How much have we improved player personnel?

[Chico23231]

Taking an initial look at how the Washington Redskins' seven draft picks fit into the roster:

WR Josh Doctson: The Redskins already have two starting receivers in Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson, but there is no way they would have drafted Doctson without wanting to use him. So he will likely get plenty of snaps, especially in certain areas (red zone). He tracks the ball well downfield, so that will provide another option for quarterback Kirk Cousins, giving him two such players (Jackson). Likely starter in 2017.

LB/S Su'a Cravens: It’s hard to imagine he will start, but Cravens said the Redskins told him he would be their dime linebacker. But he can also play some safety. If nothing else he will be used in multiple roles and packages. He might not start, but will be a factor. My guess: He will end up being a fan favorite, too.

CB Kendall Fuller: Another hard one to project, because it’s a little crowded at cornerback. A lot depends on health: his own and that of starter Chris Culliver. If Culliver is healthy, the Redskins have three top cornerbacks, along with Bashaud Breeland and Josh Norman. But the unknown is when Culliver will be healthy -- it might not happen until after the season starts. Also, Fuller is coming off micro-fracture surgery. He should be ready for training camp, but getting to top-level play likely will take time. He’s as much a pick for the future as for the present. The good thing for the Redskins: They don’t need Fuller to contribute immediately.

DL Matt Ioannidis: The Redskins did not address the line like many thought they would (the team viewed it as a priority entering the draft). But Ioannidis should be part of the rotation. He’s not a run-plugging nose tackle, but more of an end in the base defense and a tackle in their nickel. The base defense needs work against the run, but so, too, does the nickel. He can help. Though the Redskins need more help along the line, it’s uncertain who will be in the top six. Trent Murphy's development at end will be big.

QB Nate Sudfeld: Developmental quarterback for a couple years down the road. The Redskins don’t need him now anyway with Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy ahead of him. McCoy is signed for three years (the last year is an option) and Cousins, if he plays well, will be the long-term starter. Coach Jay Gruden really likes Sudfeld, but he needs some work. But with who’s ahead of him, Sudfeld should get the time he needs. The Redskins had considered going with two quarterbacks this season, but it’s hard to imagine them doing that now.






LB Steven Daniels: The Redskins are crowded at linebacker, but there is no Pro Bowler there, either. They have Will Compton, Perry Riley Jr., Mason Foster, Martrell Spaight, Terence Garvin and Adam Hayward among others. It's not a flashy group, but it is a tough-minded one. It’s hard to imagine Hayward sticking around considering he’s coming off ACL injuries each of the past two seasons and now they have younger, cheaper alternatives for backups. Daniels is worth watching and could develop into a starter within a couple years, though there is competition just for a roster spot. Between he, Spaight and Garvin, the Redskins should be solid with special teams linebackers, and that’s vital.

RB Keith Marshall: The running back situation is a questionable one for Washington. They have two players coming off injuries (Matt Jones and Chris Thompson) and drafted a guy whose college career was derailed by a torn ACL. Marshall is healthy now, however, and the Redskins hope his electric speed will result in big plays. Analysts say he was not the same runner last season, his first full one since the ACL, as he was as a freshman. Perhaps another year removed from the injury will help. But it’s hard to know where he fits as of now; most likely it’s as a complementary back to Jones. He wasn’t much of a threat in the pass game and he only returned one kickoff in college (though it certainly is a possibility in Washington). The Redskins also have Mack Brown on the roster, and there is always a chance they will re-sign Pierre Thomas. They could use a strong veteran presence. For a seventh-round pick, Marshall is intriguing simply because of his 4.31 time in the 40-yard dash, but he will have to show more than speed -- patience and vision will be key. Because there is not a lot of depth here, he will have a chance to contribute.



Article from John Keim speaking on how these players fit.