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Redskins Draft Superlatives: A look at the best picks from the 2019 NFL Draft

By Jacob Camenker

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 08: Kelvin Harmon #3 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack makes a catch against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the second half of their game at Carter-Finley Stadium on November 08, 2018 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 08: Kelvin Harmon #3 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack makes a catch against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the second half of their game at Carter-Finley Stadium on November 08, 2018 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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JACKSONVILLE, FL – DECEMBER 30: Montez Sweat #9 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs reacts after a tackle for loss against the Louisville Cardinals during the TaxSlayer Bowl at EverBank Field on December 30, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Bulldogs won 31-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL – DECEMBER 30: Montez Sweat #9 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs reacts after a tackle for loss against the Louisville Cardinals during the TaxSlayer Bowl at EverBank Field on December 30, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Bulldogs won 31-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Best Overall Pick: DE Montez Sweat

I’ll get into the best value pick later, but in terms of the best overall player that the Redskins got, it’s Montez Sweat. And in fact, he could be a steal.

Prior to the NFL Combine, Sweat was considered to be a potential — if not, likely — top-10 pick. And at the event, he was able to showcase better athletic ability than many expected, blazing a 4.41 time in the 40-yard dash and showing off his excellent athleticism. That, coupled with his very good all-around tape, was supposed to help Sweat rise up draft board.

However, at the combine, a medical issue was revealed. Sweat supposedly had a heart issue that took him off some team’s boards. But just before the draft, it was reported that Sweat may have been misdiagnosed. If true, that is huge, as he may have fallen down the board for virtually no reason.

By getting Sweat, the Redskins filled the biggest need on the defensive side of the ball. They now have a potential double-digit sack artist to play across from Ryan Kerrigan. It also should push Ryan Anderson into a top backup role, which would better suit the former Alabama product. But either way, Sweat’s length and athletic ability should help the Redskins.

Sweat will be a perfect replacement for the departed Preston Smith. It’s possible that Sweat could emerge as the top edge rusher in this class, and at the least, he may be one of the most pro-ready players. The Redskins only had to give up two second-round picks to get him. That has to be considered a win, especially since Sweat could really push the team’s defense to the next level.

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