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How the Alex Smith trade to Redskins shakes up Round 1 of the NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

CARSON, CA - SEPTEMBER 24: Alex Smith #11 of the Kansas City Chiefs is seen before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at the StubHub Center on September 24, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - SEPTEMBER 24: Alex Smith #11 of the Kansas City Chiefs is seen before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at the StubHub Center on September 24, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – OCTOBER 02: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins looks up at the scoreboard during the 4th quarter of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on October 2, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – OCTOBER 02: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins looks up at the scoreboard during the 4th quarter of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on October 2, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Other Quarterback-Needy Teams in the NFL Draft

With Washington no longer in the market for a quarterback, there are still plenty of other squads on the hunt for a franchise signal-caller.

The Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, Denver Broncos and New York Jets all have picks in the top 10 of the NFL Draft. Each team could be looking to replace departing free agents or, at least, make a serious upgrade.

The Miami Dolphins (No. 11), Cincinnati Bengals (No. 12) and Arizona Cardinals (No. 15) are also likely in the market for a QB early in the draft.

The MMQB’s Albert Breer speculates the Jets might be a front-runner for Cousins’ services, citing a connection between offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates and Cousins’ former coaches, Mike Shanahan, Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan:

If that’s the case, the third overall pick won’t go the way of a quarterback. Barring a trade-up by another team, of course.

And with over $72 million in cap space, the Jets have more than enough room to make a big deal happen. Meanwhile, this frees up New York’s first pick to address one of a number of needs. CBS Sports’ R.J. White and Chris Trapasso list both offensive and defensive linemen as top needs, along with cornerback and outside linebacker.

So it wouldn’t be a shock to see a top EDGE prospect, like NC State’s Bradley Chubb, wind up going to the Jets at No. 3 overall.