Washington Redskins Handling Draft Day Pressure Very Well In 2017
By Steve Herl
The Washington Redskins eagled the first hole on Thursday night. On Friday night they kept their momentum going with a solid par and birdie.
A kid from Stonebridge High School in Leesburg was dropped into the Washington Redskins lap in the first round of the NFL Draft. Jonathan Allen, a defensive lineman from Alabama, had been expected to be taken in the top ten of the draft. Some gurus even had him in the top three.
Must Read: Washington Redskins Draft Guide - Day 3
At 6-foot-3, 265 pounds, Allen gives Washington a presence on the defensive line that they have lacked since as far back as Dave Butz. They needed to stay focused on Friday night so as to not waste the great opportunity they were give on Thursday night. If they bogeyed the next two holes, they will have given back everything they gained with the No. 17 pick.
In order to not lose the momentum of yesterday the Redskins needed to continue to fill their defensive needs. With all the quarterbacks taken so early, to say nothing of the running backs and wide receivers, a draft deep in defensive backs is full of excellent defensive players. Instead of getting caught up in the offensive frenzy, Washington needed to use the other team’s passions for new toys and pick off defensive gems floating to the top.
Ryan Anderson is such a player. The outside linebacker from Alabama is a football player who plays with great discipline and intensity. What he lacks in raw talent he makes up for in preparation and desire. He is a coach’s delight and should help with the pass rush and the run defense.
Fabian Moreau is a great long-term selection. Had he not torn his pectoral muscle, Moreau may well have been a first round pick. He has great ball skills and runs a 4.33 forty. He is the kind of athlete needed to play corner in the NFL.
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The Redskins have done a great job so far. They still need to address safety, inside linebacker, running back, guard/center and quarterback somewhere in the draft. If they keep going with the steady approach they have used so far, the Redskins will have a great draft.