Redskins 2019 College Football Championship mock draft

Round 3

Pick No. 12 – TE Irv Smith Jr. – Alabama

The Redskins tight end situation is secretly a ticking time bomb. Jordan Reed is injury-prone, and his contract might be disproportionately cumbersome, compared to the impact he can consistently provide, due to his health. Turning 29 this summer, long-term prospects aren’t looking any more promising for Reed. The questions only number greater for Vernon Davis, who turns 35 later this month, and might end up being a cap casualty.

With Jeremy Sprinkle serving as the team’s only semi-reliable tight end, the Redskins would hit a home run by drafting Alabama product Irv Smith Jr. Smith could fall in an incredibly deep tight end class, but he’s a stellar athlete who’s physical as a run blocker. His well-rounded game would thrust him into an early complimentary role with the Redskins, and by year two, he could be a full-time starter.

Pick No. 32 – OG Ross Pierschbacher – Alabama

While Irv Smith Jr. has lots of developmental upside for his position, Ross Pierschbacher has a less promising future growth curve.

Set to start his fourth straight National Championship game tonight, Pierschbacher’s claim to fame is his experience, and his versatility on the interior. He’s not much of an athlete on the line, but his ability to shift around and provide functional strength at both guard and center could be priceless for a Washington team in dire straits, in terms of line depth.