Taco Charlton is a highly athletic defensive lineman whose stock has been rising consistently in the lead up to the 2017 NFL Draft. Will the Redskins like him enough to take him with their first round pick?
There is no questions that the defensive line was a major weakness for the Washington Redskins during the 2016 NFL season. They were unable to find any sort of consistent push from their line, and only Chris Baker enjoyed a quality season. In the 2017 offseason, the team has overhauled the unit, letting Baker leave and bringing in Terrell McClain and Stacy McGee in free agency to upgrade the run defense.
That said, the Redskins still need to find some depth for the defensive line, and a true nose tackle to man the position in their defensive front. With no nose tackles worthy of being the No. 17 overall pick, the Redskins could choose to look at some defensive lineman with the pick. As of right now, there is a chance that Taco Charlton could be available with the pick.
Charlton is a 6-foot-6, 272 pound defensive end who played his college ball at Michigan. Charlton is certainly going to be a first round pick, and he could be a player that goes as high as the No. 11 overall pick. However, if he falls, he could be a good fit in Washington. The Redskins could use a player of his caliber, and he could really help to change their mediocre defensive unit.
What Taco Charlton Does Well
As mentioned in the previous slide, Charlton has a massive frame, and he figures to be an excellent fit at defensive end in a 3-4 defense. Charlton can use his length to get through opposing offensive lines, and he should be able to make a lot of solid moves to get outside of tackles.
More from Riggo's Rag
- Highlighting the best Commanders 2023 NFL Draft betting props
- 3 late Commanders rumors drawing buzz ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft
- 4 bold predictions for the Commanders 2023 NFL Draft
- Commanders News: Chase Young trade, draft day, CB riser and Sam Howell
- Bet365 VA Bonus Code – Claim $200 Guaranteed With Sign-Up Bonus
In each of his four seasons with the Wolverines, Charlton was able to gradually improve his counting stats. He is a highly athletic player, but it seemed early in his career that he would have issues putting it all together. As a senior, Charlton demonstrated that he has all the tools necessary to succeed at the NFL level.
Charlton logged 10 sacks for Michigan in 2016. Working with Chris Wormley, he was part of a dynamic duo that helped the team’s defense to be one of the most consistently threatening ones in the country. When he was at his best, Charlton wreaked havoc against opposing quarterbacks and was able to break into the backfield very easily.
If the Redskins choose to add Charlton to their team, he could end up being the primary player at one of their 3-4 end positions. In all likelihood, he would platoon with McGee, who is not much of a pass rusher, to create a solid rotation at the left end position. Charlton could be a good fit there, but he does carry some risks as well.
Where Taco Charlton Can Improve
The notable issue with Charlton is the fact that he is not a consistent producer. Similar to Michigan State defensive tackle Malik McDowell, Charlton would occasionally take plays off, and looked like he was not giving his full effort on all plays. This is a major concern, as players like this often run the risk of becoming lazy when they land their first NFL contract.
More from Commanders Draft News
- Highlighting the best Commanders 2023 NFL Draft betting props
- 3 late Commanders rumors drawing buzz ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft
- 4 bold predictions for the Commanders 2023 NFL Draft
- Bet365 VA Bonus Code – Claim $200 Guaranteed With Sign-Up Bonus
- Commanders exec rumored to endorse NFL Draft quarterback prospect
In addition to the concerns about Charlton’s motor, he is a bit of a one-year wonder in terms of production. As a senior, Charlton looked like a potential starter on a NFL defensive line. As a junior, Charlton put up lesser numbers and looked more like a mid-round pick. Granted, players can improve over time, but it is fair to wonder if he will take some time to properly adjust to the NFL game.
Charlton’s issues are nothing new for talent evaluators. Often, scouts find players like this, and teams have to make a decision about whether or not a player is both ready to play at the next level and also whether a player will give his full effort. All it takes is for one team to check off all the boxes on a prospect for them to be a high pick.
Charlton’s situation reminds me a bit of Dontari Poe‘s back in 2011. The Memphis nose tackle was a highly regarded prospect with excellent athleticism, but some had concerns about his motor. Poe has panned out in the league, as he has given his best effort every year, and Charlton could end up being a similar player at a different position.
Taco Charlton should be the Redskins pick if they believe he can be a starter almost immediately.
I am a firm believer in the best player available strategy in the NFL Draft. Too often, teams reach for needs and select players that will never actually live up to their draft slots. The Redskins under Scot McCloughan avoided doing that, and they were able to land some quality contributors as a result.
Taco Charlton is potentially poised to be one of the top players on the board when the Redskins are picking. He has top 15 potential, but he could fall if a team is concerned about his motor. If the Redskins believe in Charlton, and think that he is better than the competition he will have at the pick, then they should pick him. This competition could include linebacker Haason Reddick, hybrid player Jabrill Peppers, or even a running back like Dalvin Cook or Christian McCaffrey.
At the end of the day, how the Redskins evaluate Charlton is important. They could really like him and view him as a potential starter down the road. If they see him as more of a developmental prospect, then they would be best served taking a player that will certainly have an impact on their team in the near future.