As the first four rounds of the 2017 NFL Draft concluded, I sat in disbelief as a Redskin fan, but in a good way. The Skins had a top #5 player in defensive lineman John Allen fall to them at #17. The reports were Allen’s draft day slide was attributed to his past shoulder surgeries, which developed into mild arthritis. Orthopedic Surgeon James Andrews confirmed the x-ray results were in fact showing mild traces of arthritis in both of Allen’s shoulders, but Dr. Andrews mentioned that this type of condition is very common among pro football players. Allen never missed playing time in college and he stated that he feels the best he has since he committed to Alabama. Either way Allen is worth any potential risk as a mid first round pick and will be a day 1 starter at DE, who will draw a lot of attention from O-lineman. When asked what was he most looking forward too when moving back home, Allen simply replied “I can’t wait to play the Cowboys”. That’s a good way to win the Redskin Die Hard fans hearts.
Second Round
The Skins then added another Alabama alum in edge rusher Ryan Anderson. He was another player I was surprised to see available in the second round. I had teams such as the Denver Broncos, who lost DE Ware to retirement or the Pittsburgh Steelers in mind as potential landing spots. Anderson is simply a lunch pale bruiser. He brings hustle & tenacity to the Redskins and is a film junky. When interview by ESPN 980 Radio’s Doc Walker, Anderson first statement was “I’m not a work out warrior I’m just a football player who loves the game and to kick the man’s ass in front of me you know”. He definitely sounded like a player who has a chip on his shoulder with something to prove. Anderson’s attitude on defense is what the Skins have been lacking since the great Dexter Manley. His 4.78 forty yard dash time at the NFL Combine didn’t seem to effect his on field production at Alabama, so I’m looking for Anderson to see the field early and often in 2018.
Third Round
In the third round the Redskins once again found themselves with another value pick in UCLA DB Fabian Moreau. The fact that Moreau was available in the third round, was attributed to the injury he sustained at his pro day. His torn pectoral muscle will keep him out until at least training camp and probably beyond. Prior to his injury, many mocks had Moreau being drafted in the latter part of round one or round two. At 6’0 205 this kid already has an NFL build, but must get healthy to contribute this season. I project Moreau will see some spot duty/special teams snaps in 2017, though I don’t expect to see him until mid season at best based on the depth the Skins have. I believe Moreau was drafted to replace upcoming defensive back Bashaud Breeland during the 2018 free agency period. Already paying Norman over $15 a year, a successful season for Breeland would price them out of his price range and a mediocre to bad season would make him replaceable. Yes the Skins could have gone with another position such as running back, but they had a plan for that in the next round.
Fourth Round
In round 4 the Redskins selected Sam Perine from Oklahoma. The 5’11 235 pound bulldozer is the most underrated running back in the entire draft in my opinion. Controversial RB Joe Mixon garnered most of the attention at Oklahoma, but Perine was the true Bell Cow. Perine broke the NCAA single game rushing record with 427 yards. He also finished off his career at Oklahoma by becoming the Oklahoma Sooners All Time leading rusher during their Cotton Bowl win. Remember players like Adrian Peterson and DeMarco Murray are Sooner alums. His pass blocking skills and freakish strength (30 reps of 225lbs at NFL the combine) is what potentially give him the edge over Fat Rob Kelley as the starting running back. He’s not know for being much of a pass catcher, but that’s what third down back Chris Thompson was resigned for. So look for Perine, Kelley, Thompson, even Mack Brown to form a running back by committee until one of them separates from the pack.
I hope you enjoyed my analysis of the first four Redskin 2017 Draft picks draft picks. I’m really excited to see the roster come together. On the next B & G Report I’ll will round out the rest of the Skins 2017 drafts picks with analysis and player interview quotes. Please share my blog if you enjoyed it and look for my full 32 team Post Draft breakdown coming soon. HTTR!!!🏈
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