up that’s not one of the top five quarterback prospects.
Washington did sign Ryan Fitzpatrick to a one-year deal this off-season. He’ll enter training camp as the QB1, but will face competition to be the Week 1 starter. Washington also re-signed Taylor Heinicke, who started in their playoff loss in the wild card round to Tampa Bay.
Kyle Allen is also coming back on a one-year deal. Allen started four games last season after the benching of since-released Dwayne Haskins. Allen unfortunately suffered a season-ending ankle injury but is expected to be recovered in time for training camp.
Those three options aren’t considered long-term answers for Washington at quarterback. Thus, the team adding a QB for the future makes a lot of sense. Selecting 19th potentially puts Washington out of reach of the top-5 QB prospects, which all five could be picked in the top-10.
Other positions of need for Washington include left tackle, linebacker and free safety. Offensive tackle and linebacker stick out with candidates who could be taken in or around the top-10 of the draft.
Penei Sewell, Rashawn Slater and Christian Darrisaw highlight tackle options whom could go early in the first round. Former Penn State stud Micah Parsons leads the pack at linebacker. Washington has been linked to interest in Darrisaw and Parsons.
