Cutting ties with Kirk Cousins and trading for quarterback Alex Smith made a big splash early in the offseason for the Washington Redskins. Since then, it’s been radio silence in our nation’s capital. At least with its NFL team.
Jay Gruden wasn’t dumped at the end of the 2017 season in a move I’m sure owner Dan Snyder will regret soon enough. This is likely Gruden and general manager Bruce Allen’s last dance in D.C. together. Here’s how they can make their draft count.
Round 1, Pick 13: Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
2017: 37 tackles, six for a loss, four sacks (6-5, 293 pounds)
Last year the Redskins didn’t move an inch and saw Jonathan Allen fall to them. They didn’t get a lot of use out of the rookie from Alabama after his injury, so he basically played in a redshirt. Bryan and Allen should benefit from lining up next to each other. Bryan will, from day one, be a significant upgrade over current starting defensive tackle Ziggy Hood.
Round 2, Pick 44: James Daniels, Center, Iowa
6-3, 295 Pounds
There’s always a chance the Redskins might shock everybody and get into the quarterback sweepstakes again. They were burned bad the last time they made any kind of trade, so I’m guessing they’ll roll with Smith and pick up a QB later. Daniels is an instant starter and allows Washington to shuffle around its interior line, getting the best three on the field.
Round 4, Pick 109: Donte Jackson, CB, LSU
2017: 45 tackles, 3.5 for a loss, one sack, one interception, nine passes defended (5-11, 175 pounds)
Washington currently has only five corners on the roster and that’s after adding Orlando Scandrick in free agency. They’re young at the reserves and Jackson doesn’t help that. He does bring production against the NCAA’s best and solid ability in the nickle.
Round 5, Pick 142: Micah Kiser, ILB, Virginia
2017: 143 tackles, 9.5 for a loss, five sacks, four passes defended, two fumble recoveries (6-2, 240 pounds)
One thing the Redskins do have plenty of is inside linebackers. That won’t stop them from adding Kiser to the room, who should be a value pick in the fifth round.
Round 5, Pick 163: Deadrin Senat, DT, USF
2017: 66 tackles, 10.5 for a loss, six sacks (6-1, 305 pounds)
Just because Washington takes Bryan in round one doesn’t mean they’re done with their D-Line. They got absolutely nothing in pass rush from their front last season and could conceivably cut every guy that played a down in 2017 with the exception of Allen.
Round 6, Pick 205: Logan Woodside, QB, Toledo
2017: 64.2 completion percentage, 3,882 yards, 28 touchdowns, eight interceptions (6-2, 210 pounds)
Woodside is a lot like Kirk Cousins, the guys the Redskins just let walk. He may not be a future NFL starter, but people didn’t think Cousins was either. If Gruden had any real hand in developing Cousins as an NFL QB, he can show it off by doing the same with Woodside.
Round 7, Pick 231: Ade Aruna, DE, Tulane
2017: 25 tackles, three for a loss, two sacks, two passes defended, one fumble recovery (6-6, 270 pounds)
The defensive line makeover continues. Aruna is a block eater and could make pass rushing easier from the outside.
Round 7, Pick 241: Joe Ostman, DE, Central Michigan
2017: 60 tackles, 19.5 for a loss, 13 sacks, three forced fumbles (6-3, 255 pounds)
Ostman’s production at Central Michigan was through the roof, but his size hurts him as a DE (and the fact that CM didn’t play anybody). He’ll likely convert to a stand-up outside linbacker in the pros.
