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Washington Football Team: Five best late-round draft picks since 2010

By Russell Shavatt

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 13: Strong safety Kamren Curl #31 of the Washington Football Team runs for a touchdown on an interception thrown by quarterback Nick Mullens #4 of the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter of the game at State Farm Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 13: Strong safety Kamren Curl #31 of the Washington Football Team runs for a touchdown on an interception thrown by quarterback Nick Mullens #4 of the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter of the game at State Farm Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 23: Niles Paul #84 of the Washington Redskins looks for yards while playing the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 23, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan Detroit won the game 20-17. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 23: Niles Paul #84 of the Washington Redskins looks for yards while playing the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 23, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan Detroit won the game 20-17. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

2011 NFL Draft: Niles Paul, WR, Nebraska (5th Round)

Niles Paul was selected as a wide receiver by Washington at 155 overall in the 2011 NFL Draft out of Nebraska. Paul would go on to play for Washington from 2011-2017.

Never known for his freakish athletic ability or ever being seen as a consistent receiving threat, Paul would eventually switch positions due to his physicality and never-ending toughness. His best season statistically would come as a tight end in 2014. A season in which he totaled 39 receptions for 507 yards and one touchdown.

From the time the former Cornhusker put on the burgundy and gold, he was considered as a core player. Whether it was switching positions, or taking on more roles with the team, he did what he had to do to stay on the roster. At 6-foot-1, 242 pounds, the incredibly tenacious Paul even took on fullback duties.

A memorable play featuring Paul at fullback came from Week 8 of the 2017 NFL season. On a goal-line set against Dallas, he met Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee in the hole and suffered a concussion on what was a vicious hit in the midst of a Rob Kelley one-yard touchdown run. Per the Washington Post at the time, Paul would go on to say after the hit “I’ve never been concussed like that, so it was a bit scary for me.”

For this former late-round pick, Niles Paul earned his way on this list and should be remembered for always being a team-first player. He always did what was necessary to fight for a win. His resume included being a wide receiver, tight end, full back, and special teams captain.

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