(updated title): Make Your Day One Redskins Draft Selections (Rounds 1-2)

[SkinsFanSince91]

Rather than postulate as to who will reach and fall, right now I will just say who I think we should take at 21st overall.

Since the combine hasn't happened yet I can't say who I ultimately would want to pick, yet here are my three choices.

1) Dominique Rodgers_Cromartie - Possibly A better version than San Diego's Antonio Cromartie, who is DRC's cousin. He has similar atributes as well, but I rate him higher because DRC enters the draft without an extensive injury history unlike AC when he entered.

We are the shakiest at the CB position. Rogers won't be ready for the season, Shawn Springs is getting up there in age(still he is our best CB), Smoot is cool, the reserves are serviceable, and the NFC East WR's will only get meaner after the draft and free agency. Furthermore, coverage is at a premium now that the NFL has evolved into more of a passing league (largely due to the enforcing of the illegal contact rule.

Next year if/when we trade/cut Springs, we will hopefully have a healthier Rodgers, fresh Smoot, and an up and coming DRC.

2) Calais Campbell - His 6'8 280lb frame is an intimidating thing to see. He can come right is and stop the run and rush the passer. He could even be used as a DT in 3rd down passing sub-packages with Chris Wilson, Marcus Washington, or another DE acquisition via the draft or free agency.


3) Quentin Groves - Pass rush specialist from the SEC where he flat out dominated opposing tackles with his speed and quickness. He would definitely be a great force off the edge for us, and as a bonus he can play OLB for us is Rocky develop a nagging knee problem.

We should solidify the defense in the first round. Wide outs are tempting, but hardly yield great results in the first round. Plus, this year's WR class is deep, and we can find talent in later rounds.

[SkinsFanSince91]

Originally Posted by SkinsFanSince91

We should solidify the defense in the first round. Wide outs are tempting, but hardly yield great results in the first round. Plus, this year's WR class is deep, and we can find talent in later rounds.

Prime examples are Devin Thomas, Jordy Nelson, and Adarius Bowman. They are all big, quick, aggressive, and play-making wide outs that can develop into the " #1" WR.

Especially Devin Thomas. Here is what ESPN's Scouts Inc. had to say about in their report. Pay attention to the last sentence.

Devin Thomas
WR | (6'2", 217, 4.51) | MICHIGAN STATE

Scouts Grade: 89

Strengths: Possesses adequate-to-good height with a sturdy build for a wide receiver. Very smooth and fluid. Displays outstanding hands. Can consistently catch over his head. Strong hands to pluck in traffic. Can snatch the ball on the run with very little wasted motion. Is a treat after the catch. Does not possess elite initial burst but he does display a second gear to run away from defenders once he gets going (see: 2nd quarter vs. Wisconsin). He is a silky-smooth runner with excellent vision and body control. Sees the entire field and shows the change-of-direction ability to make sharp cuts without losing speed. Is strong and will drag some defenders for extra yards after the catch. Was effective in the times we saw him take handoffs in the backfield and might have a future as a kick return man in the NFL. Has bulk and strength to sustain blocks when he?s in position. Also flashes a mean streak.

Weaknesses: More dangerous after the catch than he is as a vertical route runner. Lacks ideal experience at the highest collegiate level. Still needs polishing as a route-runner. Rounds off many of his routes. Not crisp enough to consistently separate from tight man-to-man coverage. Needs to improve his array of release moves versus press coverage at the line of scrimmage. Takes a bit too long to reach top speed. Doesn?t always sell routes on play-action runs. Can sustain his blocks once locked on but takes some poor angles and doesn't always get in good position. Effort as a blocker is inconsistent.

Overall: After proving his explosiveness and versatility by averaging 105.5 all-purpose yards at Coffeyville CC in 2005, Thomas enrolled at Michigan State. He played 10 games in his first season in East Lansing, but finished with just six receptions, 90 receiving yards and one touchdown. He broke out as a junior last season, playing in all 13 games and delivering 79 catches, eight TDs and a Big Ten-best 1,260 receiving yards for a Spartans offense that relied heavily on the run. He added 177 rushing yards on 27 carries and starred as a return man, averaging 29.1 on 39 kickoff returns. Compared to most prospects, there?s very little information to go off of when evaluating Thomas. He only played one year at the FBS level, and as an underclassman entry he was not able to compete in a post-season all-star game. His inexperience and lack of exposure naturally creates some doubt. However, the more film we study of Thomas the more impressed we are with his overall physical tools. He possesses the size, athleticism and hands of a future starter in the NFL, which is why we graded Thomas out in the second round. He will fit best in a West Coast system, where his run-after-catch ability will be maximized.

[SeanTaylor21]

Originally Posted by SkinsFanSince91

Prime examples are Devin Thomas, Jordy Nelson, and Adarius Bowman. They are all big, quick, aggressive, and play-making wide outs that can develop into the " #1" WR.

Especially Devin Thomas. Here is what ESPN's Scouts Inc. had to say about in their report. Pay attention to the last sentence.

Devin Thomas
WR | (6'2", 217, 4.51) | MICHIGAN STATE

Scouts Grade: 89

Strengths: Possesses adequate-to-good height with a sturdy build for a wide receiver. Very smooth and fluid. Displays outstanding hands. Can consistently catch over his head. Strong hands to pluck in traffic. Can snatch the ball on the run with very little wasted motion. Is a treat after the catch. Does not possess elite initial burst but he does display a second gear to run away from defenders once he gets going (see: 2nd quarter vs. Wisconsin). He is a silky-smooth runner with excellent vision and body control. Sees the entire field and shows the change-of-direction ability to make sharp cuts without losing speed. Is strong and will drag some defenders for extra yards after the catch. Was effective in the times we saw him take handoffs in the backfield and might have a future as a kick return man in the NFL. Has bulk and strength to sustain blocks when he?s in position. Also flashes a mean streak.

Weaknesses: More dangerous after the catch than he is as a vertical route runner. Lacks ideal experience at the highest collegiate level. Still needs polishing as a route-runner. Rounds off many of his routes. Not crisp enough to consistently separate from tight man-to-man coverage. Needs to improve his array of release moves versus press coverage at the line of scrimmage. Takes a bit too long to reach top speed. Doesn?t always sell routes on play-action runs. Can sustain his blocks once locked on but takes some poor angles and doesn't always get in good position. Effort as a blocker is inconsistent.

Overall: After proving his explosiveness and versatility by averaging 105.5 all-purpose yards at Coffeyville CC in 2005, Thomas enrolled at Michigan State. He played 10 games in his first season in East Lansing, but finished with just six receptions, 90 receiving yards and one touchdown. He broke out as a junior last season, playing in all 13 games and delivering 79 catches, eight TDs and a Big Ten-best 1,260 receiving yards for a Spartans offense that relied heavily on the run. He added 177 rushing yards on 27 carries and starred as a return man, averaging 29.1 on 39 kickoff returns. Compared to most prospects, there?s very little information to go off of when evaluating Thomas. He only played one year at the FBS level, and as an underclassman entry he was not able to compete in a post-season all-star game. His inexperience and lack of exposure naturally creates some doubt. However, the more film we study of Thomas the more impressed we are with his overall physical tools. He possesses the size, athleticism and hands of a future starter in the NFL, which is why we graded Thomas out in the second round. He will fit best in a West Coast system, where his run-after-catch ability will be maximized.

Whats up with everyones obsession with Devin Thomas, he sound like Brandon Llody II to me.
Analysis

Positives: NFL receiver build and long limbs. ... Gets his solid hands on the ball any way possible: reverses, bubble screens, returns. ... Quick in and out of breaks. ... Adjusts well to the ball in the air, usually snatching it with his hands. ... Quick acceleration after the catch, will rack up YAC. ... Runs solid routes, including slants inside -- and will hang onto the ball while taking the hit. ... Very willing blocker outside or in the slot on run plays, and he can eliminate the corner. ... Often lines up in the slot to take advantage of smaller nickel backs. ... Potential for a solid kick return option. ... Follows wedge, finds the lanes, gets to top speed quickly and does not go down on first contact.

Negatives: Only one productive year in major college football. ... Will need to prove he's a legitimate downfield threat. ... Doesn't always make the tough deep catch that the best receivers do. ... Tries to do too much at times, dancing after the catch instead of heading upfield. ... Could sustain better when blocking larger safeties and linebackers. Heres link:NFL Events: Combine Player Profiles - Devin Thomas