Grading the Redskins Day 3 picks for the 2018 NFL Draft
Round 6: LB Shaun Dion Hamilton, Alabama
Anytime you trade up in the draft, you have to make sure that it is for a superior value. Additionally, you have to make sure that there’s no way the player you want will make it to your pick. In moving up for Shaun Dion Hamilton, the Redskins checked off these boxes.
Hamilton was a player who may have been coveted by the New England Patriots, and they possessed the No. 198 overall pick. So, the Redskins elected to leapfrog them and get Hamilton. Given that the Patriots traded the pick immediately after that selection was made, it’s possible that Hamilton could have been their target. It’s also possible that the Patriots would have traded anyway. It’s hard to know.
What is certain is that Hamilton provided value in the middle of Round 6 and fits with the team, as I pointed out when the team initially chose him.
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"Hamilton totaled 104 tackles and 4.5 sacks with two interceptions over the course of his final two seasons with the Crimson Tide. He is a disciplined tackler with good technique. Sure, he’s a bit shorter and slower than desired for the linebacker position, but he could become a role player and a special teamer. So, there’s no doubt that he could find a spot on this roster. In Round 6, there was little risk to taking Hamilton. If he needs extra time to recover from injuries, he can take what would essentially be a red-shirt year with the Redskins. And if he’s ready, then he can fight for a position on the depth chart. Either way, Hamilton is a solid add and continues a strong performance in the draft for the Redskins front office."
It’s also worth noting that Hamilton was a leader in the locker room and was a captain for the Crimson Tide. Had he been able to stay healthy, he may have turned into a Day 2 pick.
Given that the Redskins only needed depth at linebacker, getting Hamilton was a great move. He might not be ready for a role in 2018, but come 2019, there’s a chance that he could earn a primary backup spot in the linebacker corps and eventually turn into a starter. Getting that type of value in Round 6 is a borderline steal.