LANDOVER — After going 7-9 and missing the playoffs, the Washington Redskins will be awarded the 15th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
The Redskins finished the season tied with the Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers at 7-9. Draft order tiebreakers are decided by each team’s strength of schedule: the easier your strength of schedule, the earlier your team picks relative to opponents with the same record.
That tiebreaker pushed Miami and Atlanta higher than Washington in the order and Carolina lower.
The Redskins have picked defensive players from the University of Alabama in each of the last two first rounds: Daron Payne (13th overall, 2018) and Jonathan Allen (17th overall, 2017).
But their biggest personnel need this offseason is arguably a starting quarterback.
Alex Smith might not be ready for the start of the 2019 regular season — and might not be able to return to his playing career at all, according to reports. Smith broke his leg Nov. 18 against the Texans and later fought off an infection post-surgery.
Unfortunately, the incoming quarterback class is thin. Justin Herbert of Oregon opted to stay in school for his senior season, although he would have been the highest-rated quarterback in the draft. Dwayne Haskins (Ohio State) and Drew Lock (Missouri) will likely be the best options.
The Redskins could also look to add a playmaker at wide receiver or safety, where they are also thin.
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
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