2017 NFL Draft: Washington Redskins Viewer Guide – Day Two

The first round of the NFL Draft was full of surprises. Luckily for the Redskins, they had one of their own. The front office staff did not expect Alabama defensive lineman Jonathan Allen to be available at No. 17. But he was. Thus, the Washington Redskins likely got the steal of the first round.

The addition of Allen immediately shores up the suspect defensive line for the Washington Redskins, but there is still more work to be done in order to ensure that this draft impacts the Redskins in a positive way.

Rounds two and three of the NFL Draft take place tonight at 8:00 p.m., and the Redskins need to continue acquiring talented players if they want to consider the Draft a “win”. Round one went perfectly for them. But there’s a whole lot of picking to go.

Here’s a rundown of what to watch for on day two of the NFL Draft for the burgundy and gold:

• For a minute on Day One, it looked as if a blockbuster trade could happen. There were rumors that the Cleveland Browns were interested in acquiring Kirk Cousins‘ services. Although both sides later denied the rumors, the report suggests that there was at least talking over the matter on the Browns’ end. However, in a promising move, the Redskins remained loyal to Kirk. Nevertheless, there’s still a good possibility that the Redskins pick a quarterback in the next few rounds.
• Nathan Peterman remains available, but he won’t be for long. The Pitt product has garnered more and more consideration as of late, and now, with the top three quarterbacks already off the board, he could find himself drafted earlier than expected, maybe in the second round. Keep an eye out for this name.
• Dalvin Cook remains available as well. The talented running back was expected to go in the mid-to-late first round, but it’s a bit of a surprise that he fell out of the beginning round. The Redskins have expressed a desire to have a game-changing running back, and Cook embodies just that. Look for the Redskins to possibly trade up to get Cook. In the second round, he’ll provide more value for his pick, even with his character concerns.
• Another name that remains on the board: Obi Melifonwu. The athletic safety from UConn has massive potential, but his lack of instincts will likely turn some teams away. The Redskins, however, would do well to add him in the second if he’s still there. Melifonwu has great upside, and he’d immediately bolster the depth of the safety unit.
• Here on Riggo’s Rag, we often mocked defensive linemen such as Dalvin Tomlinson and Tanoh Kpassagnon to the Redskins in the second round. However, now that Jonathan Allen wears the burgundy and gold, Washington will likely go elsewhere with their 2nd-rounder. Any of the following positions are in play for the Redskins picks in rounds 2 and 3: quarterback, running back, receiver, guard, linebacker, corner, or safety.
• Pay attention to the running back situation. If the Redskins don’t get Dalvin Cook, then there’s a good chance that Robert Kelley will be the starter day one.

Next: Washington Redskins: Grading the Jonathan Allen Pick

The draft continues. Rounds 2 and 3 are tonight, and it finishes out tomorrow night, with the arrival of Rounds 4 through 7. Stay tuned and keep an eye on the names mentioned above. You could be looking at the next Redskin.