The NFL Draft is just days away, and in it, the Washington Redskins will look to strengthen their current roster.
Thus, it’s only natural to look at the roster one last time ahead of the NFL Draft, and see where the biggest holes lie.
The Washington Redskins roster, for all the criticism it receives, is closer than many think. There is a lingering lack of true blue-chip players, but overall, each position has some degree of depth, at the very least, and talent is far from lacking.
In 2018, one year removed from the injuries that stifled a promising 2017 campaign, the Washington Redskins should be able to surprise some people (optimistic season projections have them at 8-8, while many others have them falling to 5-11).
Where is the Washington Redskins roster at its best? Its worst? And what rounds are appropriate places to pick up talent, based on each position? Just two days ahead of the NFL Draft, and with plenty of turnover in store, we analyze the Washington Redskins roster, as it stands.
Quarterback
Starter: Alex Smith
Backup: Colt McCoy
Third String: Kevin Hogan
Of all the Washington Redskins position groups this offseason, the position of quarterback changed the most. Normally, this would be a sign of a pending downward swoon in production. But the team’s new signal caller isn’t just any player off the block. That new signal caller is Alex Smith.
Smith, throughout his career, has been lauded as one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the league, and last year, at 33 years old, he posted career-best numbers in almost every category. Smith is very accurate, and while he’s often been labeled a game manager, last year, he showed his gunslinger side as well, and in Washington, his ability to throw at all levels, as well as his ability to run, will give the offense valuable versatility.
Excitement is brewing over how Jay Gruden will be able to use Alex Smith. Gruden, a less conservative coach than Andy Reid, and widely regarded as a skilled offensive planner, should be able to utilize Smith’s talents to the maximum. Smith may need a suitable running game to properly utilize the talent at his disposal, but we’ll get to that later.
Behind Alex Smith, there is Colt McCoy, a mainstay, and 25-year old Kevin Hogan, who was acquired via trade earlier in the offseason. Hogan has some experience as a starter, albeit brief, and for a short time in his rookie season, he shared a locker room with Washington Redskins starter Alex Smith. Hogan has a similar skill set to Smith; he can run the football well, and he’s a player with a high football I.Q.
Still, Hogan isn’t a perfect developmental quarterback. His release has attracted scrutiny since his acquisition. But Hogan doesn’t have to be perfect. That’s what the ‘developmental’ label is for. The Washington Redskins got him cheap (all they did was move back in the sixth round), and his previous experience with Smith, an effective teacher at the position, could prove valuable.
The acquisition of Hogan also fills a need that would have previously been averted through the draft. The Washington Redskins have Alex Smith under contract for four years, but with the general uncertainty surrounding the franchise, it’s hard to see him locked past three years. In the event that Smith leaves early, the team will need a younger quarterback in the wings to serve as a reliable spot starter and a possible long-term backup, at the very least.
Hogan, a former fifth-round pick, fits this description well, and his presence on the depth chart effectively absolves the Washington Redskins’ need for a late-round developmental quarterback. Depending on who you ask, drafting a player like Logan Woodside could still be valuable. But those picks are more valuable serving as depth, as we saw with Robert Davis and Josh Harvey-Clemons last year. Thus, there is no need for the Washington Redskins to add to their quarterback room later this week.
Draft Need: None
Appropriate Rounds: None
Running Back
Starter: Robert Kelley
Third-Down Back: Chris Thompson
Reserves: Samaje Perine, Kapri Bibbs, Byron Marshall, Keith Marshall
This position group needs the most work, perhaps. And it’s not that this is a bad group of players. Robert Kelley is an experienced player who brings depth. Samaje Perine has a similar skill set, but he’s younger, and can work on his vision to make his cuts more useful at the line.
The most reliable back in this group is the team’s third-down option: former fifth-round pick Chris Thompson. Thompson posted career numbers in receiving last year, and was on his way to doing the same as a change-of-pace runner when he suffered a season-ending injury in Week 11 against the New Orleans Saints. The loss of Thompson drastically hurt the Washington Redskins offense, and the impact of his return cannot be overstated. He still has some time before he can be called a full participant. But he is reportedly making progress.
Behind those three, there are names to watch, but nothing more. Kapri Bibbs, in particular, became a fan favorite late in 2017 when he took on substantial snaps for the team, and if he continues to shine, he could give the Washington Redskins decision makers a tough choice to mull over. But if another running back is added in the 2018 NFL Draft, which is likely, then Bibbs will have to beat out Robert Kelley to make the roster (moving on from Perine seems unlikely at this point).
Keith and Byron Marshall have an uphill battle facing them if they wish to stay, but if either one manages to do it, it will be Keith Marshall. Keith Marshall, still just 24 years old, is coming off a second consecutive season on injured reserve, but if he can recover, he has the skill set to surprise. At 5-foot-11, 220, he still managed to run a 4.31 at the NFL Combine in 2016, and he logged 25 bench reps as well. He has the physical ability to be an effective runner; but he lacks polish and experience, and so those will be areas for him to focus on moving forward.
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The Washington Redskins have been vocal about their desire to add a starting caliber running back; as serviceable as Kelley and Perine have made themselves appear to be in recent years, both have fundamental deficiencies that will keep them from ever being top-half backs in the league. Kelley’s lack of quickness and vision is alarming, while Perine has the same issues, albeit to a lesser degree.
There’s no denying the fact that acquiring a do-it-all running back would immensely help the Washington Redskins new offensive leader, Alex Smith. Smith thrived with such a running attack in his year’s at Kansas City, first with Jamaal Charles and then with Spencer Ware and most recently Kareem Hunt.
Running the football is something Jay Gruden has wanted to do for a long time, but he’s never had running backs talented enough to do it on a consistent basis. In the 2018 NFL Draft, he should have plenty to choose from if he wants to change this. Derrius Guice’s angry style and all-around prowess makes him a viable pick in Round 1, whether at No. 13 or later, and if by some miracle Saquon Barkley falls, it would be hard not to snatch him up.
In Round 2, the options are more plentiful. It’s hard to tell who exactly will be available at the No. 12 pick in Round 2, but the names likely to still be around at that juncture include Georgia’s Sony Michel, Nick Chubb, USC’s Ronald Jones II, Auburn’s Kerryon Johnson, and San Diego State’s Rashaad Penny.
Whether in Round 1 or Round 2, the Washington Redskins need to come away with a running back, and if they don’t in those rounds, then they’d better be head over heels for whoever they pick later on. Once the Washington Redskins pick a back in Round 1 or Round 2, they should do their best not to add another. The position will already be clogged as it is. There are only so many snaps that can go around, and unless they want to completely overhaul the position, then all they need is a two-down player who can pick up the slack where Kelley and Perine fall short.
Draft Need: Very High
Appropriate Rounds: 1-4
Wide Receiver
Starters: Josh Doctson, Paul Richardson
Slot Receiver: Jamison Crowder
Reserves: Brian Quick, Robert Davis, Maurice Harris
There’s a lot riding on assumptions and chance for this receiver group, and unfortunately, in a weak wide receiver class, the 2018 NFL Draft is unlikely to serve as a respite, in this sense.
Josh Doctson is set as the No. 1 receiver. It’s only fitting, given the first-round investment that the Washington Redskins put in Doctson two years ago. It’s taken some time for Doctson’s career to blossom, and now, in 2018, with a retooled offense and a new quarterback, it’s time for Doctson to build some chemistry with Alex Smith and take the next step in his development. At 25 years old, Doctson still has time to make an impact. But the clock is ticking.
Interestingly enough, the Washington Redskins’ new receiver, former Seattle Seahawks second-round pick Paul Richardson, has been in the league for twice as long as Josh Doctson, but he’s less than a year older than the TCU product. In fact, Richardson only turned 26 eleven days ago. Where Doctson has youth, Richardson has both youth and experience, and that will be valuable moving forward.
Richardson’s skill set fits the Washington Redskins’ offense well. While Josh Doctson will specialize in making the tough catches on the side, Richardson’s role will be to gather separation from defenders from his speed and intricate route running. Separation was something the Washington Redskins’ receivers didn’t achieve consistently last year, much to the dismay of Jay Gruden. It was made apparent in the offseason that the team needed a player to help with that and Richardson is perfect for the role.
The Washington Redskins actions in the NFL Draft won’t be contingent on depth as much as the situation at slot receiver. Robert Davis, Maurice Harris, and Brian Quick serve as good depth already, but if the team wants to add a pro-ready player to help Alex Smith transition, picking a prospect like DaeSean Hamilton in Round 4 couldn’t hurt. At the same time, however, those picks could be well-spent elsewhere.
While depth can always improve, it is the pending situation of Jamison Crowder that will have the most impact on the Washington Redskins actions in the draft, regarding a receiver. Jamison Crowder is set to be a free agent next year, and although he’s been a steady piece for the Washington Redskins, they may not want to pay him what he might command, especially after Jarvis Laundry’s deal with the Browns reset the slot receiver market.
The Washington Redskins have shown interest in Memphis receiver Anthony Miller. Miller is one of the best receivers in the 2018 NFL Draft, and he could be available at their second round selection. The pick would be a valuable one, but the Washington Redskins need at wide receiver doesn’t span that early.
The best course of action for the Washington Redskins to take here, based on what we know now, would be to take a slot receiver in the mid to late rounds. Braxton Berrios and Daurice Fountain are two options, among others, and because of his route running skills, DaeSean Hamilton has potential there as well. But with so many unknowns regarding the Washington Redskins’ receiving core, they have flexibility in this area.
Draft Need: Moderate
Appropriate Rounds: 4-7
Tight End
Starters: Jordan Reed, Vernon Davis
Reserves: Jeremy Sprinkle, Manasseh Garner, Chris Bazile
There is a fair bit of uncertainty surrounding the Washington Redskins situation at tight end. Jordan Reed is returning from injury once again. It seems routine for the former Pro Bowler, and it’s fair to wonder if Reed, who will turn 28 years old later this offseason, has much value relative to his contract moving forward. His cap hit this year skyrockets to over $10 million, and although the Washington Redskins have a potential out in which they save around $14 million, while incurring $13 million in dead cap, it doesn’t seem realistic for them to give up on Reed this early.
Let’s not misinterpret this message. Reed, when healthy, can be one of the best in the league. He’s shown that his ability to find creases in the linebacking core is matched by few in the league today. However, above all, availability matters. Without it, players cannot contribute in the ways that they promise. Reed’s availability has been severely limited over the years, and it’s easy to wonder if it’s worth keeping Reed around on his hefty contract.
A trade seemed like a viable option to resolve the Reed situation earlier in the offseason, but it seems as if that window has passed, and now the Washington Redskins are stuck with a hyper-injury prone starter at tight end and an aging backup in Vernon Davis. Davis turned 34 years old earlier this year, and as ageless as he seems to be, there will be a time when he falls off the proverbial cliff. The Washington Redskins, with the uncertainty surrounding Reed, would do well to be prepared for that event. After all, Davis is Reed’s safety blanket.
Behind those two, last year’s fifth-round pick, Jeremy Sprinkle, waits in the wings. Sprinkle has the size and the blocking ability to be a very important contributor in due time, but he’s relatively unproven, and for now, he can best be recognized as depth at tight end.
Nothing more can be said for Manasseh Garner and Chris Bazile. Garner, with his size, is best suited as a full back and a special teamer, reminiscent of a discount Niles Paul, while Bazile, a 2016 undrafted free agent out of Grambling State, is an unknown quantity. AT 6-foot-4, 249, he has good size as a possible receiving threat. But his skill sets are likely underdeveloped.
In the 2018 NFL Draft, it would serve the Washington Redskins to find more depth at this position. It would not be appropriate to draft a tight end early on, as other positions such as running back, cornerback, defensive line, and offensive interior warrant those selections. But in Rounds 5 through 7, the Washington Redskins should follow the same blueprint they did with Jeremy Sprinkle last year, grabbing a young tight end with good size and good upside as a receiver. They need to have an insurance plan. But they don’t need to buy a new car altogether.
Draft Need: Moderate
Appropriate Rounds: 5-7
Offensive Tackle
Starters: Trent Williams, Morgan Moses
Reserves: Ty Nsekhe, T.J. Clemmings, John Kling, Cameron Jefferson
The need at tackle is high, but only for a certain kind of tackle: Someone the Washington Redskins can develop.
Trent Williams will be 30 years old soon, and he’s had multiple injuries to his right knee over his career in the NFL. Morgan Moses isn’t as old, but both he and Williams are coming off of serious injuries, and as it stands, neither player in one hundred percent healthy.
Looking at the team’s backup options, it’s hard to have confidence. Ty Nsekhe is the only proven name out of the bunch, but he turns 33 years old later this year, and his play level is bound to fall off at some point. Aside from Nsekhe, the Washington Redskins have T.J. Lemmings, John Kling, who they’ve had around as a developmental take for over a year now, and Cameron Jefferson, who signed a futures contract earlier this year.
Clemmings is a known quantity; he struggled immensely in relief for Trent Williams last year and there are doubts that he’ll even be on the final roster. And while Kling and Jefferson have good measurables, there’s a reason each one went undrafted.
To find a young player with a more complete skill set, a player that can safely back up Trent Williams and Morgan Moses, while also learning the ropes so that one day, he can become a starter, the Washington Redskins will have to look to the NFL Draft. The tackle class this year is weak, but with other needs on the board, the Washington Redskins can wait until Day 3 to eye this position. The developmental player picked can then sit and learn, and when they are needed, they can come out of waiting.
Draft Need: High
Appropriate Rounds: 4-7
Offensive Interior
Starters: Arie Kouandjio, Chase Roullier, Brandon Scherff
Reserves: Tony Bergstrom, Orlando Franklin, Tyler Catalina, Kyle Kalis, Demetrius Rhaney (C), Alex Balducci
Arie looks worried. So should you.
This is a bit of a dramatization. The Washington Redskins situation on the interior has undergone several positive developments since the start of the offseason. But there is still work to be done, nonetheless.
Chase Roullier has the coaches’ confidence as the starting center, and stout offensive guard Brandon Scherff had his fifth-year option (which is only available to first-round players) exercised by the Washington Redskins earlier this month, meaning that he will be locked up for both 2018 and 2019. In that time, it is assumed that the Washington Redskins will attempt to negotiate a long-term deal with Scherff. Thus, finding a possible successor for Scherff is far from a priority.
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What is a priority, however, is finding a starter at left guard. Tyler Catalina and Kyle Kalis have promise, but as it stands, they are nothing more than depth on the line. The depth of the interior offensive line improved with the re-signings of Tony Bergstrom and Ty Nsekhe, who can shift inside to play guard, but there is still room for improvement. That improvement, however, doesn’t have to come from a direct influx of later-round depth. Instead, it can come from an early selection, as an early selection would bump Arie Kouandjio, the current starter at left guard, back into the ranks of the reserves, where he might be better suited.
If they so pleased, the Washington Redskins could draft Isaiah Wynn or Will Hernandez in Round 1, and Connor Williams could garner interest as well, as he projects well as a guard in the NFL. If a top-tier defensive player fails to drop, then going down this road becomes a very viable option.
The second round, however, is looking more and more appealing in this sense, as options such as Billy Price, Austin Corbett, Frank Ragnow, Braden Smith, and Tyrell Crosby are all likely to be available. But even after that, there are players like Wyatt Teller and Will Clapp who could give Arie Koaundjio a run for his money as a starter. It’s also worth noting, however, that Arie Kouandjio has been using a different training method this offseason, and he could end up being a dark horse to maintain that starting role. A player needs to be added in the NFL Draft, but when that player should be added remains unclear.
Draft Need: Very High
Appropriate Rounds: 1-6
Defensive Interior
Starting Rotation: Jonathan Allen, Matt Ioannidis, Anthony Lanier
Nose Tackles: Phil Taylor, Ondre Pipkins, Montori Hughes
Reserves: Stacy McGee, Terrell McClain, Ziggy Hood, A.J. Francis, Tavaris Barnes
Our defensive line rotation, when healthy, is scary. A common misconception, made worse and worse by overreaction to meaningless stats, is that your defensive line is once again in need of a first-round makeover. This simply isn’t true. And if Johnathan Hankins ends up signing with Washington, then this notion will only be reinforced.
Jonathan Allen and Matt Ioannidis were one of the better tandems in football in the first five weeks of the season. In pass defense, Allen would man the double teams, and Ioannidis would bull doze his man in one-on-one. And in run defense, both players would use their strength and size to hold their own in the middle, buying enough time for other players to come to support.
With Anthony Lanier exploding off the block like he did late in the 2017 season (5.0 sacks in the team’s final six games), the Washington Redskins have to feel fairly confident in their starting rotation. All players are young. And under the tutelage of Jim Tomsula, it can be assumed that all players will continue to improve, especially Lanier, as he came into the NFL with the lowest floor.
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The Washington Redskins made it work without a true nose tackle. They made it work well with Allen and Ioannidis. According to Ben Standing of Redskins Capital Connection, the Washington Redskins, in the first five weeks of the 2017 season, when they had both Allen sand Ioannidis in the starting lineup, gave up just 88 rushing yards per game, compared to the unfortunate figure they accumulated later on.
With those three players healthy and improving, and with players such as Stacy McGee, Phil Taylor, and A.J. Francis providing depth, the Washington Redskins ultimately don’t need to spend a first round pick on a defensive lineman. If they want to draft based on potential, and add Taven Bryan to the rotation, then that is an option. But if they want a nose tackle, a player who can help elevate the run defense that gets so much criticism for being limited by injuries, then they should look later on, in Rounds 2 through 7. There are plenty of options there. Want names? Check out my defensive lineman value rankings.
Draft Need: High
Appropriate Rounds: 2-6
Defensive End
Starters: Ryan Kerrigan, Preston Smith
Reserves: Pernell McPhee, Ryan Anderson, Alex McAlister, Pete Robertson, Cassanova McKinzy
At defensive end, we have one of the better edge rushers of the last decade on one side, and one of the more exciting up-and-coming players on the other. So why should we even consider an edge rusher in the first or second round?
In football, rotations mean everything now. Keeping players fresh and able to contribute to their fullest potential helps ensure that your squad is in the best possible condition to win. This is how the Eagles won the Super Bowl last year; with rotations and depth.
At defensive end, the Washington Redskins need depth, especially after losing Trent Murphy and Junior Galette. Behind Ryan Kerrigan and Preston Smith, there is recently signed veteran Pernell McPhee, underwhelming 2017 second-round pick Ryan Anderson, and a small assortment of developmental players: Alex McAlister, Peter Robertson, who is mainly a special teams contributor, and Casanova McKinzy.
Those developmental players have potential. Alex McAlister, in particular, is a name that people should watch. Coming out of college, he had talent, but some character concerns hurt his stock. He could surprise people this spring.
For now, however, let’s act as if none of those players will make the final roster. In this scenario, the Washington Redskins can stand to add another player. And in the 2018 edge crop, there is plenty of talent. Harold Landry is likely a player who will be available in Round 1, but later on, players like Duke Ejiofor, Uchenna Nwosu, and Arden Key, who the Washington Redskins met with on a visit, could be available and ripe for the taking as well. No matter the case, the Washington Redskins would do well to add a talented edge rusher before Round 6. The world won’t end if they don’t. But it could hurt them down the road.
Draft Need: Moderate
Appropriate Rounds: 1-5
Linebacker
Starters: Zach Brown, Mason Foster
Reserves: Zach Vigil, Martrell Spaight, Josh Harvey-Clemons
Before the offseason, the position of linebacker was a great need for the Washington Redskins. But after the re-signing of Zach Brown, the level of need has gone down. It still lingers, but picking a linebacker is far from a necessity.
Zach Brown and Mason Foster are locked in as the starters for 2018, barring some unforeseen acquisition. And behind them, there is suitable depth at the position. Zach Vigil played very well in relief last year. One of our Unheralded Players of 2017, Vigil signed back with the Redskins late in the 2017 season and performed admirably as a spot starter. He should have the third spot locked down moving forward.
Behind Vigil, there is Martrell Spaight, an inconsistent thumper who will likely be playing out his last year in Ashburn in 2018. And behind Spaight, there is Josh Harvey-Clemons, a lengthy hybrid with enticing potential.
This linebacking group is fairly solid. Unless a player like Roquan Smith or Tremaine Edmunds drops to the Washington Redskins, they should avoid picking a linebacker early. With several needs to balance, linebacker can safely be separated through the sieve. On Day 3, the Washington Redskins could add another player to the core, and for depth purposes, it couldn’t hurt. But they’re in a good spot as it is.
Draft Need: Moderate
Appropriate Rounds: 4-7
Cornerback
Starters: Josh Norman, Quinton Dunbar
Slot Cornerback: Orlando Scandrick, Joshua Holsey
Reserves: Fabian Moreau
The outlook at cornerback this season is fairly uncertain. It all revolves around two things: The development of Fabian Moreau and Quinton Dunbar, and the acquisition of a slot cornerback to fill the void left by the Kendall Fuller trade.
Josh Norman is the No. 1 cornerback for now. How long that remains the case remains to be seen. But the Washington Redskins have little need to draft his successor, as they have two possible options currently on the roster, and one of those two will be slated to start opposite Norman.
To me, Quinton Dunbar seems to be the very early favorite. He was the one who saw substantial action last year, starting four games in relief of Norman and Bashaud Breeland, while appearing in eleven more. Dunbar performed admirably, logging an interception and eight pass deflections to go along with 24 total tackles. His efforts amounted to a grade of 80.0 on Pro Football Focus, which is considered above average.
Not yet 26 years old, Dunbar, a former receiver, has the traits to be a very exciting option opposite Norman. At 6-foot-2, his combination of size, speed, and length is uncommon for cornerbacks, as it is a more common set of traits for receivers to have. Dunbar uses these traits, along with his inside experience as a former receiver, to be a solid starter in due time. It speaks wonders that his transition has gone this well. It’s only logical to believe that he’ll keep progressing, especially with Torrian Gray as a proven coach at that position.
Still, if Dunbar doesn’t pan out, or the team needs help there, Fabian Moreau is also a player who should not be forgotten. Moreau, last year’s third-round pick, received some first-round hype from analysts ahead of the 2017 NFL Draft. A pectoral injury ultimately pushed him back, but Moreau has the coverage ability and the physicality to be a proficient player on the outside. Neither of the previously mentioned cornerbacks have much potential in the slot, however, and that is where the Washington Redskins will need to look in the draft.
In Rounds 1 through 4, the Washington Redskins should be focused on finding a possible starter in the slot. In Round 1, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Denzel Ward would be perfect options if they slipped, and if not, Jaire Alexander is another player who should garner consideration at No. 13. After that round, players such as Duke Dawson and Tony Brown come to mind. These are players who would specifically excel in the slot at the next level, and they could start right away for the Washington Redskins, while Orlando Scandrick and Joshua Holsey provide depth.
The Washington Redskins have the requisite weapons on the outside at cornerback; their efforts in the NFL Draft should concurrently be focused on the slot. In the early rounds, finding a cornerback who can contribute there is paramount to success (unless they feel very good about Joshua Holsey), and in the later rounds, they will be able to find overall depth at the position.
Draft Need: Very High
Appropriate Rounds: 1-7
Safety
Starters: Montae Nicholson, D.J. Swearinger
Reserves: Fish Smithson, DeShazor Everett, James Sample, Kenny Ladler
The Washington Redskins could have an elite safety duo in 2018. This is not an exaggeration. Provided that Montae Nicholson stays healthy, and D.J. Swearinger continues to play with attitude and refine his coverage skills, the Washington Redskins could have a very good tandem at the top of the defense. I said as much in an article earlier this offseason:
"Given that Nicholson can get healthy and stay healthy this season, and provided that both he and D.J. Swearinger continue to develop under the tutelage of Torrian Gray, his presence would indeed create conversation over whether the Redskins’ starting safety duo should be considered elite. Nicholson is a long, strong, and rangy player with the speed to cover the entire field, and Swearinger, while a beneficiary of Nicholson’s talent, is more than serviceable in his own right, providing solid run defense and a penchant for big plays that few on the Washington Redskins’ defense share."
Behind those two, however, there is a bit of uncertainty. DeShazor Everett has his limitations in coverage, and Fish Smithson, while one of my favorite players and sleepers to make the roster this year, still has to prove himself through offseason workouts. Depending on who is available in the middle rounds, the Washington Redskins should consider adding more talent to the safety position. Even in a weak class, depth options will be available later on, and as it stands, that’s all the Washington Redskins need.
Draft Need: Moderate
Appropriate Rounds: 2-7
Special Teams
Kicker: Dustin Hopkins
Punters: Tress Way, Sam Irwin-Hill
Long Snapper: Nick Sundberg
I’m not going to spend too much time on this because at this point, it’s fairly self-explanatory.
Nick Sundberg is the long snapper. He’s signed until 2020. The Washington Redskin like him, and he likes his gig right now. Moving on.
Dustin Hopkins has had his inconsistencies over his time with the Washington Redskins, but he’s also been fairly reliable, and in a league where reliable kickers aren’t as common, that carries value in itself.
Earlier this offseason, Hopkins signed a three-year extension with the burgundy and gold. He’s not going anywhere. And if they draft a kicker as competition for the veteran, then they’re waisting both draft capital and money.
At punter, the Washington Redskins have Tress Way, who is under contract until 2020 as well. He’s proficient, and he does what’s asked of him, but nevertheless, the team did sign Australian punter Sam Irwin-Hill as competition for the veteran. Way is expected to emerge victorious in that training camp battle. But Irwin-Hill provides an opportunity at locking down a punter for a cheaper contract and that is notable. As for the draft, there is no need to add to this unit and waste a late-round pick that could better be spent on much-needed depth.
Draft Need: None
Appropriate Rounds: None
Next: Washington Redskins: Top five options at No. 13
To recap, the Washington Redskins have several positions at which the need is dire. Those positions include running back, offensive interior, and cornerback. The positions next on the list, in terms of need, include offensive tackle, and defensive line, including both defensive interior and edge rushers. The Washington Redskins should avoid picking a quarterback or a special teams player, but anything else is on the table from Round 1 to Round 7. The NFL Draft is just days away. Stick with us here at Riggo’s Rag, in the meantime.