Considered one of the top prospects in this year's NFL Draft, WalterFootball.com's Walter Cherepinsky has the Redskins selecting defensive lineman Vita Vea in his most recent mock draft.
Will the Washington Redskins elect to take a second defensive lineman in the first round of the NFL Draft in as many years?
Check out these photos of Washington defensive lineman Vita Vea.
WalterFootball.com's Walter Cherepinsky believes Washington could very well do just that, as he has the Redskins selecting Vita Vea out of the University of Washington with the No. 13-overall pick.
"They need to bolster their defensive front, and Vita Vea happens to be one of the best players available," Cherepinsky writes.
Vea recently completed his junior season with the Huskies before electing to forgo his final year of eligibility to enter the 2018 NFL Draft.
In three seasons at Washington, Vea appeared in 40 games recording 100 tackles (15 for loss), along with 9.5 sacks, six passes defensed and two fumbles forced.
During the 2017 season, Vea recorded career highs in total tackles (44), solo tackles (31), passes defensed (four) and sacks (3.5) en route to being named a second-team All-American selection while also being named to the All-Pac-12 first-team.
Additionally, Vea was the recipient of the Morris Trophy, given annually to the top offensive and defensive linemen in the conference, and the Pat Tillman Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year as he was the anchor for a defense that finished fifth-overall against the run allowing less than three yards per attempt.
As a sophomore, the 6-foot-5, 340 pounder appeared in 14 games with five starts, recording 39 tackles. He was named to the All-Pac-12 second-team.
After redshirting the 2014 season, Vea's first collegiate action came during the 2015 season, playing 13 games.
The Redskins, of course, selected Jonathan Allen with the No. 17-overall pick last year and also have Anthony Lanier II and Matt Ioannidis on the roster among others.
Despite being 340 pounds, NFL.com's Chad Reuter recently wrote that "there's no way a man Vea's size should move like he does."
"Vea can chase to the sideline at 340 pounds, and I've seen him make plays on the punt coverage team," Reuter continued. "He's willing to eat two blockers inside, as well. His play can run hot and cold, but he has the potential to be a force at the next level."
