After last seasons disappointment, the 2017 draft brought an opportunity for the Redskins to rebuild in areas which needed attention. Their defense was certainly an area which was targeted in the 2017 draft. The defensive additions made will hope to push Washington back into playoff contention for the upcoming season. Here are the 2017 Draft picks from the Washington Redskins.
Washington Redskins 2017 NFL Draft Review
1st Round- 17th Overall: Jonathan Allen– DE-Alabama
2nd Round- 49th Overall: Ryan Anderson-OLB-Alabama
3rd Round- 81st Overall: Fabian Moreau-CB-UCLA
4th Round- 114th Overall: Samaje Perine-RB-Oklahoma
4th Round- 123rd Overall: Montae Nicholson-S-Michigan State
5th Round- 154th Overall: Jeremy Sprinkle-TE-Arkansas
6th Round- 199th Overall: Chase Roller-C-Wyoming
6th Round- 209th Overall: Robert Davis-WR-Georgia State
7th Round- 230th Overall: Josh Harvey-Clemons– S/LB-Louisville
7th Round- 235th Overall: Joshua Holsey-CB-Auburn
Overall Redskins Draft Grade: 7.5
The Best Player
There is no doubt that Jonathan Allen is the best player that the Redskins picked up in the 2017 draft. He is a versatile defensive end which will immediately help to transform the Redskins defensive Line. His strength, matched with his speed, will solve many problems in which the Redskins defense faced last season. He’s quick off the ball, and is quick to diagnose the mesh point against zone reads. Allen will certainly stamp his authority on the Redskins defense this season, and will certaintly help them to compete.
The Head-Scratcher
The selection of Montae Nicholson has raised some question marks from Redskins fans and pundits. Nicholson managed only four interceptions in college, and is coming off a torn labrum suffered two days after participating in the combine. His lack of playmaking, combined with the depth of Redskins safeties, has left some fans and analysts scratching their heads over this pick. Despite these concerns, Nicholson does have some potential. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.42 seconds, the third fastest amongst safeties. And if secondary coach Torrian Gray can develop his speed to play deep, Nicholson could quickly climb the ranks in Washington.
However, with D.J. Swearinger and Su’a Cravens expected to be starters next season, and after re-signing DeAngelo Hall, it is difficult to fit Nicholson into the picture for the upcoming season. Nicholson is definitely a pick for the future, but perhaps not the answer in the short term.
The Surprise
Despite already having a strong stable of runners, the Redskins sprung a surprise and added another offensive weapon to their ranks. Samaje Perine will instantly provide competition at the running back position for the Redskins. The third-round pick will have to compete with Robert Kelley, Matt Jones and Chris Thompson for the starting spot. Perine has drawn comparisons to Matt Jones, being able to run with power and gain yardage after contact. But the question beckons, with already a strong backfield, should the Redskins have targeted a position which needed more attention?
The Steal
Jonathan Allen has to be the steal of the 2017 draft for the Redskins. Initially labelled as a top five pick, Allen’s medical concerns saw him slide down the draft order significantly. None the less, the Redskins have acquired a dominant defensive end to there ranks, who will change the dynamics of the Redskins defence immediately. Provided that he stays healthy, Allen is sure to make waves in the Redskins camp, and will certainly improve their defensive output.
Most Likely to Turn Heads in Training Camp
Fabian Moreau is coming into a Redskins camp which is not short of talent in the Cornerback position. Despite Josh Norman and Brashaad Breeland forming a strong defensive partnership, Moreau will eventually become a threat to the starter position in Washington. At six foot, the cornerback ran a 4.35 in the 40-yard dash, and excels in press coverage. Like Johnathan Allen however, injury proved to affect Moreau’s draft stock. After suffering a pectoral tear on a pro day, this injury may affect Moreau’s progression this season. But one thing is for sure, Moreau will certainly turn heads in the Redskins camp with his aggressive style over the coming weeks.
The Rest
Ryan Anderson played a vital role in creating the fearsome Alabama defence that excelled last season. Anderson will provide immediate help as a pass-rusher, something the Redskins desperately needed.
Jeremy Sprinkle is a young Tight End that the Redskins will look to develop over the coming years. Learning under the likes of Jordan Reed, Vernon Davis and Derek Carrier will hope to show quick results for the Redskins.
Chase Roullier adds depth to the Redskins Offensive Line, especially as they have no back up Center behind Spencer Long. He is an intelligent Center who can also play Guard.
Robert Davis gives the Redskins a quick wide receiver who they can develop. The Redskins did not need to draft a wide receiver early due to the depth they already have. With Jamison Crowder, Terrelle Pryor and Josh Doctson available this year, Davis is certainly one for the future.
Like Su’a Cravens last seasons, the Redskins may look to turn Josh Harvey-Clemons from a Safety to a Linebacker in Washington. Harvey-Clemons will add significant help in coverage, which is needed following last season.
Joshua Holsey is another draft pick with medical questions. Despite tearing his ACL twice early in his college career, Holsey impressed last season and will add help on the inside downfield.
The Bottom Line
This years draft overall addressed the problems Washington have faced on defense over previous seasons. With the additions of Alabama stars Johnathan Allen and Ryan Anderson, this will add another dimension to the Redskins Defensive Line. Whilst this may not be the most exciting draft the Redskins have had, it may go a long way in terms of helping the progression of their defense. But on top of this, it could put the Redskins in a strong position to once again challenge for the playoffs next season.
