After trading back with the Oakland Raiders, the Washington Redskins have some decisions to make at the tail end of the first round of the NFL Draft, with two first-round picks to use.
Ultimately, the Redskins could go in countless directions with these two picks. Wide receiver, tight end, offensive line, defensive end, linebacker, cornerback; it’s all on the table. With their first pick in the first round, however, the Redskins, in this mock, decide to address perhaps their least inspiring position on the roster: Safety.
Chauncey Gardner-Hill garnered consideration for this pick, as did Delaware’s Nasir Adderly. But Deionte Thompson is the Alabama guy, so naturally, he’s the one who earns preference in the eyes of the Redskins.
Thompson’s selection isn’t simply a case of the ‘Bama blues, however. Thompson has the traits of a future impact starter at safety. His athleticism is promising, and he possesses the range and playmaking ability that the Redskins have been looking for from their safeties. While Thompson will need to work on his keys more, and measure risks with more patience, he immediately fills a need for Washington, and gives them immense developmental upside to work with.