Washington Redskins 2018 Draft Class Review

With the 2018 NFL Draft behind us, it’s time to begin the review process on how each team stacks up with the selections they’ve made. As Washington moves forward with Alex Smith taking the charge, adding key positional players to help round out a unit that was looking to be on the uptick early last season. A very interesting group on paper, and perhaps the Skins found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow in the second round, let’s review… 

Washington Redskins 2018 Draft Class Review:

Round 1 – Pick 13 (13)

Da’Ron Payne (DT)

The newly made Skins defensive line is looking more like the Crimson-Tide these days with Payne reuniting with Jonathan Allen to again cause havoc for opposition. Washington struggled mightily in stopping the run last season where Payne will provide an instant high level upgrade. This man is incredibly strong and quite nimble on his feet possessing very good athletic ability.

This is literally the perfect fit for Payne as the Skins operate in the same 3-4 scheme as Alabama does, which will bode well for any hiccups in progression we may witness. Da’Ron has great measurables standing 6’3” and almost 315 pounds with definite room to grow. Payne will be an absolute difference maker on this defense which will allow the supporting pieces more room to navigate. It’s very difficult to argue with this pick.       

ADF Prediction: High potential, day one starter.

Round 2 – Pick 27 (59)

Derrius Guice (RB)

After witnessing day one close out and not hearing the former LSU Tiger’s name called, everyone believed they would hear it early on day two. The slide continued as information leaked that Guice had attitude and maturity issues with the potential of an off-field disastrous situation at the forefront. While it took some time, Derrius Guice finally received the call and was heading to the Washington Redskins to help solidify their backfield.

ADF is a big fan of what Guice can do on the field and his production continued to rise in his time at LSU. Seeing his yards per carry drop off last season was a little concerning but the amount of production was still there to take notice. Derrius has a great opportunity to become the lead back in Washington with a solid frame and a very good 40 time (4.49). While his feet are quick and his movements are smooth, Guice can also take punishment while dishing it out to opposing defensive players. We do question how reliable Derrius can be in the pass game, being able to consistently pick up the blitz, and having that true breakaway speed the NFL longs for in their workhorse. With that said, ADF believes Guice will be a monster producer for many years in the NFL.     

ADF Prediction: High potential, franchise running back.

Round 3 – Pick 10 (74)

Geron Christian (OL)

With all the injuries to the offensive line last season, and looking to upgrade the overall position grouping, the Skins may have scored big with Geron Christian. While his height is world class to man the tackle position, his frame is somewhat of a concern to us at ADF. Barley reaching the 300 pound mark soaking wet will prompt the Washington training staff to make Geron live in the gym this offseason. This is a clear potential selection in hopes he can turn out to be something special. With all the good tape Christian has, you could argue he has an equal amount of improvement video to work on. Geron does have versatility to play both the left and right side of the line which makes him a very attractive piece in the form of depth. Could be a very solid pick for Washington.

ADF Prediction: Moderate potential, improvements needed.

Round 4 – Pick 9 (109)

Troy Apke (DB)

Fairly considerable to be classified as a reach in the fourth round, the Skins select the super-speedy safety from Penn State. This pick intrigues us at ADF to suggest there is ample potential to get excited about from Apke. Having good size to begin with, while added weight will be a must for the NFL, his speed is what stands out. Running a very impressive 4.34 40 time with good tackling ability could make him a jet on the field. Troy will have to improve in most aspects to become relevant in the pro game. If Apke can make strides early, he will without question find himself on special teams to start and becoming a rotational player as his skills advance, time will tell.  

ADF Prediction: Low potential, rotational player.

Round 5 – Pick 26 (163)

Tim Settle (DT)

Staying true to form and gathering more talent to help stop the run, Washington drafted a behemoth in Tim Settle. Coming in at 6’3” tall, weighing 330 pounds, Settle is a true middle plug in any defensive line. Having good athletic ability and being quite versatile to play in multiple schemes made him a no brainer to the Skins brain trust. While some scouts have Settle pegged to go higher in the draft (day two pick), perhaps his lack of experience allowed him to fall all the way to the fifth round. If Settle turns out, this could be a giant steal in this draft for a long time producing NFLer.    

ADF Prediction: Good upside, rotational player.

Round 6 – Pick 23 (197)

Shaun Dion Hamilton (LB)

Continuing to add to the defense, the Skins selected another former Alabama product, this time with line backer Shaun Dion Hamilton. This pick screams as the potential replacement to the departed Will Compton (free agency) to try and help fill the void at middle line backer. Hamilton does have an injury history much like Compton did, so it will be interesting to see if they just replaced the roster spot with a similar type of player.

Round 7 – Pick 23 (241)

Greg Stroman (DB)

In one of the deepest draft classes at the defensive back position in recent memory, Washington was able to snag a project player in Greg Stroman. While his size isn’t ideal, the appeal for Greg is his ability to diagnose plays with speed jumping routes and having a ball-hawking attitude. Stroman will be up against all odds to crack the roster, but could find his way with strong plays and consistency.  

Round 7 – Pick 38 (256)

Trey Quinn (WR)

This year’s title of Mr. Irrelevant goes to Trey Quinn – wide receiver from SMU. Possessing good size and decent speed, Quinn had a breakout year after transferring from LSU to SMU for his junior season. Trey hauled in an impressive 114 receptions, for 1236 yards, and 13 touchdowns for the Mustangs before he decided it was time to go pro. Moving from the Southeastern Conference to the American Conference is an obvious downgrade in competition which allowed him to inflate his statistics. Quinn has to produce to stay on the roster. 

2018 Undrafted Free Agent Signings

Simmie Cobbs, WR, Indiana

Micah Holder, WR, San Diego State

Ty McCulley, OL, CSU Pueblo

Sean Welsh, OL, Iowa

De'Mornay Pierson-El, WR, Nebraska

Matt Flanagan, TE, Pitt

Martez Carter, RB, Grambling

Timon Parris, OT, Stony Brook

Davon Durant, DL, Marshall 

Jerod Fernandez, LB, NC State