Washington Redskins sign three tryout players, waive two more

On the heels of the Washington Redskins 2018 rookie minicamp, three tryout players have taken the next step toward the NFL dream.

Over the weekend, the Washington Redskins held their 2018 rookie minicamp, with the intention of not only getting a closer look at their 2018 draft picks, but also to find possible diamonds in the rough in the 2018 undrafted free agent class. They were able to capitalize on both goals, and now, we have transactions to report. Per the team’s official Twitter account, the Washington Redskins have signed Auburn center Casey Dunn, Connecticut linebacker Vontae Diggs, and former North Texas wide receiver Darvin Kidsy.

In moves corresponding to the recent signings, the Washington Redskins also waived wide receiver Mikah Holder and Sean Welsh. The team signed Welsh, an undrafted free agent out of iowa, to a deal following the release of veteran guard Orlando Franklin. Soon after that signing, Welsh retired from the NFL, leaving the Washington Redskins to find another developmental interior lineman. They appear to have found that in Casey Dunn.

Dunn, 6-foot-4, 295, was the starting center for the Auburn Tigers in 2017. Prior to that season, he was the anchor of the offensive line at Jacksonville State for two years. There, he stood out as an FCS All-American, and helped the Gamecocks contend in the playoffs in 2015 and 2016.

Dunn provides more developmental potential for the Washington Redskins than Sean Welsh did. Dunn is technically sound, but he could work toward imposing himself on the field and driving opponents back. It may take Bill Callahan some time to help Dunn along, but he has traits that would be valuable on the practice squad. If he makes enough progress this summer, he could latch on as depth on the interior.

The Washington Redskins’ other two tryout signings, Vontae Diggs and Darvin Kidsy, both have intriguing potential as well. Diggs, an athlete who stands at 6-foot-2, 225, tried out alongside fellow Husky Luke Carrezola. Diggs was awarded a contract, and he has the potential to surprise in  linebackers unit that could use more depth. Diggs rose out of a tough upbringing, and he brings that perseverance onto the field with every play. He needs to add weight, but he’s versatile on the second level and he could be a developmental standout this offseason.

Next: Five veteran guards the Washington Redskins should sign

Kidsy, a 6-foot-0, 183 wide receiver out of North Texas, has a more obscure path to NFL success. He’s undersized, and while he offers an enticing blend of quickness and athleticism, he couldn’t find a way to produce in the Sun Belt Conference, and he has some concerning issues with the law behind his name, per Scott Sidway of the North Texas Daily. Kidsy, perhaps, faces the steepest path to a roster spot, with Trey Quinn, Brian Quick, Robert Davis, Maurice Harris, Simmie Cobbs, and DeMornay Pierson-El all blocking his way. But as we’ve learned over the years, every player has a chance.