After focusing on the Philadelphia Eagles' draft since last Thursday, we began taking a look around at the rest of the NFC East this week, one team at a time, starting with the Dallas Cowboys' draft on Tuesday, and the New York Giants' draft on Wednesday.
- MORE ON THE EAGLES
- Eagles mock draft roundup, way-too-early 2018 edition
- Eagles mailbag: Is the projected 2018 running back class just as strong as this year's group?
- Here's what the Eagles' rookie salary cap numbers will be
- The Eagles' 2017 draft, in stick figure form
Today we'll close it out with the Washington Redskins.
Round 1: Jonathan Allen, DE, Alabama: Over the last two seasons, Allen has been the best player on a dominant Alabama defense, posting 22.5 sacks and 30.5 tackles for loss. While not an elite athlete by any stretch, Allen does very clearly possess impressive quickness for a 286-pound man, and his country strength is evident when you watch him shed blocks. Some have made the comparison to Fletcher Cox, which I can see. He was easily a top-five talent in this draft.
So if Allen is so good, why did he slip to pick 17? Allen has an arthritic shoulder, which has caused teams to lower his draft grade.
Still, for the value of the player at pick 17, this could very well be a steal for the Redskins.
: Anderson is a play-making pass rusher who had 9 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 19 tackles for loss a year ago. After snatching up Allen in round one, the Redskins land another really good football player in round two.
Round 3: Fabian Moreau, CB, UCLA: Moreau was among the biggest standouts at the East-West Shrine Game week of practices. During the game, NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said that "worst case," Moreau will go in the second round. That no longer became the case soon after, as Moreau tore his pectoral muscle at his pro day. Moreau's college stats aren't very impressive, as he had just three interceptions and two forced fumbles over his career at UCLA. As a redshirt senior, he'll also be 23-years old when he's drafted, which is less than ideal. At 6'0, 205, he has very good size, and although his INT numbers are low, Moreau does a good job breaking on the football and batting down passes. He is also thought of as a physical defender in the run game.
Round 4: Samaje Perine, RB, Oklahoma: Perine is probably most known for owning the FBS single-game rushing record when he had 427 rushing yards in a 2014 game as a freshman against Kansas. He is also known for his incredible strength. Go read what Perine's teammates say about him in the weight room. Though he doesn't have the great receiving ability, at 5'10, 235, and with his strength noted above, tackling Perine is like tackling a runaway bowling ball. The Redskins have a tough, physical run-blocking offensive line, and Perine could be a lot to handle running behind it.
Round 4: Montae Nicholson, S, Michigan State: I can't claim to have watched Nicholson, but the position certainly matches a need. Nicholson will have to recover from a shoulder injury before he can play but is reportedly expected to be back for training camp.
Round 5: Jeremy Sprinkle, TE, Arkansas: Sprinkle is the dope that got arrested from shoplifting at Belk prior to the Belk Bowl.
The items recovered from Sprinkle’s possession were:
• Black Ralph Lauren shirt – $55
• Blue-striped classic-fit boxer – $16
• Tandoori spice marl collared shirt – $45
• Gray collared shirt – $45
• Nike black crew socks – $18
• SB Tech black XL shirt – $12.99
• Tan Nautica wallet – $38
• Saddlebred Brown wallet – $30
Who needs two wallets?!?
Anyway, the Redskins have a bunch of "move tight ends" in Jordan Reed, Vernon Davis, Niles Paul and Derek Carrier. Sprinkle gives them a guy who is more of an in-line tight end.
Round 6: Chase Roullier, C, Wyoming: The Redskins need a center, so, sure. #Analysis.
Round 6: Robert Davis, WR, Georgia State: Davis had "meh" production at Georgia State, but this dude is a size-speed freak of nature:
I'm surprised he lasted until the sixth round.
Round 7: Josh Harvey-Clemons, S, Louisville: 6'4, 217, with massive hands and long arms, Harvey-Clemons is a very big safety with some athleticism traits, but has troubling off-field concerns, as he was dismissed from Georgia after multiple failed drug tests. Last year, the Redskins drafted Sua Cravens, who was something of a linebacker-safety hybrid. This year they go back to that well with Harvey-Clemons. It appears as though the Redskins were swinging for the fences with their late round picks.
Round 7: Joshua Holsey, CB/S, Auburn: Position-versatile back of the roster type.
Conclusion
The Redskins' first four picks were excellent, and could all eventually be starters in the NFL. Add in a few late round guys with intriguing measurables in Davis and Harvey-Clemons, and I thought the Redskins had a very strong draft. A-.
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