Washington Redskins General Manager Scot McCloughan has mentioned to whoever would listen that he prefers to have 12 draft picks during any National Football League draft. When this year’s draft commenced on cold and rainy Chicago Thursday the Redskins held only eight picks. After three days of wheeling and dealing, while the team didn’t get their 12, they so far now have nine draft picks for the 2017 draft as a result of trades made during this year’s event.
As for the young men selected, when the draft finally ended Saturday evening, the team felt they had acquired guys who can contribute immediately and also have an eye on the future.
The following players were selected by the Redskins:
1. First Round, 22nd overall pick: Josh Doctson, wide receiver, Texas Christian University (TCU)
2. Second Round, 53rd overall pick: Su’a Cravens, linebacker/safety hybrid, University of Southern California (USC)
3. Third Round, 84th overall pick: Kendall Fuller, cornerback, Virginia Tech
4. Fifth Round, 152nd overall pick: Matt Ioannidis, defensive tackle, Temple University
5. Sixth Round, 187th overall pick: Nate Sudfeld, quarterback, Indiana University (IU)
6. Seventh Round, 232nd overall pick: Steven Daniels, linebacker, Boston College
7. Seventh Round, 242nd overall pick: Keith Marshall, running back, University of Georgia
While the Redskins did address some position needs, the Burgundy and Gold also threw a few wrinkles into the mix by selecting a wide out in Doctson. At pick 22 — which they traded down one from 21 to get — they went with the sure hand and ultra-leaping receiver even though they possess a deep stable of receivers in Pro Bowler DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garçon and Jamison Crowder.
The move could have been made with an eye on 2017 if not sooner as Jackson and Garçon are in the final year of their contracts.
Garçon will count $10.2 million against the team’s cap this season so there is a chance that if he does not restructure that cap number perhaps Doctson’s rise for playing time and or either a starting position could be expedited sooner rather than later.
Regardless, the new Redskin figures heavily into the team’s plans this season according to Head Coach Jay Gruden. During one of his post-draft press conferences the former quarterback could not help but gush over what Doctson brings to the offense.
“I think so,” Gruden said when asked if Doctson will contribute immediately. “He’s a great kid, No. 1. You check all the boxes with him as far as [a] person, off the field. He’s a great person. He has got great work ethic, too. We did our due diligence on that. So you’re bringing in a receiver with the great skill set that he has and a guy that is willing to get better, learn and work. That’s really appealing. I anticipate him challenging for a lot of balls in this offense. I think [tight end] Jordan Reed will be happy… [teams will have to] put another safety over top of him. DeSean will be happy and Pierre too. You only have one ball but the ability to spread it around like I like to spread it around will help Kirk out, the offensive line, the running game… all of it.”
As a senior at TCU Doctson gained 1,327 receiving yards while setting single-season school records in receptions (79) and receiving touchdowns (14).
His big-play capabilities should be an added bonus in the red-zone. This will likely be the area where his skill set his rookie year may pay instant dividends.
By drafting Cravens and Fuller, the team added valuable depth in the secondary with two players who have the skills to push for immediate playing time and could be starters in the near future.
In the run-stuffing Ioannidis and the small but dynamic, hitter and tackling machine, Daniels; the team got a pair of tough, hard nose players that have a blue collar approach to their games.
udfeld and Marshall are players with upside but they may need fine tuning in the offense. Marshall possesses elite speed so he may find a chance to get in on a few packages that take advantage of it.
The majority of these draft picks should be looked at heavily after the 2016 season. Jackson and Garçon are not the only players with hefty contracts who will either be resigned or have to renegotiate to lesser salaries.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins who, as of now has the franchise tag on him and is scheduled to make $20 million in 2016, could be in line for a huge contract if one is not in place before then.
Tight end Jordan Reed, who had a breakout season in 2015, looks to cash in as one of the game’s up-and-coming elite players at his position when he is resigned.
The team recently signed cornerback Josh Norman to a league-leading contract for a corner at $75 million.
Will there be money available for young and promising corner Bashaud Breeland when it is time to resign him?
All of this is why this year’s draft has the makings to be a very good one that provides great value in 2016 if not in 2017.
Washington had a tremendous draft in 2015 and this season’s class looks just as intriguing on paper. Now these young players just have to show their worth on the field.