Washington Redskins hope to continue fourth-round success with Samaje Perine
By Ian Cummings
Oklahoma Sooners running back Samaje Perine is the latest fourth-round pick acquired by the Redskins in the NFL Draft. The fourth-round has been very bountiful for the Redskins, as of late. With Perine, they hope to continue the trend of success.
Starters can be found anywhere. Round one, round seven, or even in the undrafted pool. Perhaps the most famous example of this is Tom Brady. Brady, one of the greatest quarterbacks ever to play the game, who found himself taken in round six. If one wishes for a more local example, however, there are plenty on the Redskins’ roster.
More specifically, the fourth round has brought the Redskins many key contributors in recent years. Jamison Crowder, drafted in 2015, has emerged as one of the most dangerous slot weapons in the league. Bashaud Breeland, drafted in 2014, has been a key piece in the defense since his acquisition. Despite his down year last year, he’s hungry for a comeback in the team’s revamped defense.
And last but not least, Kirk Cousins, drafted in 2012, usurped 2012 first-round pick Robert Griffin III as the team’s starter in 2015. And since the midway point of that season, he’s been the one of the best quarterbacks in the league. The ultimate underdog story.
This year, in the fourth round, Washington selected Samaje Perine, and with his selection, they hope to find yet another starter in the fourth round. There’s a lot to like about Perine. He’s a punisher out of the backfield, and he’s known to have an inspiring work ethic and leadership qualities.
He’ll certainly be given a chance to produce right away. Robert Kelley is the undisputed starter, but in a league where committees are gaining more and more interest, the Redskins will likely use as many weapons as possible.
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Kelley and Perine could be a feared duo. And yet, from where they came, one undrafted and one in the fourth round, feared players aren’t expected. But this league has a way of surprising people. Time will tell if Perine is the latest surprise.