*Each week leading up to the NFL Draft this year, Redskins.com will be bringing back its "Mock Madness," a compilation of what pundits and various media members believe the Redskins shoud/could do with their No. 5-overall pick. *
Here's an extended look into Sports Illustrated's Dough Farrar's latest mock draft pick selection:
When Scot McCloughan was hired as general manager of the Washington Redskins in January, he explained in his introductory press conference that he's "never under the assumption that you draft for need.
"You draft the best available football player on the board," he said. "You know people say, 'Well, if you have this and this, why would you do that?' Because, you know, in the long run, they are the ones who will help you win the most games."
In his latest mock draft, SI.com's Doug Farrar has the Redskins selecting West Virginia wide receiver Kevin White with the fifth-overall pick in this year's NFL Draft.
While wide receiver isn't considered by many to be a need for the Redskins with DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garçon headlining a talented group, Farrar believes White is a talent McCloughan simply can't pass on.
"Whatever it is that Jay Gruden is trying to accomplish with his quarterback situation—and at this point, we're not entirely sure—he's going to need a top-level receiver in Washington, D.C., as he had in Cincinnati with A.J. Green," Farrer writes. "The Redskins have the speed quotient covered with DeSean Jackson, and the possession aspect with a number of players. But White has the ability to take the top off any defense with his acceleration, he's a wizard at times with contested catches, and he's only going to get better in the right offense. The combination of 4.35 speed that transfers to the field and his 6'3", 215-pound frame makes White a tantalizing target for any team in the top 10."
White transferred to West Virginia from Lackawanna College before the start of the 2013 season, but quickly found his way against Division 1 competition.
During the 2014 season, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound White finished sixth in the nation in receiving yards (1,447) on 109 receptions.
In the Mountaineers' first seven games White recorded at least 100 receiving yards in each game, as well.
According to his NFL.com profile, White has all of the tools needed to be an efficient player at the pro level.
"Goes and gets the ball with consistency," it reads. "Had issues with drops in 2013 after transferring in from JUCO, but caught everything in sight in 2014. High points the ball. Asked to run more types of routes in 2014 and delivered with increased productivity. Terrific inside release to beat press coverage. Creates separation on crossers and can stop on a dime on hitch routes. Makes defenders work to get him down after the catch. Competes when the ball is in the air. Looks to turn upfield immediately after short catch, running with desire and some power."
In terms of a comparison, Houston's DeAndre Hopkins is current NFL player to which White draws comparisons.
In two seasons with the Texans, Hopkins has recorded 2,012 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
With Andre Johnson no longer on the team, Hopkins is expected to be their primary receiver in just his third season.
NFL.com BOTTOM LINEHe's not just a product of West Virginia's system -- he's talented. White showed off 23 reps on the bench press and a blazing 4.35 40 at the combine, proving he has the top-end speed to go with the size and strength. White came into West Virginia with very limited confidence, according to team insiders, but when he left, he had realized his rare talent. White lacks the polish of Amari Cooper, but some teams already believe he has the best upside of any wide receiver in this draft.
RELATED LINKS:
-- McCoy Returning To The Redskins In 2015
-- 2015 Redskins Free Agency Journal
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