Entering the 2017 NFL Draft, the Washington Redskins were a team of questions marks. Many did not know how they would draft based the recent release of General Manager Scot McCloughan. However, the front office of the Redskins showed that they were just fine without a GM. This time!
The Washington Redskins know that to be competitive in 2017 they needed to focus on defense. As a matter of fact, that they did. Six out of their 10 draft picks were on defense.
Let us look at the 2017 Washington Redskins draft. Also, give an overall grade at the end.
Round One
Johnathan Allen, DL Alabama
Allen surprisingly fell to the Redskins at 17. When it was their turn, they had their choice of top talent on their board. Taking Allen with this pick was a no-brainer. Additionally, he can play both inside and end. Finally, the Redskins have themselves a defensive line worth talking about.
Round Two
Ryan Anderson, LB Alabama
Anderson is one of those players were the motor is always on go. He is an explosive but also physical edge pass rusher. Anderson adds depth to a position that needs it. The Redskins often find themselves short pass rushers come mid-season. That should no longer be the case.
Round Three
Fabian Moreau, CB UCLA
Moreau is coming off a serious injury. He tore his pec muscle during the bench press at his pro day. However, he is first round talent when healthy. If the doctors repair him right, he may challenge Bashaud Breeland for the corner spot opposite Josh Norman.
Round Four
Samaje Perine, RB Oklahoma
Perine will challenge the incumbent Rob Kelly for the starting job from day one. So much so that the Redskins put RB, Matt Jones on the trading block. Perine has a tremendous burst and toughness between the tackles. Look for an improvement on the 29th ranked red zone offense in 2017 with this pick.
Round Four
Montae Nicholson, S Michigan State
Nicholson too is coming off an injury. He recently had surgery to repair his shoulder. However, this is a depth pick. Free Agent signing DJ Swearinger and Su’a Cravens are your starters. Nicholson adds depth to the position. Consequently, he could some action in nickel or packaged situations.
Round Five
Jeremy Sprinkle, TE Arkansas
Sprinkle give the Redskins another big-bodied TE in the red zone. He also adds a much-needed insurance policy to a position that often sees its star go down. The TE class was deep this year. The Redskins got good value with the draft pick.
Round Six
Chase Rouiller, C Wyoming
Rouiller will add immediate depth to the offensive line. Especially in the three interior spots. Although they list him as a center, he can play RG and LG as well. He could also push Shawn Lauvao or Arie Kouandjio for starting at LG.
Round Six
Robert Davis, WR Georgia State
Davis is a player that I had listed as a late round gem. He is big at 6’3.” He may not see a lot of action during 2017. Nevertheless, the value in the sixth round was well worth the pick. His talents speak for themselves and if they coach the little things right, then this sky is the limit for this young player.
Round Seven
Josh Harvey-Clemons, S Louisville
I had seen Harvey-Clemons on many boards in the late rounds. He is a tweener type safety. He loves to come down and offers tremendous run support. The recent TE additions in the division make him a solid addition. He is big enough and athletic enough to cover them also.
Round Seven
Joshua Holsey, DB Auburn
Holsey was a 4-year starter for the Tigers. He can play both safety and corner positions. However, he does have a medical history that could come into play. If he can stay healthy in camp, he may find himself on the roster as a special teams contributor and positional depth.
The Washington Redskins needed to put a focus on defense in this draft and they did just that. They most certainly got younger on that side of the ball. Allen and Anderson add instant help. If the remaining picks can put their injury history to rest, this class can be very strong. However, until then we wait and see.
Due to injury histories previously mentioned, I have to grade this class a little lower than normal.
Final 2017 Draft Grade – B
How do you grade the Washington Redskins 2017 Draft Class? You can leave your comments below.
Follow Sean on Twitter, IG, and Snapchat @NFLINSC.