Washington Redskins 2018 NFL Draft tracker and highlights
The Washington Redskins have a new quarterback in Alex Smith. How will they surround him with talent in the 2018 NFL Draft?
The Washington Redskins, like many teams in the NFL this offseason, had an eye-popping offseason, starting with an early trade for Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith.
The acquisition of Alex Smith has given the Redskins new hope for the future, with so much doubt surrounding the potential return of Kirk Cousins, who moved on to the Minnesota Vikings.
The Redskins will certainly recoup a third round compensatory pick in next year’s draft for Cousins, who signed a three-year deal that was almost entirely guaranteed (Cousins was given some additional, non-guaranteed incentives).
The roster turnover in Washington figures to be more bearable given the veteran presence of Smith at the quarterback position.
Smith is coming in to be the stabilizer of this organization, and return them to prominence in the ultra-competitive NFC East, which now features the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
How will the Redskins approach the draft? What are their needs?
Aside from the move to go out and get Alex Smith, the biggest move Washington made on the free agent market was to get speedy wide receiver Paul Richardson, who gives the Redskins a vertical threat they have lacked with DeSean Jackson having moved on.
Let’s take a look at this team’s top needs, their offseason movement, and their newest draft class.
Top Needs
Defensive Tackle, Running Back, Cornerback, Linebacker, Edge Defender
Key Offseason Acquisitions
QB Alex Smith (KC); WR Paul Richardson (SEA); OLB Pernell McPhee (CHI); CB Orlando Scandrick (DAL); QB Kevin Hogan
Key Offseason Subtractions
QB Kirk Cousins, C Spencer Long, WR Terrelle Pryor, OLB Trent Murphy, WR Ryan Grant, OT Will Compton, S/LB Su’a Cravens, CB Kendall Fuller
2018 Draft Selections
1. 1st round, 13th overall: Da’Ron Payne, DL, Alabama
2. 2nd round, 59th overall – Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
3. 3rd round, 74th overall – Geron Christian, OL, Louisville
4. 4th round, 109th overall – Troy Apke, S, Penn State
5. 5th round, 163rd overall: Tim Settle, DL, Virginia Tech
6. 6th round, 197th overall: Shaun Dion Hamilton, LB, Alabama
7. 7th round, 231st overall
8. 7th round, 241st overall
JUMP TO TEAM
CLE | NYG | NYJ | DEN | IND | TB | CHI | SF | OAK | MIA | BUF | WAS | GB | ARI | BAL | LAC | SEA | DAL | DET | CIN | NE | CAR | TEN | ATL | NO | PIT | JAX | MIN | PHI | HOU | LAR | KC