With each pick of the FanHouse mock draft, we get into the head of an NFL general manager and let you know who he'll pick and why. With the first pick in the Jim "Z-man" Zorn era, the Redskins will look for a receiver. Currently, the Skins have two fast receivers who are excellent in the open field ... but lack the kind of move-the-chains guy you need in the West Coast Offense.
Enter Malcolm Kelly. Kelly is big (6'4, 220 lbs), has great hands and has the ability to break tackles and turn a 7-yard slant into a 50-yard TD.
Remember that Washington's QB is Jason Campbell, who has just about one season worth of starts under his belt. Having a big target like Kelly who can catch bad passes is quite a find. Imagine adding a guy like Kelly to a receiving unit that has Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle El and Chris Cooley ... with Clinton Portis coming out of the backfield.
Did I mention Portis? Kelly is an outstanding blocker in the Hines Ward mold who is sure to help the Redskins running game.
The key for Kelly is getting him to run better routes. In a precision offense like the West Coast, getting your timing down on routes is most important. But that can be fixed. His height, arms and hands can't be taught.
The Skinny:
Team Needs: WR, DE, S, OT, G
Player Selected: Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
Also Considered: Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State; Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida; Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
Previous Pick: No. 20, Mike Jenkins, Buccaneers
Next Pick: No. 22, Dallas Cowboys
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