Washington Redskins NFL Draft Picks: 2018 Round-by-Round Results, Grades
The Washington Redskins missed the postseason for the third time in the past four seasons in 2017 after finishing with a 7–9 record.
Now they will put their offense in the hands of veteran Alex Smith, who was acquired in a trade from the Kansas City Chiefs. Previous starter Kirk Cousins signed a lucrative three-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings.
In last year's draft, the Redskins selected Alabama defensive tackle Jonathan Allen in the first round.
How will they use their picks in this year's NFL draft? We’re breaking down every selection below.
Here's the full list of picks the Redskins hold in the 2018 draft, which will be updated as each selection is made.
Round 1, Pick 13 (No. 13 overall)
Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
Andy Benoit's grade: B-
Was Payne really the player that Washington wanted, or were there resounding groans across the war room when Tampa Bay took Vita Vea just one spot earlier? Here’s an argument for why Washington’s front office will be telling the truth when it says Payne was their top target all along: he can rush the passer. A pass rush is critical when you play as much zone as Washington, and Payne, with his light feet and some oomph in his movement, should help a run D that ranked 29th in yards per attempt last year. Interestingly, Washington drafted an Alabama interior pass rusher in the first round last year: Jonathan Allen.
Scouting Report: His performance in last year’s College Football Playoffs (showing talent on both sides of the ball against Clemson, then dominating against Georgia in the title game) solidified Payne’s spot in Round 1. His brute strength and athleticism will make him a dominant run defender, though he’s still a work-in-progress as a pass rusher.
Round 2, Pick 27 (No. 59 overall): Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
Andy Benoit's grade: B
We don’t know the details about why Guice dropped to Round 2. If it turns out to not be an issue, this pick becomes a huge value. Guice is a dynamic go-to back who can alter an offense’s makeup. Washington needed more consistency and on-the-ground playmaking at this position, especially after acquiring a cautious, point-guard style QB like Alex Smith. On-field, this pick is an A. Off-field, it’s a TBD.
Round 3, Pick 10 (No. 74 overall): Geron Christian, OT, Louisville
Andy Benoit's grade: C
A finesse offensive tackle for a team that has maybe the league’s best tandem in Trent Williams and Morgan Moses? With both under contract for the foreseeable future, the Redskins appear to have spent a third-round pick on a utility backup, with the understanding that Ty Nsekhe will move to guard. Somewhat of a head-scratcher.
Round 4, Pick 9 (No. 109 overall): Troy Apke, S, Penn State
Round 5, Pick 26 (No. 163 overall): Tim Settle, DT, Virginia Tech
Round 6, Pick 23 (No. 197 overall): Shaun Dion Hamilton, LB, Alabama
Round 7, Pick 23 (No. 241 overall): Greg Stroman, CB Virginia Tech
Round 7, Pick 38 (No. 256 overall): Trey Quinn, WR, Southern Methodist
