The 2010 SB Nation NFL Mock Draft is underway, with each SB Nation blogger making selections for their respective teams. KevinE, lead blogger at SB Nation's Washington Redskins blog, Hogs Haven, checks in to make the fourth overall selection in this year's mock. Take it away, sir!
With the fourth overall pick in the 2010 SB Nation NFL Mock Draft, the Washington Redskins have selected Russell Okung, Offensive tackle, Oklahoma State
KevinE says: With the loss of Chris Samuels, the Redskins now have a huge hole at LT (along with RG and RT). Okung has all the skills and size to protect the Redskins' QB's back for the next decade (whichever QB the Shanahans decides on, that is). Drafting a Quarterback with this pick would only put him on the bench or in the hospital, so if the Redskins want to compete THIS year, which Shanahan said they will, then they must go O-Line. It starts with Okung.
Still not sold? In the 2010 Pro Bowl, five of the seven tackles were first-round picks. In 2009, six of the eight tackles were first-round picks. The fact that the Redskins don't even have capable backups at either end highlights the need for Okung.
Mocking Dan reacts: Getting inside the head of Redskins owner Dan Snyder is a dangerous game. It's like the Thunder Dome in there. This draft really has two quarterbacks that are being perceived as top-tier signal callers. One is Sam Bradford, and the other is Jimmy Clausen.
The way this draft is beginning, the pick here should either be Okung or Clausen. Taking Clausen would end Jason Campbell's time in Washington. Fair or not, that would be the situation. But by adding Okung, Campbell would probably get another year to prove he can make it.
If he can't, the 2011 draft looks like it's going to be stacked at quarterback, so this would be a calculated move by the Redskins.
Mocking the Draft's Top 5 remaining prospects: 1 - Eric Berry/S/Tennessee, 2 - C.J. Spiller/RB/Clemson, 3 - Derrick Morgan/DE/Georgia Tech, 4 - Dez Bryant/WR/Oklahoma State, 5 - Joe Haden/CB/Florida
Sound off, SB Nation! Was the selection of Okung a wise choice? Please be sure to check out Hogs Haven for all of your Redskins needs.