Sep 26, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) breaks though the Central Michigan offensive line during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 30-10. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
The Washington Redskins know that they will have two major priorities going into the 2017 off-season, regardless of how 2016 ends for them.
First and foremost they have to get the situation with Kirk Cousins squared away. He may not be Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady, but he’s proven he can be an effective starter. Get a deal done and make sure he doesn’t leave via free agency. That being done, it’s all about the defense. If Washington wants to become a serious contender in the NFC, they have to correct their ongoing problems on that side of the ball.
1st Round
1
Malik McDowell
DE, Michigan State
Malik McDowell is expected to come out from Michigan State this year. The defensive lineman has really emerged this year as one of the more dynamic big athletes in the class. He’s got the size of a 3-4 end, showing an ability to hold the point of attack against the run. Where he excels though, and where Washington will love him is his knack for getting up the field and putting pressure on the quarterback.
Nov 12, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Baylor Bears safety Orion Stewart (28) intercepts a pass intended for Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Dahu Green (2) during the second quarter at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
2nd Round
6
Orion Stewart
S, Baylor
Baylor has been a program under siege of late. Players from there are now painted as thugs and attempted rapists. That’s really unfortunate because there are some really good talents who aren’t getting into such trouble. Orion Stewart has been one of them. Despite playing for a pretty bad defense, the young safety is showcasing his athleticism and ability to find the football in the air. Get him on an aggressive defense where he can patrol the back end and he’ll be a hit.
Nov 5, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Kendell Beckwith (52) tackles Alabama Crimson Tide running back Damien Harris (34) during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. Alabama defeated LSU 10-0. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
3rd Round
7
Kendell Beckwith
ILB, LSU
Historically, the SEC is a great place to find quality linebackers and LSU is among those programs that churn them out like an assembly line. Kendell Beckwith could be among their latest quality developments. He’s a classic 3-4 ILB type. A solid, dependable tackler who plays downhill and lends value with his ability to blitz. Better still he’s athletic enough to handle himself in pass coverage.
More from NFL Mocks
This article originally appeared on 
