The Washington Redskins made 10 picks during the 2019 NFL Draft. Here’s a look at some superlatives for their best picks.
The 2019 NFL Draft has come and gone. The Redskins have added 10 new players to their team and did a good job of navigating this year’s draft. They traded up once and down once to ensure they got maximum value for their draft picks.
All told, the ‘Skins did a lot to plug their needs. They added talent at quarterback, a couple of quality receivers, some offensive line depth, and some help on the defensive side of the ball as well. They landed a lot of quality players and have definitely improved their team.
But, as always, some picks were certainly better than others. The Redskins had some really nice pickups, as many have pointed out, and here’s a look at some superlatives for their top picks in the draft. We’ll start off by naming the best overall player they were able to select.
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.
Best Value Pick: WR Kelvin Harmon
This is the most obvious pick for the Redskins. Harmon was simply an insane value. He was slotted as high as Round 2 in some mock drafts. Yet, the Redskins were able to get him at the end of Round 6.
Yeah, I’d say that’s a pretty good value.
Harmon is a very good overall receiver. On tape, he shows the ability to make contested catches and high-point the ball at the point of attack. Sure, his separation and athletic ability leave a lot to be desired, but he has all the traits needed to be a top-level possession receiver at the NFL level. In other words, he could be an excellent No. 2 receiver.
More from Commanders Draft News
- What will Emmanuel Forbes bring to the Washington Commanders?
- Highlighting the best Commanders 2023 NFL Draft betting props
- 3 late Commanders rumors drawing buzz ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft
- 4 bold predictions for the Commanders 2023 NFL Draft
- Bet365 VA Bonus Code – Claim $200 Guaranteed With Sign-Up Bonus
Harmon also comes with proven production. In each of the past two seasons at NC State, he had over 1,000 yards, and he totaled 11 touchdowns during that span as well. That’s a major positive and he will have a chance to emerge as a starter quickly in the NFL.
This pick is similar to the Tim Settle pick the Redskins had last year. They grabbed a high-quality player at a deep position who just happened to fall out of circumstance. If Harmon even tested as an average athlete, he could have come off the board on Day 2. Getting him just before the start of the seventh round is an absolute steal.
Harmon wasn’t just the Redskins’ best value pick. He may have been one of the best value picks in the entire draft. Had the ‘Skins taken Harmon in Round 2, nobody would have batted an eye. Instead, they got him in Round 6. The team’s front office deserves a lot of credit for being able to land him where they did.
Most Underrated Pick: WR Terry McLaurin
This may seem like an odd choice here, and I understand that. The Bryce Love pick also garnered consideration here, but I think people are underselling the potential and upside of McLaurin.
McLaurin truly is a do-it-all player. He was excellent in the Ohio State offense and did a lot to help Dwayne Haskins in his first year as a starter. In fact, Haskins liked McLaurin so much that he told the ‘Skins he would vouch for McLaurin if the team asked. That shows you everything you need to know about this receiver pick.
I’ve been a fan of McLaurin for most of the draft process. Here’s what I said about his upside with the Redskins after the team drafted him.
More from Riggo's Rag
- What will Emmanuel Forbes bring to the Washington Commanders?
- Highlighting the best Commanders 2023 NFL Draft betting props
- 3 late Commanders rumors drawing buzz ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft
- 4 bold predictions for the Commanders 2023 NFL Draft
- Commanders News: Chase Young trade, draft day, CB riser and Sam Howell
"McLaurin is one of the most well-rounded receivers in the draft. He can do a little bit of everything. He’s a great route runner, he’s very athletic, and he’s an elite special teams player. Additionally, he is a high-character player who will work hard to improve at the next level. He will have a chance to emerge as a starter for the Redskins and should be an inside/outside threat. Last year at Ohio State, McLaurin averaged an even 20 yards per catch and scored 11 times for Ohio State. He was able to function as a deep threat, but he won’t just be a big-play threat at the next level. He will be able to find space and get open with his quickness and route-running skills, and he will be able to find chemistry early in the ‘Skins’ offense. The reason for this? Dwayne Haskins."
In short, McLaurin is a really good overall player, he worked well with Dwayne Haskins, and he will work hard to improve and play special teams. What’s not to like about that?
The argument that many are making is that there were other quality receivers on the board with the pick (Hakeem Butler gets mentioned a lot) but that shouldn’t take away from McLaurin’s overall skill set. He could be a really good and versatile weapon for the Redskins. And, most importantly, he adds a high-character player to the team’s receiving corps. That could help to motivate what looks like a young and inexperienced group.
McLaurin could emerge as a really good No. 2 receiver/slot man with deep threat ability and also the skills needed to be a security blanket. He may not have as much upside as some of the other players that were on the board in the third round, but McLaurin could transform the ‘Skins’ offense more than most are anticipating.
Best Sleeper Pick: CB Jimmy Moreland
The Redskins were able to land some quality talent in the later rounds of the draft. But one of the best sleeper picks they had was Jimmy Moreland.
In recent seasons, the ‘Skins have done a good job of landing late-round defensive backs or undrafted free agents and turning them into role players or depth guys. Just last year, Greg Stroman turned into a quality role player for the team. Moreland could be the next to do that.
Though Moreland is a bit undersized at a hair under 5-10, he has ballhawk skills, posting a school-record 18 picks at James Madison. He could become a playmaker in the slot and may also have the ability to play safety. He’s a great nickel candidate and could play a versatile role in the secondary.
Getting Moreland in the seventh round was a great value, and he could have been a fifth-round pick. And given that Moreland could emerge as a role player in the secondary and earn a spot on the 53-man roster despite being a seventh-round pick, he qualifies as the best sleeper option in this year’s draft class.
With these players in the fold, the Redskins should be a better team. At the very least, they have added a lot of depth that could help them out this year.