Redskins should gain flexibility in draft with deep receiver, edge classes

The Redskins have a lot of needs. Luckily for them, this draft class aligns well with what they should be searching for.

With a roster largely depleted of talent, and a dearth of substantial financial resources in free agency, the 2019 NFL Draft will be the most important offseason event for the Washington Redskins, and by a wide margin.

Among the Redskins’ laundry list of needs? A quarterback, a playmaker at wide receiver, a tight end or two, any offensive linemen at all, an edge rusher, a cornerback, and a pair of safeties.

And of course, we can add a new owner and a new president to that list. But while we’re waiting for change in that department, we can immerse ourselves in the football aspect of it all. Because, amidst the front office dysfunction, Kyle Smith and Doug Williams have done a solid job drafting over the past two years.

It’s up to interpretation whether or not solid roster building is good for the Redskins long-term, if the only thing the Redskins truly need is to get rid of Dan Snyder and Bruce Allen. But teams don’t tank to let themselves implode. Washington will try to build on the pieces they have this year, and their personnel department should be happy with what they see.

With so many possible directions to go in the first round, the Redskins will inevitably be forced to address a need or two in the middle and later rounds. Their first-round decision might be made easier by the fact that this draft class is very deep at both wide receiver and edge rusher. Particularly at receiver, the Redskins could find the game changer they’ve been seeking as late as in Round 3. Want to see for yourself? Check out The Draft Network’s position rankings.

The draft is all about weighing your options and getting the most value. The Redskins should have some flexibility in this regard, as the quality of the class itself will allow them to add more talent later on. It could speed up the rebuilding process of a shambled roster.