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Redskins make smart move, promote Kyle Smith to Vice President of Player Personnel

By Jacob Camenker

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 21: A Washington Redskins helmet is carried by a player before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on September 21, 2014 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 21: A Washington Redskins helmet is carried by a player before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on September 21, 2014 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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The Washington Redskins have promoted Kyle Smith to Vice President of Player Personnel. Here’s why this move makes sense.

On Monday afternoon, the Washington Redskins made a big move that will have an impact on their front office moving forward. They promoted Kyle Smith to a Vice President of Player Personnel role in the team’s front office.

Smith, who previously held the role of Director of College Scouting, has been the architect behind Washington’s last three drafts. During that time he was able to draft players such as Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Ryan Anderson, Montez Sweat, Chase Roullier, Dwayne Haskins, and Terry McLaurin, among others, that have had a massive impact on the team.

Upon Smith’s promotion, Redskins owner Dan Snyder and the team’s new head coach Ron Rivera both spoke glowingly of Smith’s talent evaluation skills. Here’s what they said along with Smith’s thoughts on the promotion, per the team’s official website.

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"“Kyle Smith has put in the work over the last 10 seasons and has proven to be a skilled talent evaluator,” said Washington Redskins Owner Dan Snyder.“I have been impressed with Kyle’s track record and player evaluation process, and I’m confident in the vision we share for the future of the Washington Redskins,” said Washington Redskins Head Coach Ron Rivera.“I am excited for the opportunity to oversee both the college and professional sides of the scouting department,” said Vice President of Player Personnel Kyle Smith. “Our staff is looking forward to working together with Coach Rivera to build the best team possible.”"

And per ESPN’s John Keim, Smith’s new role will be similar to the one that Doug Williams served in over the course of the past few seasons.

Smith’s promotion was absolutely warranted. His scouting eye has proven to be keen and his ability to build up young talent has certainly strengthened the team’s core. Plus, if they hadn’t given him a promotion, they could’ve risked losing him to another open front-office role. So, the ‘Skins were smart to give it to him.

It’s also worth noting that Smith was the last member of the trio that was largely involved with the Redskins success remaining in player personnel. Eric Schaffer and the Redskins mutually parted ways ahead of the offseason while Doug Williams was reassigned to a player development role that should suit him well. But keeping Smith will help maintain some continuity and build on the draft-day success that the ‘Skins have had during the last three seasons.

That said, this doesn’t mean that the ‘Skins are done adding to their front office. They still have several openings and could look for someone to take over the GM/President role vacated by Bruce Allen. Rumor has it that they are interested in Panthers GM Marty Hurney, but that may not be the best fit for the squad.

Next. Why Marty Hurney isn't a great fit as Redskins GM. dark

Overall, retaining Smith is good news for the Redskins and giving him a promotion was the right move. He should be a key part of the decision-making team moving forward and it will be interesting to see how much he is in charge of this offseason.

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