The Washington Redskins have done well to find productive undrafted free agents in recent years. They may have found some solid ones in 2018 as well.
In recent years, the Redskins have found a handful of productive undrafted free agents for their team. On the offensive side of the ball, they unearthed last year’s starter at running back, Rob Kelley, in 2016 and turned him into a decent rotational guy. Elsewhere, receiver Maurice Harris was a quality special teams player in 2016 and spent time on the roster in 2017.
On defense, the Redskins have had more on an impressive track record. They have added players like Will Compton, Deshazor Everett, Anthony Lanier, and potential starting cornerback Quinton Dunbar in the past five offseason. All have played roles for the team and have been vital players at times.
It stands to reason that the Redskins could continue to find diamonds in the rough in 2018. They have already added some undrafted free agents to the roster, but here’s a look at three players who could make the squad to start the season.
Simmie Cobbs was a big-bodied producer during his time at Indiana. At one point, he was considered to be a potential Day 2 pick. And even during the draft, it seemed like he would get drafted at some point on Day 3.
But, he didn’t. And the Redskins may have gotten a steal.
When it was confirmed that Cobbs would be joining the Redskins, I wrote about how he might fit with the team. Here’s what I said in that piece.
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"Cobbs’ main competition will come with Harris, Davis, and Mr. Irrelevant, Trey Quinn. However, Quinn is more of a slot option, so he would have the inside edge, literally and figuratively. Cobbs would have to take an outside job from either Harris or Davis if the team is willing to carry six receivers on the roster. That is something that Cobbs could do. He has a 6-foot-4 frame and was a big, jump-ball threat at Indiana. In his final season, Cobbs was able to catch 72 passes for 841 yards and a career-high eight touchdowns. He has the physicality and size needed to be a possession receiver, and that’s something that the Redskins could use as an alternative in case Josh Doctson struggles with drops again."
Cobbs would bring something different to the Redskins receiver room, so that’s why he shouldn’t be ruled out yet. Sure, there are more athletic and more experienced options, but Cobbs has the talent to possibly make the roster as depth player. In fact, if he had more speed, he’d be closer to a lock. He should certainly be an option for the practice squad if he doesn’t make 53-man unit.
I was frankly a bit surprised that Quin Blanding went undrafted. The Virginia product had a solid collegiate career and it seemed that he would be a candidate to be selected in the Round 5-7 range.
However, Blanding made it to the undrafted free agent market. The main reason that happened? His speed. Considering that Blanding is a safety, he lacks the requisite play speed needed to be a centerfield safety. As a result, he will be forced into a role as a core special teams player and a box safety. That will limit his potential, but Blanding’s skill set could still be useful.
At Virginia, there was never a season in which Blanding recorded less than 115 tackles. He had a ridiculous 492 stops during his four year career, and he also had really good ball skills as well, notching four picks in his final season and 10 for his career. It was clear that his cover ability wouldn’t necessarily translate to the NFL, but his ability to square up defenders and his tackling prowess will make him a weapon of some sorts.
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The only problem with Blanding is that he may not have a natural fit on the Redskins roster. Blanding figures to be a safety/linebacker hybrid at the next level, but to earn a spot on the roster, he will have to beat out a lot of quality talent.
At safety, the starters are locked in as D.J. Swearinger and Montae Nicholson. Behind them, there will be some competition. Fourth round rookie Troy Apke should make the team as an athletic special teamer and backup.
Meanwhile, Deshazor Everett could still have a role as the run stopping special teams safety that he has been for the past few seasons. That means that the Blanding would either have to beat out Everett for a spot or hope that the team carries five safeties. The latter option would be more realistic, as Blanding’s lacking coverage skills will make him a candidate to be cut.
At linebacker, Blanding would have no chance of making the roster. There are as many as six players at the position who could make the squad, so switching position would make little sense for the Virginia product.
With all that said, it’s possible that Blanding’s talent could give him a chance to make the roster. If Apke shows enough in coverage to be the No. 3 safety, the Redskins could choose to give Blanding a shot on the roster and part with Everett. Blanding’s performance will certainly bear watching during the preseason.
One area that the Redskins didn’t address during the draft was the guard position. It seemed like they might consider taking Wyatt Teller on Day 3, but they elected instead to address the defensive side of the ball for the most part. As a result, the team will have some openings on their roster for young players at the position, even though they may play Ty Nsekhe at the position.
Sean Welsh is one of those guys. Welsh went undrafted out of Iowa, but he has some talent. He comes from Iowa, which has been a factory for NFL caliber offensive linemen for the better part of the last decade. In 2018, James Daniels went early in the second round and Brandon Scherff was a top five pick by the Redskins in 2015 after going to Iowa. So, it’s clear that Kirk Ferentz’s program is valued.
Welsh comes to the NFL with a great deal of experience. During his college career, he started in 46 games and played both guard spots and right tackle. He could also man center if needed, but Daniels played that role. Generally, Welsh was a stout blocker with very good strength and power. He can be a physical player, and there’s a chance that he could overpower some players at the NFL level.
However, there are some concerns with Welsh regarding his size. He has a 6-foot-3 frame and weighs in at 306 pounds. He could stand to bulk up a bit to ensure that he can be a stronger guard, but as it stands, he is on the smaller side for the position. Additionally, he lacks athleticism, and that is probably what led to him being undrafted, as he could have some trouble dealing with quicker, more athletic players in the NFL.
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Welsh is a bit reminiscent of current Redskins center Chase Roullier. Neither are particularly good athletes, but they have nice, thick lower bodies and have a track record of providing solid technique and blocking. And that affords them an opportunity for success. Welsh could find a home at left guard or as a versatile interior backup. For that reason, he stands a chance at making the final roster, especially given the hole the Redskins have at guard.