Riggo's Rag
FanSided

Washington Redskins Select Ryan Anderson With Second Round Pick, No. 49 Overall

By Jacob Camenker

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Ryan Anderson (22) scores a touchdown as defensive back Marlon Humphrey (26) runs alongside during the second quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Ryan Anderson (22) scores a touchdown as defensive back Marlon Humphrey (26) runs alongside during the second quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Washington Redskins had a decision to make with their second round pick. They ended up going with Ryan Anderson and that is an intriguing selection.

Many bemoaned the Washington Redskins choice to part ways with Scot McCloughan this offseason. However, in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the Redskins landed Jonathan Allen and the tone of the fans changed. The front office was on the right path, and they had to continue that in the second round. Selecting Ryan Anderson may allow them to do that.

More from Riggo's Rag

The Redskins had to continue to address their needs on the defensive side of the ball. With Joe Mixon coming off the board one pick before, there was no need to reach for an offensive player. They could have added a corner or safety like Obi Melifonwu, but they ultimately elected to select Ryan Anderson with the pick.

Anderson is the second player from Alabama that the Redskins are taking in this draft. While Jonathan Allen was a tremendous value at No. 17, Anderson is not as much. Though Anderson has a great deal of talent and is a solid rush linebacker, he was more of a round three prospect. The team needed to address the position because of the suspension of Trent Murphy and the arrest of Junior Galette, but they could have waited for Anderson.

That said, Anderson is a solid pick with some upside. He is going to be a potential starter for the team, and keeping him and Allen together could work out well for the team. He has recorded 14.5 sacks in the last two seasons combined, and he very much fits the mold of the hard working, physical, gritty rush linebackers that the team has targeted in the past.

Next: Washington Redskins Live Draft Blog - Day 2

While I like Anderson’s fit with the team, I still think this was a bit early for him. They should have tried to trade down or take one of the better players on the board. Melifonwu has long been one of my guys, so I am admittedly a bit biased. Still, Anderson will fill a need and has a shot to be a solid player. The only issue here is the value.

Home/Commanders News