Grading the Redskins Day 3 picks for the 2018 NFL Draft
Round 5: NT Tim Settle, Virginia Tech
The Redskins had been tied to Tim Settle for most of the draft process. He was a local product who the team had visited with. Thus, it was no surprise to see the team go after him.
What is the surprise, however, is the fact that Settle was on the board late in the fifth round of the draft. At one point, Settle was viewed by some as a Day 2 lock. He even was thought to have the possibility of going in the first round. However, he slipped for a one major reason.
At the Combine, Settle performed poorly and showed virtually no athletic measurables. His performance at the Combine didn’t necessarily match his tape, where he generally looked good, but some teams may have thought that his athletic upside was tapped and that may make him a two-down player. Still, that didn’t scare away the Redskins.
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The addition of Settle was a smart one, and it was a sound move by the front office. Settle would have been an option for them on Day 2 had Da’Ron Payne not been their first round pick. So, getting him in the fifth round to finish their defensive line rotation was an excellent move.
Furthermore, the Redskins no longer have a need at the nose tackle position. Payne, Settle, and Phil Taylor can all man that spot in a heartbeat, so the team will not lack run stuffers and that should help their woeful run defense catapult into being an above average unit. Especially with everyone healthy. Just imagine a run stuffing front featuring Jonathan Allen and Payne at ends with Settle in the middle. That would be a sight for sore eyes in Washington.
There’s no question that Settle was a strong pick, and he may have been one of the best value picks in the entire draft. Settle could play a role early for the Redskins, so grabbing him in Round 5 was a no-brainer, as is giving the team an A for this selection.