2011 SB Nation NFL Mock Draft: Round 2, Pick 41

Our annual 2011 NFL Mock Draft, with picks made by each of SB Nation’s NFL team bloggers, is in full swing. The latest pick in to the podium: the Washington Redskins, at No. 41 overall.

Kevin Ewoldt of HogsHaven.com explains the choice, and our own Dan Kadar reacts to it, after the jump. Make sure you’re grading this pick for the Redskins, and checking out Hogs Haven for all of your Redskins needs.

Kevin Ewoldt explains: The Washington Redskins have many holes, but the ones along the line of scrimmage have caused the most damage in recent years. Having added a stud pass rusher in Robert Quinn in the first round, our attention now turns to the offensive side of the ball.

Although Danny Watkins filled the hole at left tackle at Baylor for two years following the departure of the No. 2 overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, Jason Smith, he is projected as a guard in the NFL. He grew up a hockey player in Canada, but quickly outgrew his NHL aspirations. What he lacks in experience on the gridiron, he makes up for in strength, athleticism and technique — the exact things that Mike Shanahan and son/assistant Kyle value most in their offensive linemen. The 26-year old also brings a great deal of maturity and character, having spent four years as a firefighter in his native British Columbia. We look forward to many years watching Trent Williams and Danny Watkins dominate the left side of the line of scrimmage in Washington.

Dan Kadar reacts: As much as any team in the draft, Washington needs pro-ready players who can contribute immediately. Few fit that criteria better than Watkins. Some consider his age a negative, but they shouldn’t. A team should get eight solid years out of Watkins. Realistically, how many more can a team expect? Watkins may never be a superstar offensive lineman, but he’ll also never be a detriment. This is a good pick that balances out a risky first-round selection in Quinn.