NFC East Draft Grades: Giants bolster offense, Eagles polish ranks
By Ian Cummings
Washington Redskins
Round 1 – Alabama DT Da’Ron Payne (B)
Round 2 – LSU RB Derrius Guice (A)
Round 3 – Louisville OT Geron Christian (B-)
Round 4 – Penn State S Troy Apke (C)
Round 5 – Virginia Tech NT Tim Settle (A-)
Round 6 – Alabama LB Shaun Dion Hamilton (A)
Round 7 – Virginia Tech CB Greg Stroman (A)
Round 7 – SMU WR Trey Quinn (A+)
Bias may play a moderate role in one’s exuberance with the Washington Redskins’ class, but there is no denying that they followed a blueprint that maximized value in almost every round.
The Da’Ron Payne selection in Round 1 may have been a bit of a reach, especially when accounting for the availability of players like Tremaine Edmunds and Derwin James. But the Washington Redskins made one of their biggest weaknesses into their biggest strength by selecting Payne here and Tim Settle in the fifth round later on. This selection effectively filled multiple needs, and with Payne’s upside, there is value.
The team received more value in Round 2, letting a first-round talent fall to them after trading back to acquire a third-round pick. Derrius Guice, widely regarded as a top fifteen player, in terms of natural ability, should start right away for the Washington Redskins, and behind one of the better offensive lines in the nation, he should be a threat to opposing defenses.
With their third-round pick acquired in the trade back in Round 2, the Washington Redskins selected Louisville tackle Geron Christian. Christian, an athletic, agile lineman with height and length, has starting potential at tackle, and for now, he can learn behind Trent Williams, providing depth that will be valuable after last year’s injury debacle.
Troy Apke in the fourth round was a considerable reach, but aside from that, there are few questionable selections. Tim Settle in the fifth round is a steal for the Washington Redskins, Shaun Dion Hamilton in the sixth round is a pick that has massive upside, given Hamilton’s smarts and quickness in both coverage and run defense as an inside linebacker.
And in Round 7, Greg Stroman and Trey Quinn are players who will contribute right away. Both appear to already have inside tracks at making the roster. Quinn, in particular, is the perfect receiver for Jay Gruden; he’s one of just three selections in the NFC East to receive an A+ grade. With his route running and consistency, he could have been a fourth-round pick.
From top to bottom, the Washington Redskins draft class seems to have able contributors. That is a value that not many draft classes have. It’s what sets the Washington Redskins’ class apart from the rest of the NFC East. How do the other teams stack up?