Dissecting the Washington Redskins 2012 NFL Draft and Undrafted Signings

Published: 29th Apr 12 5:21 pm
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James Lang-US PRESSWIRE

Every team’s coach, general manager, owner, and draftee agents will tell you they had a successful draft. There’s absolutely no point in draft grades, though, much like mock drafts they are fun to compose. Instead of attempting to hand out bias draft grades to a team I fiercely support, we’re going to breakdown each selection the  Washington Redskins  used to improve their roster.

Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor (2 overall) - 

  • No price is too steep when you believe a guy can be a franchise quarterback. The pressure is on RG3 to turn the Redskins into a consistent winner. Without pressure, there’s no diamonds – in the words of RG3. There’s no doubt in my mind that RG3 will be successful. He’s intelligent, a good decision maker on and off the field, and the marriage of him and Mike Shanahan seems to be a perfect fit.

 

Josh LeRibeus, G, SMU (3rd round, 71 overall) -

  • LeRibeus made Gil Brandt’s top 100, 2012 NFL draft list. Ranked the 97th best overall player in the draft, according to Brandt’s list, should be a good sign for Redskins nation. Brandt is highly respected, and that list is not easy to make – so I trust his judgement. After the selection, I compiled a few tweets from various scouts giving their thoughts on LeRibeus which you can see here. Josh will have an opportunity to compete for a starting position, and is a guy that can play both center and guard. He has a little nasty in him, and is quite the character. Washington will love having this guy.

 

Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State (4th round, 102 overall) - 

Keep seeing Skins choice of Kirk Cousins described as a "luxury pick." That makes no sense to me. It's the exact opposite of a luxury pick.
April 29, 2012 12:03 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite
@Jimmy_Beast
Blogging the bEast
Skins take QB Kirk Cousins. Lot of value there. Hard to pass. I thought he was going Round 3. Love the pick. Can't have2 many QBs
April 28, 2012 11:25 am via Twitter for BlackBerry®ReplyRetweetFavorite
@JasonLaCanfora
Jason La Canfora
Silly. I don't get it. RT @TheBigLead: The Redskins’ Fourth Round Selection of Kirk Cousins is Bizarre http://t.co/0v8ATXqk [by @tyduffy]
April 28, 2012 6:38 pm via EchofonReplyRetweetFavorite
@AlbertBreer
Albert Breer
"the Redskins turned in the wrong card" -Herm Edwards on the baffling selection of QB Kirk Cousins in the 4th Rd after taking RG3 #2
April 28, 2012 1:54 pm via EchofonReplyRetweetFavorite
@KNegandhiESPN
Kevin Negandhi
Shanahan called QB Kirk Cousins a "steal" in the fourth round. Took him to improve team's depth.
April 28, 2012 6:29 pm via TweetDeckReplyRetweetFavorite
@Redskins
Redskins
  • Let’s make this clear, there is not a quarterback controversy in Washington. Robert Griffin III is and will be the Redskins starting quarterback. Former Redskins head coach, Joe Gibbs used to say “The most important position on a football team is your starting quarterback, the second most important position is your back-up quarterback.”  Smart GM’s and coaches draft best player available and not need. Obviously, the Washington Redskins were not convicted by any other player at this point. Having an opportunity to draft a QB you feel strongly about as an insurance for your starter, is something you simply can’t pass up. Not in this sport. Depth is needed at every position on a football team, including quarterback. Kirk Cousins is a guy that doesn’t do anything “great” but he does everything good. The Redskins upgraded their depth at a position they haven’t had stability at in years. Soon after drafting Cousins, the Redskins released John Beck, essentially giving Cousins the 3rd string job. For at least a season, Rex Grossman will be Robert Griffin III’s primary back-up. Cousins will have an opportunity to compete with Rex Grossman, not RG3. The highest valued position in the NFL is quarterback, and if Cousins develops nicely he could eventually become trade bait for Washington.
Keenan Robinson, ILB, Texas (4th round, 119 overall) -
LB Keenan Robinson said Haslett told him he'll play ILB. played in a 3-4 at Texas for a couple years. #redskins
April 28, 2012 12:18 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite
@john_keim
John Keim
Keenan Robinson has a good frame and nice size. He just never developed as expected at Texas.
April 28, 2012 12:10 pm via TweetDeckReplyRetweetFavorite
@MockingTheDraft
Dan Kadar
  • At 6ft 3, 240 lbs, Robinson’s athleticism and coverage ability intrigued the Washington Redskins. Though inconsistent and raw, Robinson brings an ability to immediately play on special teams, and much like Perry Riley, learn from the great London Fletcher. Robinson has experience playing inside and outside in a 3-4 and 4-3 alignment. Barring Robinson’s development, he could be London’s successor whenever the captain decides to retire. I really like this pick up.

 

Adam Gettis, G, Iowa (5th round, 141 overall) -

  • The University of Iowa has become an Offensive Line factory. The success level for Iowa offensive linemen in the NFL has been great, making this pickup by Washington hard to argue against. I had Washington selecting Gettis in my 7-round mock draft, however, I slotted him in the 6th round. Some may consider this a reach, however, the Redskins picked up an athletic dancing bear with great upside. It’s obvious, getting quality players on the offensive line was a priority for Washington. Gettis is a perfect fit for the zone blocking scheme, and while undersized, has room to get bigger. He’ll compete for a spot on the Redskins 53-man roster, and could eventually become a starter.

 

Alfred Morris, RB, Florida Atlantic (6th round, 173 overall) - 

Big fan of FAU's Alfred Morris. Great value for the Redskins
April 28, 2012 2:48 pm via Twitter for iPadReplyRetweetFavorite
@ShawnZobel_DHQ
Shawn Zobel
#FAU Football: Did you know Redskins coach Mike Shanahan coached RB Alfred Morris at this year's Senior Bowl? http://t.co/UFABnBKY
April 28, 2012 3:37 pm via TweetDeckReplyRetweetFavorite
@FAUOWLACCESS
FAU OwlAccess
  • Alred Morris is a guy that doesn’t shy away from contact. In fact, he highly embraces it. Mike Shanahan has a track record, and you can never second guess his judgement on a running back. The way Morris breaks down, gets low, and uses his huge legs to explode through contact is exceptional. He’s a guy with a good burst, and prides himself on pass protection. Morris has a chance to make the 53 man roster playing special teams, or could be a reserve. However, his upside is intriguing. I’m interested in seeing how and when Mike Shanahan decides to pull this guy out his back pocket.

 

Tom Compton, OT/G, South Dakota (6th round, 193 overall) - 

In the Pro Football Weekly draft book, 6th rounder Tom Compton was considered a 3-4th round pick. #Redskins
April 28, 2012 3:49 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite
@john_keim
John Keim

Love the Tom Compton pick. Classic big, Midwest offensive lineman with the tools and skillset you look for. Great value
April 28, 2012 3:48 pm via Twitter for iPadReplyRetweetFavorite
@ShawnZobel_DHQ
Shawn Zobel
  • A ton of scouts have raved about this pick. The big guy has a chance to compete for a spot on the 53-man roster, and could become a starter at some point. Mike Shanahan believes Jammal Brown is in the best shape since he’s been a Redskin. However, depth behind him is important, because of his injury history. Compton has the athleticism needed for the zone blocking scheme.

 

Richard Crawford, CB, SMU (7th round, 213 overall)

@Roccoskins solid press corner.. Not too much speed but can go against the bigger receivers.. I remember I think the 2010 season washington
April 28, 2012 5:08 pm via EchofonReplyRetweetFavorite
@T_Masc
Isaac Newton

@Roccoskins state tried to throw 4 straight fades on him 1-1 and none were completed
April 28, 2012 5:08 pm via EchofonReplyRetweetFavorite
@T_Masc
Isaac Newton
@Roccoskins can tackle well too... JC transfer after his soph season at Saddleback in Cali to SMU
April 28, 2012 5:09 pm via EchofonReplyRetweetFavorite
@T_Masc
Isaac Newton
  • It is tough to find much information on Richard Crawford, but luckily one of my twitter followers knows him personally and was nice enough to give a brief report seen above. Crawford will likely compete for a spot on special teams, but possibly end up being a reserve. Washington needs help at the CB position, so it will be interesting to see how they use Crawford.

 

Jordan Bernstine, S, Iowa (7th round, 217 overall)

Jordan Bernstine from Iowa says he believes #Redskins want him to play safety, has most experience at SS. Says "I like to hit people"
April 28, 2012 5:15 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite
@Russellmania980
Chris Russell

Jordan Bernstine: "I have size & athletic ability to go w/ it. I like to hit people. I like to come down and be a factor in the run-game."
April 28, 2012 5:16 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite
@granthpaulsen
Grant Paulsen
  • The Redskins need help at the SS position, and Bernstine seems to be a guy that can legitimately compete for a spot on the 53-man roster. Bernstine said he ran a 4.42 forty – bringing speed to the back-end. The Redskins like to play their strong safeties in the box, making this a good fit for Bernstine.

 

Washington Redskins Undrafted Free-Agent Signings (According to nepatriotsdraft.com) -

Eain Smith, S, WVU
Michael Shaw, RB, Michigan
Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
Lance Lewis, WR, ECU
Brian McNally, DE, New Hampshire
Darius Hanks, WR, Alabama
Lenny Creer, RB, La Tech
Vaughn Meatoga, DT, Hawaii
DJ Holt, LB, Cal
Grant Garner, C, Oklahoma State
Josh Oglesby, OL, Wisconsin
Dwayne Frampton, WR, Arkansas State
Marcus Hyde, DE, William & Mary (TRYOUT)

A few UDFA signings I’ll be keeping an eye on are – Lance Lewis, Dwayne Frampton, Josh Oglesby, and Chase Minnifield. If Minnifield pans out, this is a guy who could get playtime early, and has starter potential. Teams knocked him off their boards due to concerns on his knee. Health is the concern for T, Josh Oglesby, but if healthy he’s a guy with a ton of potential. Lance Lewis and Dwayne Frampton are two receivers with speed that can help with kick returns. Dwayne Frampton looks to be an ideal guy you mold to play slot WR, and Lance Lewis could develop into a reliable deep threat.

If you enjoy talking Washington Redskins and all things NFL, follow Emmanual Benton on Twitter: @Roccoskins 

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2 Rants to “Dissecting the Washington Redskins 2012 NFL Draft ...”

  1. Matt says:

    Kirby has not been signed by the Redskins.

    via – https://twitter.com/#!/MatthewStoss/status/196729287909449730

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