Washington Redskins mock draft: More Alabama emphasis in 2019
By Craig Stofko
ROUND 2 Pick 46: DEIONTE THOMPSON, S, ALABAMA
Maybe this a coincidence or maybe the football gods are finally cutting the ‘Skins a break but some of the players that are sliding down draft boards just happen to be positions of need for Washington.
Once the highest rated safety in the country, Thompson now sits behind Delaware’s Nasir Adderly and Washington’s Taylor Rapp on most draft boards and behind Mississippi State’s Jonathan Abram and Florida’s Chauncey Gardner-Johnson on others. I’m not sure we will see any safeties come off the board in the first round but regardless it’s beginning to look like there is a very real chance that Thompson is still undrafted when the Redskins pick at 46.
Round two is the prime position for teams needing wide receivers and the ‘Skins definitely need one of those. But, I can’t see passing on a safety with Thompson’s skill set when the position is so woefully lacking in depth.
I am still a Montae Nicholson fan but he has struggled with injuries during his short tenure with the Redskins. It is also my opinion that Dominique Rogers-Cromartie was brought on board to transition to safety, a la Deangelo Hall.
Adonis Alexander is another player that makes more sense at safety than at corner but both are unproven at the position. Deshazor Everett is not a starter and Troy Apke can’t tackle – kind of important for a safety. Let’s face it, if Washington does not draft a premier talent to pair with the newly acquired Landon Collins the big splash free agent signing becomes a questionable move.
Thompson and Collins could form a dream safety duo. It would be a mistake to pass on Thompson. Again, best player available and a position of desperate need.