Redskins trade up to No. 26 in the NFL Draft, pick Montez Sweat
By Ian Cummings
The Redskins picked Dwayne Haskins at No. 15 in the 2019 NFL Draft. But they weren’t done in the first round just yet.
The Washington Redskins, by nabbing Dwayne Haskins, completed a solid value acquisition, adding a potential franchise quarterback without having to trade up. The value deal allowed them some flexibility with the rest of the NFL Draft, which they used to trade up.
The Redskins traded up to the No. 26 pick, originally held by Chris Ballard and the Indianapolis Colts. To get the pick, the Redskins gave up their 2019 second-round pick and a 2020 second-rounder as well. With their second first-round pick of the 2019 NFL Draft, the Redskins selected Mississippi State edge rusher Montez Sweat.
After losing Preston Smith in free agency, the Redskins needed to add an edge rusher in the 2019 NFL Draft, and Sweat fills that need. Sweat is a very solid player who has considerable upside at the NFL level. Here’s what I had to say about Sweat in my Top 150 big board article:
"Sweat is lacking somewhat in terms of flexibility and bend, but he offers great burst for his 6-foot-6 frame, and he brings whopping 36-inch arms to dominate the leverage game. Sweat’s upside is somewhat limited, but still very great, and as long as his heart issue checks out, he can be an impact starter."
Sweat came in as my No. 17 player. As long as his heart issue checks out, he can be a productive starter for years to come with his length, physicality, and burst. Sweat has every-down potential, and while he’s lacking in terms of bend, he has a well-rounded skill set that does well to compliment perennial Pro Bowler Ryan Kerrigan. He’ll have to acclimate with NFL coaching, but if he can do that, he has immense potential to seek out.
Next. 2019 NFL Draft Top 150 Prospect Rankings. dark
The Redskins have now made two first-round selections at very good value, getting a top twenty player in Sweat at No. 26 and getting a quarterback, often a premium-priced player, without having to trade up. The Redskins are off to a good start in the 2019 NFL Draft, but it looks like they’re done for Day One.