Washington Redskins Draft Review

1st Round, Pick #16: Ryan Kerrigan (OLB Purdue)

With Blaine Gabbert available it looked to be a lock for the Redskins to get their new franchise quarterback. However they passed on Gabbert to move down, likely hoping to get Robert Quinn. Their decision backfired because Quinn was snatched up by the Rams 2 picks before. So instead of going after another position the Redskins must have thought, "we wanted a rush linebacker so lets just take that position anyways" and went with Ryan Kerrigan. Don't get me wrong, I like Ryan Kerrigan as a 4-3 defensive end, but I don't like him as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Kerrigan lacks the athleticism that is needed to drop into coverage and match up with tight ends that is often times needed from that position. Washington would have been much better off taking Cam Jordan to play defensive end and then taking a rush linebacker like Brooks Reed in the 2nd round.

Grade- D

2nd Round, Pick #41: Jarvis Jenkins (DE Clemson)

Not a great start of the draft for the Washington Redskins. First they pass on Blaine Gabbert to trade down, then take Kerrigan over Cam Jordan, now they reach on Jarvis Jenkins when they probably could have gotten him in the 3rd round. Jenkins is a solid player, but he is nowhere near the 41st best player in the draft, and was definitely a reach. But the Redskins desperately need defensive lineman, and went with who they thought was the best fit. Jenkins is a solid run defender, and should make a good transition to the 5 technique defensive end, but he isn't all that good. But that's what you get when you reach for need, and not for value. Just think, the Redskins could have taken Cam Jordan in the first and then Brooks Reed in the second. That would have addressed the same two spots but markedly better players and better fits.

Grade- D

3rd Round, Pick #79: Leonard Hankerson (WR Miami)

After two horrible picks, the Redskins finally got a great pick in Hankerson. It was no secret that Washington wanted and needed to upgrade their receiving core and they got a steal here. Hankerson is a very talented receiver who was considered to be a mid 2nd round pick, but nobody would've bat an eye had he went early 2nd. Getting him with the 79th pick overall is highway robbery. Hankerson has huge hands and catches everything in his area. There were concerns about his top end speed, but he ran a 4.4 40. Hankerson has #1 receiver skills and will give whoever is their quarterback a big target to throw to.

Grade- A+

4th Round, Pick #105: Roy Helu (RB Nebraska)

Mike Shanahan has made a living by taking Running Backs later in the draft, or picking them up off the streets, and turning them into 1,000 yard rushers. Helu isn't a flashy back who can make people miss in the open field, but he is a big back that runs between the tackles, and has the ability to hit the home run on any run. Roy should be a good fit in Shanahan's zone blocking scheme offense where his ability to make one cut and go fits. Shanahan must think a lot of Helu to give up multiple picks to get him. Will he be Shanahan's next late round gem to rush for over 1,000 yards? I guess we'll have to see to find out.

Grade- B

5th Round, Pick #146: Dejon Gomes (CB Nebraska)

Dejon Gomes is a very versatile defender, who is somebody who will be able to play for the Redskins at one position or another. At Nebraska Gomes played a hybrid position where he was part safety, cornerback, and linebacker. He is tough against the run and not afraid to get his nose dirty. The Redskins are looking at him as a strong safety, but Gomes could also play some cornerback also. Gomes in his college career was a flat-out playmaker, whether its causing a fumble at the 1 yard line against Kansas or intercepting a 4th quarter Blaine Gabbert pass to set up the winning touchdown, he is always making plays. Washington is getting a good player who is going to help them out in a lot of different areas.

Grade- B+

5th Round, Pick #155: Niles Paul (WR/KR Nebraska)

Whoever was announcing the picks should have just said, "The Washington Redskins selected, The University of Nebraska." Three straight picks and three straight former Nebraska Cornhuskers. Maybe Shanahan owes Bo Pelini a favor. But all kidding aside the Redskins got a player who has a ton of talent, but hasn't been very consistent. When you look at Paul's physical tools you would think he'd be a 1st rounder. He is big (6'2 220) and fast (4.4 40) and is like a running back with the ball in his hands. However what really hurt Paul at Nebraska was his ball handling ability. Niles has small hands (8") and that leads to a lot of drop passes and fumbling issues. However Niles is an excellent and willing run blocker, and good kick returner. Plus Paul just wants to play football. He's willing to play on every special teams unit, block, and even carry the ball if needed.

Grade- B

6th Round, Pick #177: Evan Royster (RB Penn State)

So the Redskins just traded away a couple of picks to move up and get Roy Helu, why are they taking another running back? Its probably because their current stable of backs isn't getting the job done. Ryan Torain had some success last year but obviously isn't anything special. Washington drafted Roy Helu to potentially be their primary ball carrier and they'll be looking to use Penn State's all time leading rusher in Royster, to be their short yardage and goal line back.

Grade- C

6th Round, Pick #178: Aldrick Robinson (WR S.M.U)

After taking Niles Paul and Leonard Hankerson the Redskins continue to try upgrade their receiving core. Robinson is very similar to his former SMU teammate Emmanuel Sanders of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Robinson is going to have to get bigger, but he does a great job of using his speed and quickness to get open and yards after the catch. Robinson may not be well know, but he has the potential to be the next Johnny Knox, Stevie Johnson, or even like his new teammate Anthony Armstrong.

Grade- B-

7th Round, Pick #213: Brandyn Thompson (CB Boise State)

Thompson has been a very solid, reliable starter for the Broncos defense over the years, but is a 7th round pick because he lacks ideal size and top end speed. However, Thompson makes up for those with nice ball skills, good quickness, and toughness. Thompson isn't afraid to stick his nose in the run game and make a play on the ball. He also does very well in zone coverage where he uses his quickness to make breaks on the ball. Solid selection here, getting someone who will make an impact, later on in the draft

Grade- B

7th Round, Pick #217: Maurice Hurt (Guard Florida)

Mike Shanahan has done a good job in the past of finding offensive lineman late in the draft that turn out to be pretty good players, but I personally don't like this pick as there were much better players on the board. Just because this is the 7th round, doesn't mean you can just blow picks on guys you can get off the street later. There are always players available that should have gone earlier, and I always prefer to take somebody with talent and upside, rather than a guy like Hurt who was average at Florida, and will be below average in the NFL.

Grade- D

7th Round, Pick #224: Markus White (DE Florida State)

Still pretty raw, but Markus White has a lot of tools that to be a rush linebacker in the 3-4 defense. What holds White back is a severe lack of strength. He can be explosive at times, and has some pretty quick moves, but just gets eaten up at the line. White will probably never develop into an top pass rusher, but if he can hit the weight room, he could very well add depth to a position that is razor thin.

Grade- C

7th Round, Pick #253: Christopher Neild (DT West Virginia)

This was clearly a depth pick. The Redskins are continue their transition to the 3-4 and need some bodies that fit the scheme. The only thing Neild has going for him is his size. At 6-4 320, he is a big defensive tackle that is good against the run and will be a fit as a defensive end or even nose tackle for the Redskins. Still, once again I question why you take guys like this, who will be backups at the very best, when there are some talented guys still available

Grade- D