Assessing the Redskins First Round Options: LB Roquan Smith

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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 02: Jarrett Stidham #8 of the Auburn Tigers is tackled by Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs during the first half in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Overall

There’s no doubt that Smith is going to be a quality linebacker at the next level. For a 4-3 team, Smith will be a sure-fire success and he should become one of the better linebackers in the NFL.

That said, there are a few more risks involved in taking Smith to be a part of a 3-4 defense. It just has to do with his lack of size, as he could have a tough time being a tackler without extra support if he is forced to be the middle of a defensive unit. Granted, there’s no guarantee that he wouldn’t succeed, but there just aren’t many players his size that fit that position.

While this concern could impact the Redskins’ evaluation of Smith, there’s still no doubt that he has the skill set that teams look for in a top 15 pick. He has excellent production, intangibles, and should be versatile provided that he can add some weight to his frame. If the Redskins need a linebacker, they will certainly consider him.

Next: Redskins first round option - RB Derrius Guice

If Smith is on the board with the No. 13 overall pick, the Redskins will have to give him a look. He would likely be one of the best players left on the board, so unless they were high on another player, like Da’Ron Payne or Derrius Guice, Smith would probably be the best value. It will be interesting to see what the Redskins need at the linebacker position as the offseason goes along.

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