Oct 6, 2012 Raleigh, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Chris Thompson (4) carries the ball as North Carolina State Wolfpack linebacker Rodman Noel defends in the first half at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

On Wednesday, the Washington Redskins signed fifth-round draft pick Chris Thompson to a four-year rookie contract. The team tweeted out a picture of the Florida State running back signing his official deal. The team then announced this morning that it has also come to terms with seventh round selection Jawan Jamison from Rutgers. Both players will now enter the competition to become the back-up to Alfred Morris. Evan Royster and Roy Helu remain on the Redskins roster.

Thompson is the most explosive of the four backs, averaging over seven yards a carry in college. However, his collegiate career has been plagued with injuries. Thompson is currently rehabbing from reconstructive surgery of his ACL, but has expressed a hope of participating in mini-camp starting at the end of July. Jamison is also a question mark; he had a productive career at Rutgers, but left school two years early to provide financial assistance to his family. However, in drafting two running backs, Mike Shanahan appears to be displeased with the depth currently on the roster. For this reason, Thompson and Jamison appear to have a great opportunity to find a spot on the final roster.

Dec 24, 2012; Honolulu, HI, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs running back Zach Line (48) rolls under Fresno State Bulldogs strong safety Phillip Thomas (16) into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter of the Hawaii Bowl at Aloha Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marco Garcia-USA TODAY Sports

Coming into the 2013 NFL Draft, the management of the Washington Redskins knew late rounds would be crucial to providing depth to the roster. Unsurprisingly, the Redskins used rounds four through seven to select players that will buttress the weakest positions on the roster: safety, linebacker, and running back. Here’s a look at the Redskins’ selections on day three of the NFL Draft:

Round 4: Phillip Thomas, Safety (Fresno State)

The self-proclaimed “steal of the draft” is a strong, open field tackler who was the first Fresno State Bulldog to be named a unanimous All-American. Thomas is not particularly tall and does not have great range, but he is a versatile player who can line up as either a free or strong safety. You never know how draft picks will fare until they are actually on the field, but on a roster with DeJon Gomes and Reed Doughty, Thomas figures to have a chance to receive significant playing time in his rookie season.

Round 5: Chris Thompson, Running Back (Florida State); Brandon Jenkins, Linebacker (Florida State)

The Redskins used round five to select a pair of Seminole teammates. Chris Thompson was an explosive, big play threat at Florida State, but injuries are a major concern. His 2012 season ended with an ACL tear and Thompson struggled with back injuries earlier in his college career. He still ran a 4.4 40 at the NFL Combine, meaning that he has a burst of speed that Alfred Morris does not have. Drafting Thompson indicates that Mike Shanahan is not inspired by the play of Evan Royster and Roy Helu, two players who will now have to fight to remain on the roster.

Thompson’s teammate Brandon Jenkins is a converted defensive end who will play outside linebacker in the Redskins’ 3-4 scheme. He is better rushing the quarterback than stopping the ground game. His biggest obstacle now may be the depth chart, as he figures to be behind Ryan Kerrigan, Brian Orakpo, and free agent addition Darryl Tapp. The Redskins need middle linebackers to support London Fletcher and Perry Riley, but Jenkins does not translate well to this position. He could be a solid player, but he was a surprising pick considering the team’s needs.

Round 6: Bacarri Rambo, Safety (Georgia)

Bacarri Rambo, who has one of the best names of anyone in the draft, fell to the sixth round primarily because of off-the-field issues. He was suspended for the first four games of 2012 for a failed drug test, and missed the 2011 opener because of a violation of team rules. On the field, Rambo is a solid, all-around player who can provide run support in addition to his pass defending skills. He was a three-year starter at Georgia which proves he can play. Like Thomas, he is helped by the Redskins depth chart and will get a chance to compete early for playing time. Mike Shanahan has made a point of drafting “character players” during his tenure in Washington. Rambo does not fit this description, but is worth a sixth round pick to see if he can get his personal life together.

Round 7: Jawan Jamison, Running Back (Rutgers)

In contrast to the explosiveness of Chris Thompson, Rutgers’ Jawan Jamison is a bruising tailback with a low center of gravity. He rushed for nearly 2,000 yards in two seasons at Rutgers before leaving school early to provide financial assistance to his family. The pick further signals the coaching staff’s displeasure with the depth chart options behind Alfred Morris. If he makes the team, Jamison can provide help on third-down situations because of his ability to block and catch passes. Still, the Jamison pick is a bit of a gamble considering his smaller size and youth. But isn’t everyone in the seventh round a gamble to some degree?

Post your thoughts on the Redskins draft selections below.

Apr 28, 2011; New York, NY, USA; ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Tomorrow is the big day…for most NFL teams. However, the Washington Redskins must wait until Friday to make their first selection in the 2013 NFL Draft. There are a million mock drafts available on the internet outlining who teams might pick. The overall consensus from draft experts is that the Redskins need help on defense. The numbers from 2012 tend to agree. But which Mock Draft helps the Redskins the most? I’ve selected several “talent evaluators” and analyzed their picks for Washington, focusing on both benefits to the Redskins and the realism of their selections.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper

Round 2 (51): D.J. Swearinger, S South Carolina

Round 3 (85): Robert Alford, CB Robert Alford

Analysis: These are Mel’s “A Draft” selections, meaning that if the Redskins are able to draft these two players, they will receive

a personalized certificate from Kiper himself. These selections rank high in talent but low in probability. The hard-hitting Swearinger may be available at 51, although Mel himself admits that this is unlikely. Robert Alford will almost certainly be off the board by Round 3. Both would be great selections for the Redskins and fill major needs. Still, I think this scenario is very unlikely. Seems unfair that the Redskins will be punished (by Mel’s bell curve) just because good players are drafted by other teams. I look forward to receiving a “B-” when Washington selects the best available cornerback in the second round.

Scouts Inc. (Steve Muench and Kevin Weidl)

Round 2 (51): Johnthan Banks, CB Mississippi State

Round 3 (85): Vance McDonald, TE Rice

Round 4 (119): Earl Wolff, S North Carolina State

Round 5 (154): Aaron Mellette, WR Elon

Round 5 (162): Roger Gaines, OL Tennessee State

Round 6 (191): Jawan Jamison, RB Rutgers

Round 7 (228): Michael Mauti, ILB Penn State

Analysis: Scouts Inc. benefits from having the most detailed Mock Draft. Muench and Weidl do a good job of addressing Washington’s needs round by round (cornerback, safety, offensive line). The exception is the third round, where Vance McDonald stands out as a poor selection. With Fred Davis re-signing and the emergence of Logan Paulsen, the tight end position should not be a top priority for the Redskins in this draft. I am happy with the hypothetical of getting Mauti in the seventh round, so I’ll let the McDonald debacle pass for now.

CBS Sports’ Rob Rang and Dane Brugler

Round 2 (51): Phillip Thomas, FS Fresno State OR Corey Lemonier, LB Auburn

Analysis: I like Rang’s thinking with Thomas. I think with so many decent cornerbacks available in the third and fourth rounds, it makes sense to go with a free safety that will ensure Reed Doughty spends as much time riding the bench as possible. Thomas was a finalist for the 2012 Thorpe Award for being the nation’s top defender, and plays with a tenacity the ‘Skins desperately need in the secondary. Brugler’s pick on the other hand gets low marks because outside linebacker is not a position the Redskins need with Orakpo and Kerrigan on the roster. You can add depth at this position later in the draft, but in the second round, the Redskins need a player who can step in and play this season.

and of course, Fansided’s Josh Sanchez

Round 2 (51): Jamar Taylor, CB Boise State

Analysis: Not to be a website homer, but I hope Josh is right. Taylor is an under-appreciated cornerback with great quickness and agility. However, he is not as well known because of his limited television exposure at Boise. I’m not convinced he is still around for the Redskins in Round 2, but if he is, I sincerely hope Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen pull the trigger.