2018 NFL Draft: Top 10 safety Big Board for the Redskins

Quin Blanding is one of the most productive safeties in the history of the Virginia program. As a four year starter, Blanding recorded at least 115 tackles in each of his four seasons, and also totaled 10 interceptions during his career. He was truly a quality player for the Cavaliers, and he looks like a prototypical starter for the next level.

Thanks to his 6-foot-2 frame, Blanding will have the ability to play the middle of the back seven for whichever team selects him. He is a superb tackler, and should be a sure-fire success in run support at the very least.

Though Blanding has a history of phenomenal production at Virginia, he does come with some concerns, as our own Ian Cummings pointed out in a recent article.

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"Blanding is rather slow for the position, and that may limit his playmaking ability in the NFL. But despite that, he’s perfect for the role the Washington Redskins need him to play: A depth safety. Blanding’s ceiling, based on his lack of top-end speed, is that of a low to mid-tier starter. He has the work ethic and production factor to bend that prediction, but as far as projections go, he’s a player that will go in Round 4 or Round 5. By picking Blanding in one of those two rounds, the Washington Redskins would solidify the safety position, adding a reliable backup who can help the defensive coaches breathe easy if injury is to strike again."

It should be noted that the Redskins did bring in Blanding on a visit recently, so the team is obviously interested in him. He could be a great fit as a backup, but it’s clear that he will be better off in run support. He would be a fine third safety, and could also see some action at linebacker in certain schemes. That could make him an ideal replacement for Cravens, so he comes in high on the big board.