Redskins draft recap.
After firing GM Scot Mccloughan last March the Washington Redskins have had back to back excellents drafts. A quick look back at the 2017 class, Jonathan Allen, Ryan Anderson, Samaje Perine, Montae Nicholson, Jermey Sprinkle and Chase Roullier. Five of those six, out of the nine drafted that year, will at the very least have a strong opportunity to be a starter this season. Two of them (Allen and Roullier) are all but guaranteed a starting job. In 2016 under Mccloughan they drafted 7 players, only 3 remain on the team and only one is likely to start(Doctosn). 2015 they drafted nine players and four of them remain on the roster. Preston Smith, Jamison Crowder, Arie Kouandjio and Martrell Spaight who all have contributed their fair share. Crowder and Smith have done more than a fair share, both played well enough to deserve new contracts. Its worth pointing out each year under Mccloughan they drafted a huge bust in rounds 2 and 3. The Matt Jones pick in 2015 was a fail and 2016 Su'a Cravens pick wasn't a bad one but also failed in a very epic way.
With that said let's take a look at this year draft. Coming into it Washington had traded away it's 3rd round pick for Alex Smith. They would trade back with the San Francisco 49ers in the 2nd round and gain a 3rd rounder. A great move to add a vaule pick in the 3rd round while not losing the 2nd round pick. Bruce Allen (or whoever made the move) deserves credit for maximizing this draft.
After being
ranked 32nd in stopping the run and playing in a divison with the 2nd and 3rd best rushing attacks in the league, it was inevitable that the redskins would draft a stud at nose tackle. The question for me was always who? Vita Vea or Da'Ron Payne? Vea was taken by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the pick before Washington but I believe Washington had thier eye on Payne the whole time. Da'Ron Payne is a run stuffing machine from the University of Alabama. At 311pounds standing 6 foot 3 inches tall Payne is just what the doctor ordered. When asked about the pressure to perform because of the teams poor run defense and the team needing an immediate impact Paynes response was perfect "I stop the run for a living."! If that doesn't pump up skins fans I don't know what will. Payne will join Alabama teammates Ryan Anderson and Jonathan Allen as they look to make the Skins D as respected in the NFL as Alabama's D is in college.
A lot had been said about all the 2nd round running back options in this years draft. None would aruge that the most was said about LSU running back Derrius Guice. From allegedly being asked inappropriate questions at the combine. To getting into an argument with an Eagles coach during the interview process, people had a lot to say about Guice. Guice however took the high road saying he now has a "Clean slate". When asked about his thoughts on falling to the 2nd round he said the teams that picked running backs before him "Picked great players". Washington visted with Guice 3 different times and found no issues with his character. Yet other teams did and passed on him. All the same drafting Guice at 59th overral is a steal! Derruis running style has been compared to Marshawn Lynch and for good reason. He runs fast and hard and has the tools to become a soild back on 3rd down. He won't need to be great on 3rd down right away thanks to the presence of Chris Thompson. Rob Kelley and any other back not named Perine or Thompson have been put on notice.
Other notbale draft picks:
3rd round - OT, Geron Christian Louisville. 6'5 298pounds. Brings much needed depth to the Tackle postion that got beat up last year.
4th round - S, Troy Apke Penn State. 6'1 200pounds. Good pick here he can make an impact on special teams with the speed he has. Ran a 4.34 40yard dash.
5th round - NT, Tim Settle Virginia Tech. 6'3 329 pounds. Settle could and proably should be a day one starter. He has good pass rushing skills for an Interior lineman but will have to battle for Matt Ioannids for playing time.
Late rounds: The Skins drafted Shaun D. Hamilton, Greg Stroman and Trey Quinn. All of whome could make the team. Hamilton was one of the most football savvy players in the draft, some scouts said he could one day coach. Stroman is a local, he grew up in Bristow VA not to far from the practice facility. He could make the team as a kick or punt returner. Quinn was this years Mr. Irrelevant but by the time the season starts could be very relevant. Only time will really tell but at first glance these last two drafts have helped pushed this Franchise in the right direction.
My draft grade for 2018: B
