The Washington Redskins have an early pick in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Nailing that will be important to their success.
Most of the focus on the NFL Draft encompasses the first round. And that is sensible. Often, the first round is where the big names go. The most popular players and the top quarterbacks are often among the top 32 selections, and that garners a lot of media attention. However, any true football fan knows that the value of the draft comes in the later rounds.
Day 3 is one of the most critical times for building a team. Finding role players or even starters who can join the team and play from the first day onward is critical. It’s how playoff teams are able to keep dynasties going. And it’s something that the Washington Redskins are going to be looking to do in 2018.
Armed with five picks in the final four rounds, the Redskins are going to have a chance to add some high quality depth to their team and patch up areas that were weaker for them during the 2017 season. But of all the picks, available, their Round 4 pick could be the most critical. In that position, the team could end up landing a falling talent from Day 2 or grab a player that they are highly interested in. For now, here’s a look at three top options for the pick.
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.
More from Riggo's Rag
- What will Emmanuel Forbes bring to the Washington Commanders?
- Highlighting the best Commanders 2023 NFL Draft betting props
- 3 late Commanders rumors drawing buzz ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft
- 4 bold predictions for the Commanders 2023 NFL Draft
- Commanders News: Chase Young trade, draft day, CB riser and Sam Howell
"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.
In the event that the Redskins have already filled their major needs by the start of Round 4, the team can focus on adding talented players to join their secondary as depth option. They really need a backup safety, and they have expressed an interest in Quin Blanding.
Blanding was a highly productive player at Virginia, and he amassed nearly 500 tackles during his career. The 6-foot-2 safety is adept at squaring up opposing players and bringing them down with his strong arms. He has great technique, and he should be a very solid No. 3 safety.
The biggest concern with Blanding, and the thing that is likely keeping him from becoming a Day 2, is his lack of deep speed. Blanding is a step slow when working back in coverage, and he really is at his best as a box safety. That’s not to say that he can’t play a role in coverage. It just means that he will struggle more with speedy options at the NFL level and may require a rangy, quick partner to pair with and play centerfield.
More from Commanders Draft News
- What will Emmanuel Forbes bring to the Washington Commanders?
- Highlighting the best Commanders 2023 NFL Draft betting props
- 3 late Commanders rumors drawing buzz ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft
- 4 bold predictions for the Commanders 2023 NFL Draft
- Bet365 VA Bonus Code – Claim $200 Guaranteed With Sign-Up Bonus
Though this is a bit of a problem, it shouldn’t stop Blanding from doing what he does best. Because of his good frame and his tackling prowess, he should become a potential hybrid at safety and linebacker. That’s the role the team would have had Su’a Cravens play at times. Bringing in Blanding to operate in that capacity and serve as a special teamer would do a lot to help the squad improve and continue to add quality depth.
Blanding should be an option for the Redskins no matter what, and the fact that they visited with him demonstrates that they do have a level of interest in him. He could be a good fit in Greg Manusky‘s defense, and it’s possible that he will find a sizable role if he can quell concerns about his athletic ability.
The Redskins recently brought Wyatt Teller in for a visit. The local, Virginia Tech product was one of two players from the school who came to visit the team, with the other one being Tim Settle. That said, Teller may provide the superior value of the two players, and he should get strong consideration in Round 4 of the draft.
Right now, the Redskins only have two picks before the fourth round of the draft, so they may not be able to fill all of their major needs before this round. That said, guard is the easiest position on the three to fill in the latter rounds, as the positional value is really low, even though they play a key role in interior protection. So, addressing the need early on Day 3 would be a sensible move.
For the Redskins, Teller would have a shot at being a plug-and-play starter. He would battle with Arie Kouandjio for playing time, but it’s likely that Teller would have an advantage over the former fourth round pick. He’s younger and more well-rounded as a player. In fact, he probably would have been a shoo-in as a Day 2 pick had he not regressed in his final season with the Hokies.
Next: Redskins 7-round mock with team trading back
Teller just makes sense for the Redskins. If the team doesn’t trade down, they could target Da’Ron Payne in Round 1, the best available running back in Round 2, and then get Teller in Round 4. So, that would be a great option for the team, and there is a realistic chance that this could happen.