With the 2015 NFL Draft behind us, the Last Word On Sports NFL department continues its draft review series here. Today, the Washington Redskins are the focus. Here’s who they selected:
1st Round, 5th Overall: OT Brandon Scherff (Iowa)
2nd Round, 38th Overall: DE Preston Smith (Mississippi State)
3rd Round, 95th Overall: RB Matt Jones (Florida)
4th Round, 105th Overall: WR Jamison Crowder (Duke)
4th Round, 112th Overall: G Arie Kouandjio (Alabama)
5th Round, 141st Overall: OLB Martrell Spaight (Arkansas)
6th Round, 181st Overall: SS Kyshoen Jarrett (Virginia Tech)
6th Round, 182nd Overall: CB Tevin Mitchel (Arkansas)
6th Round, 187th Overall: WR Evan Spencer (Ohio State)
7th Round, 222nd Overall: C Austin Reiter (USF)
Redskins 2015 Draft Grade: 7.5/10
Washington Redskins 2015 NFL Draft Review
The Best Player: Brandon Scherff was the best offensive lineman in the class and the Redskins decided to use their fifth overall selection to acquire him. Besides left tackle Trent Williams, the Redskins have a terrible offensive line and Scherff will be a huge upgrade at either right tackle or guard. While Scherff is definitely a solid player, I am not a huge fan of the selection because Leonard Williams was still on the board. A solid guard could have been drafted in the second round and a prospect like Leonard Williams could have revolutionized the Redskins defense.
The Head-Scratcher: Matt Jones was a reach and the Redskins already have Alfred Morris at running back. The Redskins did not need to waste a third-round pick on a backup running back when they could have drafted an impact player at a position of need. A replacement was needed for Roy Helu, but the running back class was deep and a fifth-round pick could have gotten the job done.
The Surprise: Brandon Scherff and Matt Jones were both surprises, but I’ll give the nod to Brandon Scherff because I am still shocked that Washington passed on the opportunity to draft Leonard Williams. I did not think Brandon Scherff would be a top-5 pick and I was even more surprised that Leonard Williams was not a top-5 pick. This selection was the first real shock of the draft.
The Steal: Guard Arie Kouandjio was the steal of the draft for the Redskins. His draft stock was as high as a second-round pick according to some analysts, but Washington managed to draft him in the fourth round. The Redskins could form a nasty guard combination with Scherff and Kouandjio if Morgan Moses can develop into a decent right tackle. One of the worst offensive lines in the league was revamped significantly in this draft and the future of the unit is much brighter now.
Most Likely to Turn Heads in Training Camp: If Preston Smith can turn heads in training camp, he could form a talented edge rushing duo with Ryan Kerrigan. Smith has good size for an outside linebacker and this selection filled a major need for the Redskins. Dominant pass rushers are one of the main attractions at training camp and Smith has the potential to put on a show. He just needs to prove that he can fit into the 3-4 scheme that Washington runs.
The Rest: Jamison Crowder was a solid selection in the fourth round and he could be an upgrade over Andre Roberts in the slot immediately. DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are both aging, so a young playmaker was definitely needed in this draft. Martrell Spaight led the SEC in tackles last season, but he is a liability on passing plays. The Redskins needed more depth at linebacker and they drafted a two-down run-stuffer here. Kyshoen Jarrett is a project at safety that will need to be developed. Dashon Goldson turns 31 in September, so an opportunity for Jarrett could be available in a few years. Tevin Mitchel was a slight reach in the sixth round, but the Redskins need help in the secondary and he is another project with good size. Evan Spencer was another reach in the sixth round because he was not productive at Ohio State, but he is a good blocker and could become a decent possession receiver. Austin Reiter was the third interior lineman drafted by the Redskins and he will need to be developed significantly.
The Bottom Line: The Redskins had a decent draft and the grade could get better if a few of the late-round projects develop into contributors. I was not a fan of the Brandon Scherff selection because Leonard Williams was available, but the Redskins do need help on the offensive line. Preston Smith could be a solid pass rusher, but he will need to prove that he can fit into Washington’s 3-4 scheme. Jamison Crowder and Arie Kouandjio were solid selections, but Matt Jones was a waste of a third-round pick.
Check out our other draft reviews here.
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