Washington Football Team: One Day 3 target at each position

Washington Football Team Day 3 Targets: Defense/Special Teams

EDGE Elerson Smith, Northern Iowa. Smith has a massive 6-foot-7 frame and performed very well at the Senior Bowl. He didn’t play for Northern Iowa last season because the FCS moved their season to the spring, so that may explain his slide a bit. It’s a lack of tape.

Still, developing Smith behind Montez Sweat and Chase Young could be a home-run move. At the very least, he would be good competition to bring in along with James Smith-Williams and Casey Toohill.

LB Jabril Cox, LSU. It’s surprising that Cox is still on the board at this stage in the draft. Some expected him to be a second-round pick that was in play for Washington. Instead, the well-rounded linebacker who performed well at LSU last year is still available.

If Washington can land Cox with their fourth-round pick, they will have two new potential-packed linebackers that could turn their unit from a strength to a weakness. Expect him to be a target if he gets close to their first Day 3 pick. If not, Alabama’s Dylan Moses could also be a steal at this point.

CB Shaun Wade, Ohio State. This pick would be all about upside. Wade was once considered to be the next great Ohio State cornerback, but he struggled last year and that led to some questions about whether or not he could hold up on the outside.

If he slips far enough, Washington could take a chance on him as a developmental prospect and cross-train him at a variety of positions in the secondary. He has some safety potential, so maybe that versatility will intrigue Ron Rivera.

S Caden Sterns, Texas. Washington really needs a free safety to compete with Deshazor Everett and Jeremy Reaves for playing time next year. Caden Sterns would be an excellent choice on Day 3. He had four interceptions as a freshman but has regressed since that time.

Still, Sterns is 6-foot-1, is a solid athlete, and could perform well under better coaching. Landing him would be a superb value and could help to complete the team’s already stellar-looking defense.

LS Thomas Fletcher, Alabama. Washington still needs a long snapper, so don’t rule them out from selecting one with their final pick, the penultimate one of the draft. Fletcher has experience playing for a winning program so that might appeal to Rivera and Co.

We’ll soon see what the Washington Football Team does on Day 3 of the draft. There are still plenty of potential-packed players and contributors for them to land.