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Redskins: 3 prospects to keep an eye on in Round 4 of the 2018 NFL Draft

By Jacob Camenker

ANNAPOLIS, MD - DECEMBER 28: Running back Keoni-Kordell Makekau #36 of the Navy Midshipmen is tackled by safety Quin Blanding #3 of the Virginia Cavaliers in the first half of the Military Bowl at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on December 28, 2017 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
ANNAPOLIS, MD - DECEMBER 28: Running back Keoni-Kordell Makekau #36 of the Navy Midshipmen is tackled by safety Quin Blanding #3 of the Virginia Cavaliers in the first half of the Military Bowl at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on December 28, 2017 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 07: Running back Akrum Wadley #25 of the Iowa Hawkeyes rushes up field during the fourth quarter on a breakaway touchdown run against the Illinois Fighting Illini on October 7, 2017 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 07: Running back Akrum Wadley #25 of the Iowa Hawkeyes rushes up field during the fourth quarter on a breakaway touchdown run against the Illinois Fighting Illini on October 7, 2017 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /

The Redskins could be in position to land a running back in Round 4 of the 2018 NFL Draft. They really want to upgrade the position, but they may opt to upgrade the trenches with their first two picks, depending on how the draft shakes out. If they have to wait, they will have to pick up a rotational back to slot in as a potential complement to Samaje Perine and Chris Thompson.

In the event that they try to get a versatile player in Round 4, Akrum Wadley could end up being the pick here. The Iowa product has had a good career playing for the Hawkeyes, and he should be a solid player at the NFL level.

Recently, I listed Wadley on my running back big board as the No. 8 runner in the draft. At the time, this is what I said of his playmaking ability.

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"When watching Wadley’s tape, it’s clear that he has some explosive ability. He was great as a receiver and provided nice return ability as a senior. He also happens to be very shifty and elusive, and that will be good news for him at the next level. Wadley is good at finding space at the line of scrimmage, and that should afford him an opportunity for success. But truly, his excellent athleticism is what separates him from the pack. The one concern with Wadley is that he might be a bit on the small side for a lead back role. At the Combine, he weighed in at 194 pounds on a 5-foot-10 frame. That’s going to make it tough for him to be an every down back if he can’t bulk up a bit. He would still be a superb rotational back regardless, and could become a very strong third down back."

In the event that the Redskins pass on running backs in the first couple of rounds, they will have to take one in the early fourth. Wadley could end up being the best value available if a guy like Rashaad Penny or Kerryon Johnson doesn’t slip. So, Wadley’s name bears watching as a potential part of the team’s backfield attack.

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