<
>

Washington Redskins' 2017 draft class: Kiper's grades, McShay's best pick, more

The 2017 NFL draft is over, and it's time to review how your favorite team fared. Where did it reach? Did it get a potential steal in Round 5? Is there a bust waiting to happen?

ESPN Insider's draft experts break down each draft class, starting with Mel Kiper Jr.'s grade, Todd McShay's favorite pick, and Scouts Inc.'s analysis on how each player fits into his new team.


Washington Redskins

Mel Kiper's Draft Grade: B+

Kiper: Washington needed to shore up its run defense in this draft, and the two Alabama players will certainly help there. Jonathan Allen, the No. 2 player on my board, fell all the way to No. 17, a complete heist by the Redskins. He was one of the top two or three defenders in the country the past two seasons, a versatile player who will likely play end in the Redskins' 3-4. He will be a disruptor. Ryan Anderson isn't one of the top pass-rushing 3-4 outside linebackers, but he's one of the best against the run. He doesn't have elite measureables (6-foot-2, 253, 4.78 40), but he's a solid all-around player.

Snagging Fabian Moreau, who was No. 65 on my board, is good value. Moreau slid because of a torn pectoral muscle suffered at his pro day, but his combine workout numbers (4.35 40, 38-inch vertical) were among the best of any player. He needs to improve his ball skills. Samaje Perine was one of my best available prospects headed into Day 3, and he'll be a steamroller for the Redskins at 5-11, 233. He set Oklahoma's all-time rushing record in only three seasons with 4,122 yards. The 6-5 Jeremy Sprinkle is my 12th-ranked tight end.


Todd McShay's favorite pick

Jonathan Allen DL, Alabama (pick No. 17)

Allen fell further than he should have, even when you consider the concerns over his athleticism and long-term health (shoulder). His tape is pristine and he comes with outstanding intangibles. The Redskins had a massive need for a player like Allen, who's one of the most disruptive interior pass-rushers in this class and a stud run defender. He comes with tremendous experience and will be an impact player from Day 1 in Washington.

Scouts Inc. on 2017 class

1 (17) Jonathan Allen, DT, Alabama | Highlights

What he brings: Allen is a versatile defensive lineman who plays with outstanding leverage and can line up in multiple spots along the front. Possesses the best sets of hands and is also one of the best interior pass-rushers in this defensive line class. -- Kevin Weidl

How he fits: Washington spent some money on its defensive line in free agency this offseason, but this is still an excellent pick based on value and fit. Allen's ability to set the edge should help bolster a run defense that finished 24th in the league. He's also a disruptive interior pass-rusher. -- Steve Muench


2 (17) Ryan Anderson, OLB, Alabama | Highlights

What he brings: Anderson, who is a better football player than athlete, is one of the more underrated prospects in this 2017 class. He possesses heavy and active hands, natural leverage and plays with a tone-setting mentality. He has a knack for making big plays. -- Kevin Weidl

How he fits: The Redskins continue to add versatility, toughness and pass-rushing help to their front with the additions of Anderson and Jonathan Allen with their first two picks. Anderson will provide another edge rusher opposite of Ryan Kerrigan and also could see some time at inside linebacker, where Washington needs need help. -- Kevin Weidl


3 (17) Fabian Moreau, CB, UCLA | Highlights

What he brings: Moreau is a long, athletic and rangy press cornerback. He uses his size and strength to his advantage to disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage and is a willing tackler in run support. He can become more consistent locating and playing the ball. -- Kevin Weidl

How he fits: The Redskins return both cornerback starters in Josh Norman and Bashaud Breeland. However, Breeland is entering a contract year and Moreau is a solid fit to be an eventual replacement and help a pass defense that ranked 25th in the league. -- Kevin Weidl


4 (7) Samaje Perine, RB, Oklahoma | Highlights

What he brings: Perine isn't much of a big-play threat, but he is a powerful runner who makes the most of his blocking. He put up big numbers in three seasons at Oklahoma. He's also a reliable checkdown target and a willing blocker in pass protection. -- Steve Muench

How he fits: Washington fills one of its most pressing needs and gets an excellent value in Perine early on Day 3. He has the potential to emerge as the starter in the Redskins' backfield and help improve a ground game that ranked 21st in yards per game last year. -- Steve Muench


4 (17) Montae Nicholson, S, Michigan State | Highlights

What he brings: Nicholson has the frame and length to hold up as a run-stopper in the box. While he ran an excellent 40 (4.42) and shows good range in coverage, he has some tightness in hips and is not a ball hawk. -- Steve Muench


5 (10) Jeremy Sprinkle, TE, Arkansas

What he brings: Sprinkle possesses the size, speed and length to develop into a productive "F" tight end at the NFL level. He needs development as a route runner and continues to improve his strength to become more consistent as a blocker. Also of note, Sprinkle has minor character concerns as he was suspended for the 2016 Belk Bowl after being cited for shoplifting at a Charlotte, North Carolina, department store. -- Kevin Weidl


6 (15) Chase Roullier, C, Wyoming

What he brings: A two-time team captain, Roullier lined up at guard for two seasons before moving to center in 2016, and he has the potential to develop into an effective reserve. His shorter arms and below-average upper body strength could prevent him from developing into a NFL starter. -- Steve Muench


6 (25) Robert Davis, WR, Georgia State

What he brings: While he lacks polish as a route runner and there are concerns about the level of competition he faced, Davis is a big, strong and explosive receiver who tested extremely well at the combine and has the work ethic to realize his considerable upside. -- Steve Muench


7 (12) Josh Harvey-Clemons, S, Louisville

What he brings: Harvey-Clemons is a big safety who has marginal top-end speed and below-average fluidity. He's a physical run-stopper who could turn into an effective nickel linebacker who also covers kicks. Eliminating distractions outside of football may ultimately determine his success or failure in the NFL. -- Steve Muench


7 (17) Josh Holsey, CB, Auburn

What he brings: He is a twitchy and athletic cornerback with adequate size and quality mirror skills in man coverage. -- Kevin Weidl