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Redskins: 4 players to draft after the East-West Shrine Game

By Jacob Camenker

AMES, IA - SEPTEMBER 2: Wide receiver Daurice Fountain #10 of the Northern Iowa Panthers can't hold onto a touchdown pass as he is tackled by defensive back Brian Peavy #10 of the Iowa State Cyclones in the end zone in the first half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA - SEPTEMBER 2: Wide receiver Daurice Fountain #10 of the Northern Iowa Panthers can't hold onto a touchdown pass as he is tackled by defensive back Brian Peavy #10 of the Iowa State Cyclones in the end zone in the first half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 14: Quarterback Riley Ferguson #4 of the Memphis Tigers throws the ball during the first half of a game against the Tulane Green Wave at Yulman Stadium on October 14, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 14: Quarterback Riley Ferguson #4 of the Memphis Tigers throws the ball during the first half of a game against the Tulane Green Wave at Yulman Stadium on October 14, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Riley Ferguson had a very strong performance in the East-West Shrine Game. He wasn’t perfect by any means, but it certainly showcased what he might be capable of as an NFL quarterback.

Ferguson was the second quarterback in for the East team, as he ended up being the backup to the renowned J.T. Barrett. That said, Ferguson vastly outplayed Barrett thanks to his superior skill set as a passer.

The first couple of drives for Ferguson in the first half weren’t great. The offense couldn’t get moving, and he didn’t connect on many throws. That said, Ferguson did have a nice downfield throw on the drive that saw the ball glance off his receiver’s hands, partially thanks to the great coverage being provided by the defensive back. Additionally, his movement in the pocket allowed him to escape the pass rush and get throws off, though they weren’t always accurate.

On the final drive of the second half, Ferguson did well to lead his team on a two-minute drill drive down the field to score a field goal. On the drive, Ferguson threw some sharp passes to his speed receivers coming across the field, and he was able to read the field very well. His ability to make quick decisions and his excellent escapability also allowed him to extend plays and give his players more time downfield. Of course, it’s worth noting that Ferguson did take a sack on the final play of the drive before he spiked the ball, so that would qualify as a mistake. He should have tried to throw the ball away, but it didn’t end up making a major difference.

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The one concern with Ferguson is his lack of muscle. He only weighs 210 pounds despite being 6-foot-4, so he will have to fill out his frame to last at the NFL level. That should be doable, but he definitely needs to get it done. Otherwise, he could be injury prone for the team.

For the Redskins, Ferguson could end up being a mid-round pick who can function as a developmental quarterback. He has great college stats, and he has all the tools necessary to become a strong starter. He will take time to develop, but the Redskins won’t care much. They can develop him behind whatever veteran quarterbacks their team, and that could work out. For that reason, don’t sleep on Ferguson as a third or fourth round pick for Washington.

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