2013 Washington Redskins Draft Review
By Justin Bales
May 5, 2013; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Redskins cornerback David Amerson (39) runs on the field during rookie minicamp at Redskins Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
The Washington Redskins had seven selections in the 2013 NFL Draft and went in with the intentions to draft defensive strong. They upgraded the defensive backs with three selections including two safeties and a cornerback. The other selection they made on defense was a fifth round end. On offense they boostered up the backfield with two running back and grabbed an insurance policy in the second round on tight end Fred Davis.
Round 2, Pick 51 – David Amerson, CB, N.C. State – Amerson is easily a first round talent that got eaten up his last year at N.C. State and his stock fell for it. He has the size, strength and natural ability to be a starting corner in the NFL. He is extremely agressive when jumping routes, which allows him to intercept the ball often on shorter routes. He also attacks the run very agressively. He has extremely good ball skills which help him pick off passes that are off target, or when a quarterback tries to squeeze a ball between zones. He isn’t afraid to hit and can close gaps very quickly. He is also very good at wrap up tackles. His aggresive nature allows him to be beat deep and on double moves. He also needs more work in man coverage, but given his size and athleticism, I wouldn’t consider this a problem.
David Amerson Grade – A
Round 3, Pick 85 – Jordan Reed, TE, Florida – Reed’s strength is his receiving game. He can line up just about anywhere in the formation as well. He knows when to use his hands to catch the ball and when to let it get into his body during tight coverage. He is a very smooth runner, and is great with the ball in his hands. He can consistently make defenders miss and fight for yardage when needed. Reed needs to become a more consistent blocker. At times he shows that he can do it, but struggles in other cases. He must become better at blocking the second level and finishing plays instead of watching the ball carrier once he is passed him. At the moment, his route tree is quite small and will need to grow before he makes a huge impact on games.
Jordan Reed Grade – C+
Round 4, Pick 119, Phillip Thomas, S, Fresno St. – Thomas is a very physical defender. He attacks the run and is doesn’t miss many tackles. He has good ball skills and can catch with his hands. He is quick enough to cover tight ends and some receivers. He is aggressive when undercutting routes and is very comfortable with blitzing off the edge. Thomas’s aggressive play allows him to get beat on occasion during play action and deep routes. He also needs to work better at getting off of receiver blocks.
Phillip Thomas Grade – B+
Round 5, Pick 154 – Chris Thompson, RB, Florida St.– Thompson is a big play waiting to happen. He can catch the ball out of the backfield and get up the field quick. When in open space, Thompson knows how to make defenders consistently miss. He is a decisive runner and sets up his blocks very well. He give good effort in pass protection, as well. Chris Thompson is liable to get injured because of his small frame. He is only a change of pace back, not a three down player. He goes down on first contact and needs some space before he can make his own moves.
Chris Thompson Grade – D+
Round 5, Pick 162 – Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida St. – Along with very good production in the SEC, Jenkins is very quick with long strides. He turn the corner when rushing the quarterback, but also has enough power to take blocks head on in the run game. He doesn’t hustle as much as needed. Jenkins also doesn’t use an aresnal of moves, which allows tackles to push him out of the play. He needs to break down in open space to get more of a sure tackle.
Brandon Jenkins Grade – B+
Round 6, Pick 191 – Bacarri Rambo, S, Georgia – Rambo is a tough kid. He is big enough and quick enough to fill holes in the run game. He uses cut tackling to his advantage. He reads the routes and quarterbacks eyes very well and has strong hands that allow him to intercept 50/50 balls. He needs to work on taking better angles to the ball and getting off receiver blocks. He also needs to clean up his off the field issues.
Bacarri Rambo Grade – B
Round 7, Pick 228 – Jawan Jamison, RB, Rutgers – Jamison is a small scat back that can catch the ball out of the backfield. He was productive at Rutgers, even when playing through an ankle injury. He won’t be an every down back, but can bring some change of pace.
Jawan Jamison Grade – C-
Redskins Overall Draft Grade – B
Justin Bales