Eight picks represent eight chances for Washington Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan to further improve a roster he shaped into an NFC East champion a year ago.
At least one of those picks should be spent beefing up a run defense that was missing in action last season. The choice will be between a host of defensive tackles or the most intimidating middle linebacker in the class when McCloughan makes his first pick at 21st overall on Thursday night.
Either way, McCloughan is unlikely to leave the opening rounds in Chicago without adding at least one player running backs will want to avoid in the new season.