The Washington Redskins surprisingly won the NFC East last season. They also managed to shock this deep in the offseason when they signed prized free agent Josh Norman. Do the Redskins have some more surprises left in their pocket for the 2016 NFL Draft?
For more team draft previews, you can read our breakdown for the following clubs: Eagles | Cowboys | Browns
NEEDS at DT: Terrence Knighton left for the New England Patriots this offseason but it’s not like the Redskins aren’t going to fortify their defensive line had Knighton chose to remain in town. Knighton was a disappointing, over-priced piece in Washington’s defense that gave up 122.6 rushing yards per game in 2015.
STRENGTHS: Billings is an immovable force on Baylor’s defensive line. With his booming power, Billings can pulverize opposing offensive linemen and bend opponents’ pocket protection. He also has notable quickness for a man his size to make it extra difficult for foes to push him aside.
NEEDS at ILB: The insider linebacker position also has a hole the Redskins need to patch up. The Redskins resigning Mason Foster and extending Will Compton are good moves in terms of continuity but depth remains a question with Keenan Robinson leaving for the New York Giants.
STRENGTHS: Brothers has great pre-snap analysis and feel for what will happen next. He’s especially fantastic against the run, as he sees the ball always and relentlessly seeks for it. He can be all over the field, as evidenced by his five interceptions and four forced fumbles back in Missouri.
Round 3: Pick #21 (84th overall) – S Darian Thompson– Boise State
NEEDS at S: Plucking Josh Norman from free agency was a terrific move for the Redskins but general manager Scot McCloughan shouldn’t stop there. Washington’s secondary still has so much to prove following a disastrous 2015 in which the unit did little to slow down opponents’ passing attack. Furthermore, DeAngelo Hall’s health is now a constant question mark amplifies the need for Washington to draft a safety.
STRENGTHS: Tall for his position, the 6’2” Thompson has constantly shown the ability to detect plays before they happen. His perceptive style of play along with great physical tools helped him compile a stunning total of 19 career interceptions in Boise State, the most in Mountain West Conference history.
NEEDS at RB: Now that Alfred Morris is gone, the bulk of the workload in the backfield will be shared by Matt Jones and Chris Thompson. The jury is still out for those two running backs so it’s not a stretch for the Redskins to select a dependable backfield piece in the draft.
STRENGTHS: Drake can drain opposing defensive players’ energy. Although he was shadowed in Alabama by Derrick Henry, Drake still managed to catch scouts’ attention with his speed and versatility. He ran a 4.45 in the Combine’s 40-yard dash and registered 12.5 yards per reception in 2015. Furthermore, Drake had 19 rushes and receptions of at least 15 yards so you know he has the knack for big plays.
NEEDS at WR: The Redskins don’t really have a pressing need for a wide receiver now. After all, they still have the tandem of DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon not to mention Jamison Crowder. It won’t hurt the Redskins, however, if they begin preparing for life after Jackson and Garcon, as both receivers are turning 30 this year.
STRENGTHS: Burbridge is going to be a project in his first year in the pros but the potential is there for the Michigan State product. He’s got an exceptional leaping ability and can make highlight reel-worthy catches in traffic. He is also a great route runner, snaring down passes off 12 unique routes in 2015.
The Redskins have eight picks in the 2016 NFL Draft:
