May 5, 2013; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed (86) speaks with the media after rookie minicamp at Redskins Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

On Friday, the Washington Redskins announced that the team had signed third round draft pick Jordan Reed to a rookie contract. Reed was the last “hold out” from selections made during the 2013 NFL Draft. While specifics of the deal were not released, Reed will make approximately $2.7 million over the course of his four year contract based on the rookie wage scale.

Let me go on record as saying that Jordan Reed will be the gem of the 2013 draft class for the Redskins. Though tight end was not the team’s most pressing need for the upcoming season, Reed will get a chance to play this year because of his versatility. At Florida, he lined up as an H back, slot receiver, fullback, as well as a standard tight end, after starting his career as a quarterback. With starter Fred Davis only under contract for one more season (and currently recovering from Achilles surgery), Reed is the Redskins long term fix at the tight end position. Expect to see Reed lining up all over the field from Week 1.

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.

Nov 24, 2012 Raleigh, NC, USA. North Carolina State Wolfpack cornerback David Amerson (1) scores a touchdown after returning an interception against the Boston College Eagles during the first half at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

That the Washington Redskins chose to use their first 2013 draft pick on a cornerback was unsurprising. The Redskins’ secondary was one of the worst in the league last season, and the second round of the NFL Draft was stocked with highly touted defensive backs. A number of the familiar names associated with the Redskins were available for the 51st overall selection: D.J. Swearinger from South Carolina, Jamar Taylor from Boise State, and Robert Alford from SE Louisiana to name a few. Instead, Washington selected David Amerson from North Carolina Sate, a physical back who figures to compete for playing time as a rookie considering his competition.

Amerson is a risky gamble for the Redskins. He described himself in post-draft interviews as a “long, ballhawking” player. Sound familiar? After leading the nation in receptions in 2011, Amerson struggled with consistency in the 2012 season. At 6’1”, he is a tall, physical corner who thrived at North Carolina State in press coverage situations. However, talent evaluators are concerned with his ability to stay with vertical plays down the field. Considering the aggressive defensive play-calling of Jim Haslett, Amerson may be an ideal fit. The question now becomes whether the Redskins can survive playing with two corners in Amerson and DeAngelo Hall who excel in play-making, but not coverage down the field.

The Redskins third round selection was equally surprising. With the 85th overall selection, Washington drafted tight end Jordan Reed from the University of Florida. With glaring needs in the secondary and offensive line, Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen decided add depth to the tight end position. With Fred Davis signed to only a one-year deal, Reed figures to be a significant part of the offensive in the years to come. Reed is an athletic tight end who thrives at catching passes with a burst of speed. At Florida, he frequently lined up at wideout and in the backfield.  However, he is not a traditional blocking tight end. His athleticism figures to be an asset to the option-read offense of Kyle Shanahan, which may mask his blocking deficiencies. Still, many analysts were surprised at the Redskins selection considering the other team needs entering the draft.

The Washington Redskins have five picks remaining in the 2013 NFL Draft: one in each remaining round and two in the fifth round. The draft resumes tomorrow at 12 PM Eastern.