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Washington Redskins 7-Round Mock Draft: Post-Christmas Edition

By Jacob Camenker

Nov 19, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Zander Diamont (12) is sacked by Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) in the second half at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Zander Diamont (12) is sacked by Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) in the second half at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 31, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Tigers wide receiver Anthony Miller (3) carries the ball against Tulane Green Wave defensive tackle Tanzel Smart (77) during the second half at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Memphis Tigers beat Tulane Green Wave 41 – 13. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Tigers wide receiver Anthony Miller (3) carries the ball against Tulane Green Wave defensive tackle Tanzel Smart (77) during the second half at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Memphis Tigers beat Tulane Green Wave 41 – 13. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 6, Pick 21 – DT Tanzel Smart, Tulane

The later rounds of the NFL Draft are all about finding players that have high upside. Tanzel Smart would qualify as one of them. A four year player at Tulane, Smart has demonstrated that he might have something that a lot of NFL teams are looking for right now: pass rushing skills.

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Playing at defensive tackle, Smart has notched 5.5 sacks as a season. That is a pretty good number for a defensive lineman. Over the past three years, Smart has also recorded 39 tackles for loss, and has showed a knack for bursting into the backfield. Though he has been playing in the American Conference against lesser competition, there is a chance that the skills could transfer over.

The Redskins would be looking to utilize Smart in a depth role at either the end or nose tackle position. The major issue with using him would be his size. Smart has a 6-foot-1, 305 pound frame which is a bit small for an NFL defensive lineman. Still, if he can show a strong motor and quick hands, he could make a living as a backup end. At the worst, he is a potential practice squader who could serve as an undersized nose tackle in the future.

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