The need is there, but selecting a quarterback at 15 would be the flashy move for Washington, not the right move.

There is no doubt in the eyes of many; the Redskins will need to address the quarterback situation this upcoming off-season. How they go about it has been the primary discussion; Nick Foles, Tyrod Taylor, Colt McCoy, Josh Johnson? Only to name a few of the potential fill-ins for quarterback Alex Smith as he may very well be sidelined to start the season. Nick Foles being the long shot, as investing in him while also having Alex Smith currently on a contract, would be a poor business decision. So, what is the better situation for Washington? The draft.

Although the draft will be very tricky when determining which quarterbacks will be able to translate to the NFL past the first round, it is the best way to groom and develop a quarterback to be as ready as possible to play in the NFL. However, specifically relating to the Redskins, taking a quarterback at 15 would be a mistake. It is possible for the Redskins to take one at 15 given the need to appease an apathetic fan base, so it is not out of the question, but it will also show at least one of two things; they are either lacking foresight or Alex Smith career seems to be in jeopardy. If it is the latter, all will understand. However, if it is the former, Washington will have shown they have jumped the gun by passing on talent that could have made the roster structurally sound with a playmaker or building block at a key position of need.

The “best player available no matter what” argument may be made against proper roster construction, but the situation in Washington is different. As far as we know, Alex Smith will soon be rehabbing to return to play for the Redskins as soon as possible. Therefore it should be something in place that refrains the Redskins from searching for a quarterback in a particular round. For example, the Redskins to date have been linked to Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray in a couple of Mock Drafts since Murray announced his declaration for the NFL draft. A quarterback like him being selected in the first round will undoubtedly start for Washington day one. However, what if he turns out to be the franchise quarterback Washington needed? It is great! Great for the team’s future at the position and their fanbase. There is something to believe in finally. There’s also a financial hit that takes place too. The Redskins will be cash-strapped due to one single position, releasing Alex Smith will not be a possibility, and he is the big money quarterback who is under contract for four more seasons.

Investing in other positions will not be impossible due to the selection at 15 alone, but the most significant selections for organizations are indeed your first-round picks. Another example, ask yourself this; Chargers safety Derwin James seems to be on his way to be an elite safety in Los Angeles. Defensive lineman Daron Payne seems to be a solid piece to a formidable front in Washington. If there was a chance to re-do the draft again, who would you select knowing what you know now? I am not on a side, but the question has been asked plenty of times to this point, and an excellent case can be made for Derwin. So yes, the Redskins need a quarterback, but do they need it enough to bypass all the other talented players that will be available at the 15th pick of the draft? Knowing what we know at the quarterback position, knowing that the Redskins have talent deficiencies at key positions, the answer would be no. Patience will be key this off-season; however the Redskins choose to address the position, reaching can set the team back even further.