Riggo's Rag
FanSided

Assessing the Redskins First Round Options: LB Roquan Smith

By Jacob Camenker

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Baker Mayfield
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Baker Mayfield /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 08: Josh Jacobs #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is tackled by Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs after a catch during the first quarter in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 08: Josh Jacobs #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is tackled by Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs after a catch during the first quarter in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

The Case for Roquan Smith

When watching Smith play, it’s easy to see what NFL scouts and decision makers like about him. Smith is a highly instinctive player with a quick first step who always seems to be around the ball. He always seemed to be involved in every play during Georgia’s run in the College Football Playoffs, and he was a defensive leader for them as well.

Against Oklahoma and Alabama, Smith was able to make a lot of key stops for the team. While Georgia had trouble containing both offenses at times, Smith wasn’t the problem. He was hyper reactive to running plays and held his own in coverage. Generally speaking, his playoff tape was a positive and should solidify him as a top 20 pick.

In his final year at Georgia, Smith was nothing short of outstanding for the Bulldogs. He finished the year with 137 tackles, 14 tackles for losses, and 6.5 sacks. He played all over the team’s defense, and he should end up being a true three-down linebacker at the NFL level.

More from Commanders Draft News

For the Redskins, Smith would end up being a logical replacement in the event that the team doesn’t retain Zach Brown this offseason. The team and Brown were reportedly working on an extension, and it would be sensible to keep him. However, if he ends up demanding more money than what he’s worth, the team may be forced to let him walk.

In the event that Brown is gone, Smith would slot in next to Mason Foster as the three down linebacker. Without Smith or Brown, the team would be forced to rely on Zach Vigil, Martrell Spaight, or Josh Harvey-Clemons to function as a starter. While all three have upside, none have yet looked the part of a true three down linebacker. So, for that reason, Smith could end up being a huge upgrade for the team.

Home/Commanders Draft News