2021 NFL Draft: Washington secures 19th pick in first round

Washington Football Team 2021 NFL draft

The Washington Football Team was overmatched from the start in their wild-card playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday, and while the 31-23 loss was closer than many thought it would be, the defeat exposed some flaws in Washington’s roster that have to be addressed in the 2021 NFL Draft.

They’ll have a chance to take their biggest swing at filling those holes in the first round. With Saturday’s loss, Washington will pick 19th overall.

The most pressing need for WFT entering the offseason is at quarterback. For as great of a story that Alex Smith’s comeback was this season, he isn’t capable of being a reliable NFL starter anymore. The failed Dwayne Haskins pick and no real developmental option on the roster leaves Washington desperate for a first-rounder at the position, but they may have played themselves out of position to land one.

The top quarterback prospects will be long gone by No. 19. Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, and Zach Wilson have a chance to all come off the board in the top five, while Trey Lance and Mac Jones will have their suitors in the top 15. Washington could be forced to trade up if they have their heart set on one of those five.

Florida’s Kyle Trask is the next guy in the pecking order of quarterback prospects and he has a contingent of scouts who value him as a first-round guy. But at No. 19? That would be a reach.

Offensive tackle is another big need in Washington and it’s one they can reasonably address without reaching at No. 19. Players like Northwestern’s Rashawn Slater and Ohio State’s Jaylen Mayfield are both fringe top-20 players and would offer WFT an instant upgrade at the edge.

Bryan Perez

Bryan is the founder of Pro Football Draft. His work has been featured on The Draft Network, NBC Sports and USA Today. Former CFL scout.

Follow him on Twitter: @BryanPerezNFL