Redskins select RB Jawan Jamison in 7th round

Written by Thomas Threlkeld on . Posted in Washington Redskins

In the 7th round of the 2013 NFL Draft, with the 228th pick overall, the Washington Redskins selected RB Jawan Jamison from Rutgers. 

This is the second time in this draft the Redskins have selected a running back, having taken Chris Thompson of Florida State in the 5th round.

Here is what Steve Muench of ESPN/Scouts Inc. thinks of the Jamison pick: 

 

Here is the ESPN scouting report on Jamison: 

Don't question effort and determination as a runner. Tough for size and doesn't back down. Doesn't shy away from contact or use sideline to protect against hits. On tape, it appears that ball can drift away from frame when he gets into space and he tends to be right hand dominant. But can't argue with results; Jamison has best career fumble-per-touch ratio (.38%) of the top 30 backs we studied.
 
Impatient at times and can abandon lead blocker too soon (6:39 1st QTR 2012 Arkansas). Better vision and instincts than patience. But can't knock decisiveness as a runner. Reads flow of defense and exploits cutback lanes. Effective zone runner that sets up blocks and makes sound decisions based on blockers' body position for the most part.
 
Quick-twitched athlete. Displays good lateral quickness and good initial acceleration off of his plant foot. Shows consistent ability to make first defender miss. More than capable of pressing the line of scrimmage and bouncing outside. Quick around the corner and hits the second level at full speed when catches a crease. Doesn't appear to have elite breakaway speed but he does show a second-gear in space and his top-end speed appears above average.
 
Displays excellent balance and runs with a wide base. Lacks good size and core strength to break the number of tackles that bigger/stronger backs break in the NFL. Is not going to push the pile on short-yardage carries, either. But runs hard and usually with great pad level. Knows when to drop his pads and consistently churns out an extra yard or two at the end of runs. Can absorb initial hit and bounce off when defenders fail to wrap up. Flashes effective stiff arm.
 
Small target and doesn't always field the ball cleanly but didn't drop a pass that he got his hands on during five-game evaluation. Tracks the ball well and flashes ability to adjust to it while it's in the air (9:41 2nd QTR 2012 Arkansas). Limited experience is a concern and doesn't run routes with enough urgency at times but quick enough to separate from linebackers and dangerous after the catch. Lacks ideal size in pass pro but shows good awareness and consistently sticks his face in the pads of oncoming linebackers.
 
Here is CBS Sports on Jamison.
OVERVIEW
After rushing for 1,972 yards with 13 touchdowns on the ground over the past two seasons, Jamison decided to forgo his final two years of eligibility at Rutgers to enter the 2013 NFL Draft.

He's valued by scouts for his versatility as well, combining for 36 receptions for 351 yards and another touchdown during the past two seasons.

"I just made my decision based off what was best for me and what was best for my family," Jamison said in declaring for the draft. "It took like a couple of weeks. I was thinking about it before the season ended. I was thinking about what I wanted to do. And once I got my grade, I just talked to my family and sat amongst myself and thought about it and I knew what I wanted."

Jamison turned in a second-team All-Big East season in 2012 with 1,075 rushing yards and four touchdowns despite being bothered by an ankle injury late in the season. That made him just the third Scarlet Knights running back since 1976 to top the 1,000-yard barrier.

"I can catch out of the backfield, I can run between the tackles, I can run outside and I can pass block too," Jamison said. "I feel like I can do it all."

Jamison is an intriguing prospect, especially as many NFL teams prefer a running back by committee approach.

"Jawan has been an exciting player for us during his career," said Rutgers head coach Kyle Flood in a release. "He is a running back with tremendous vision, great balance and has the gift to make people miss in the open field. We wish Jawan well as he begins his journey to play in the NFL."

 
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS: Versatile back who can provide production as a runner between the tackles and as a receiver out of the backfield. Elusive runner who isn't afraid of contact.

WEAKNESSES: While he has a tough mentality when running with the ball, Jamison is still undersized at 5-8, 200 pounds and likely lacks the bulk to be an every-down back in the NFL.

COMPARES TO: Ray Rice, RB, Ravens -- Jamison has a build -- and game -- similar to his fellow former Rutgers star, demonstrating the elusiveness expected of a back his size and the hard-running mentality of one much bigger.

Below are video highlights of Jawan Jamison

 

Redskins select Safety Baccari Rambo in 6th Round

Written by Thomas Threlkeld on . Posted in Washington Redskins

With the 23rd pick in the 6th round of the 2013 NFL Draft, the 191st pick overall, the Washington Redskins selected Georgia safety Baccari Rambo. The Redskins say Rambo is more of a free safety and Rambo, while asserting he can play both safety positions, agreed he is more of a free safety. "Whatever will help the team," said Rambo. "It's all about the team now, I can play both."

A three year starter for the Bulldogs, Rambo started getting a lot of national attention in his junior season when he picked off eight passes. He was named first team All-American and All-SEC after his junior year. His senior season was more of a roller coaster and it didn't start well when he was suspended for four games, but he still made 73 tackles and intercepted 3 passes.

Rambo has decent size -- 6'00" and 210 pounds -- and good speed, running the 40 in about 4.53.

Rob Rang of CBS Sports compares Rambo to safety Dashon Goldson, a Pro Bowler this past season who moved in free agency from San Francisco to Tampa Bay:

Like the 49ers' standout free safety, Rambo has a tendency to make splashy plays as a pass thief and intimidating hitter but is prone to an occasional breakdown. If he can tighten up his game (and his off-field decision-making) Rambo has the talent to earn Pro Bowl consideration, just as Goldson has done for the 49ers.

Rambo suffered terrible personal loss last year during the season, when his unborn child died of pregnancy complications. Rambo decided to play that week anyway and had one of the best games of his career, picking off two passes, breaking up another pass and making four tackles. The performance earned him National Defensive Back of the Week by the College Football Performance Award.

Here is how the NFL Draft profile of Rambo reads: 

 

STRENGTHS

 Possesses the combination of overall strength (befitting a last name mimicking the fictitious role played by Sylvester Stallone) and agility to fill multiple roles on defense. Consistently reads routes and the quarterback’s eyes well, flows with plays from the deep half and breaks on the ball quickly. His strong hands can snatch 50/50 and jump ball passes away from receivers, and is willing to throw his shoulder into receivers over the middle to separate the ball. Effective cut tackler at the second level, also changes directions quickly to wrap up running backs making a quick cut. Good effort, upper body strength to ride receivers and backs with a full head of steam to the ground or sideline. Moves well with receivers downfield, can take away deep options and limit yards after the catch.

WEAKNESSES

 Read-and-react skills, angles to the ball and his ability to break down quickly are inconsistent, and will be eluded by quicker ballcarriers at the next level. Physical receivers can also block him effectively in the run game. Off-field troubles are a problem: suspended for the first game of his junior season, and served another suspension to begin his senior year due to failed drug tests, both from supposed inadvertent ingestion of marijuana.

NFL COMPARISON

 Gerald Sensabaugh

BOTTOM LINE

 Possesses the size, athletic skill set, and playmaking ability to become a starter at the next level. However, multiple suspensions for violating team rules might hurt his draft stock.

 

Here is the ESPN Draft profile of Rambo.
 
Gets early breaks on the ball and has a good feel for when to play the body versus when to play the ball but can get caught gambling and overall awareness is just average. Reads quarterbacks better than routes and drifts out of position at times. Indecisive and can get caught in no man's land when quarterbacks roll out. Takes too long to react to play action at times and doesn't have the recovery speed to get away with it.
 
Enough range to cover deep half and flashes ability to play centerfield when makes sound read. At best attacking balls thrown in front of him. Quick transition out of pedal, closes well and limits yards after catch. Limitations in man coverage. Too high in pedal and shows stiffness transitioning out of breaks. Slow to turn-and-run when covering vertically.
 
Doesn't have to trap ball to bring it in and can catch passes thrown above shoulders. Flashes ability to track deep ball and make over the shoulder catches. Flashes above average aggressiveness in 50-50 situations and has frame to compete for jump balls. Reaches in and tries to rip the ball loose in gang tackle situations.
 
Flashes above average body control and the ability to make one-on-one plays in space. Doesn't shy away from bigger ball carriers and flashes the ability to lower the boom. Above average range versus the run and shows good closing burst in pursuit. However, inconsistent both in terms of angles and tackling. Overruns plays and gets caught out of position at times. Falls off too many high arm-tackle attempts. Tries to deliver knockout blow by leading with shoulder and can whiff. Has the frame and toughness to develop into an effective in-the-box safety- Good upper body strength  17 reps of 225 at Combine  and capable of jarring blockers. However, not violent or aggressive enough taking on blockers at this point.

Below is a video highlight compilation of Baccari Rambo.

 

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Nats beat the Reds 6-3

Written by Mark Buterbaugh on . Posted in Washington Nationals

Dan Haren (2-3) has been off to a rough start to his Nats career.  Today was a bit different.  Haren tossed 6 innings and scattered 6 hits and 2 runs to pick up his second win of the season.  Rafael Soriano picked up his 7th save.

Haren helped himself out at the plate as well, driving in the first Nats run with an RBI single in the second inning.  Denard Span followed with a shallow single to center field to drive in Anthony Rendon and give the Nats an early 2-0 lead.  Span collected two more hits and extended his current hitting streak to six straight.

The Nats offense grabbed two more runs in the third inning on RBI singles by Ian Desmond and Kurt Suzuki.  The singles gave the Nationals a quick 4-0 lead behind Haren.  The Nats weren't done.  What's a 6 run game without an RBI for Bryce Harper?  Harper drove in two runs in the fourth inning belting his 9th home run of the season.  Harper moved to second overall in home runs in the Nationals League behind Atlanta's Justin Upton, who has 11.  Span, harper, and Jayson Werth each had two hits.

The Nats have now won three straight and with an Atlanta loss today, the Nationals trimmed the Braves division lead to 2.5 games.  Ross Detwiler will take the mound tomorrow to try and earn the Nats a four game sweep of the visiting Reds,. 

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Robert Griffin III at the Redskins Draft Party

Written by Thomas Threlkeld on . Posted in Washington Redskins

He shouts "Hail to the Redskins" into the microphone and the crowed goes berserk. 

Photo courtesy of the Washington Redskins.

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Redskins select OLB Brandon Jenkins in 5th round

Written by Thomas Threlkeld on . Posted in Washington Redskins

In the fifth round of the 2013 NFL Draft, with the 162nd overall pick, the Washington Redskins selected OLB Brandon Jenkins of Florida State. He's the second straight player the Redskins have taken from Florida State. Earlier in the same round the Redskins picked RB Chris Thompson of the Seminoles. 

Like Thompson, Jenkins is an injury case, missing last season with a Lisfranc problem in his foot. However, he does have 22.5 career sacks. He had a huge season in 2010, though, with 13.5 sacks, five multiple-sack games, 21.5 tackles for loss and was voted team MVP.

Here is how the NFL scouting report reads on Jenkins: 

STRENGTHS

 Possesses very good initial quickness, eats up grass with long strides, and has the flexibility to turn the corner as a pass rusher. Has length and upper-body strength to rip off blocks and throw quarterbacks and running backs to the ground. Also displays the power to get lesser linemen on their heels. Not contact-shy playing the run, will stick his shoulder to keep leverage against single blocker and double teams to hold the line.

WEAKNESSES

 Suffered a Lisfranc injury in his left foot in 2012 opener, could redshirt. Pops up out of his stance off the snap, losing his momentum as an edge rusher. Hustle to chase plays is inconsistent. Change of direction skills are only adequate, fails to prevent backs from getting the sideline on plays to his size and break down when one-on-one in space against NFL-caliber ball-carriers. Owns a spin move but relies on outside rush too often, allowing tackles to take him out of plays.

NFL COMPARISON

 Nick Perry

BOTTOM LINE

 The next Florida State pass rusher to head to the NFL saw a drop in production in 2011 (eight sacks, down from 13.5 in 2010), and then suffered a Lisfranc injury in the Seminoles' 2012 opener. Jenkins has a redshirt year available, but the injury occurred early enough that he might hold off until doctors can determine if he would be ready to work out for scouts at the Combine. A strong workout and positive medical reports could make him a bargain for an NFL team trying to find a pass rusher (4-3 end or 3-4 linebacker) in the second round of the 2013 draft.

Below is a video compilation of Jenkins' career at FSU.

 

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Redskins select RB Chris Thompson in 5th round

Written by Thomas Threlkeld on . Posted in Washington Redskins

LISTEN TO THE CHRIS THOMPSON CONFERENCE CALL WITH THE MEDIA

In the fifth round, with the 154th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Washington Redskins selected RB Chris Thompson from Florida State. He's a solidly built player -- about 5'7" and 190 pounds. He's a speedster, clocking in at 4.4 in the 40, which is very fast for a running back. He was having a good season for the Seminoles when he blew out his left knee on October 20 and required arthroscopic surgery to repair his ACL. Prior to the injury he rushed for 687 yards and 5 TD and averaged 7.5 yards per carry doing it. 

It wasn't the first serious injury for Thompson. His 2011 season was cut short after he broke a vertebrae in his back. He's worked his way back from one serious injury and now we'll find out if he can work his way back from another. His knee rehab is reportedly ahead of schedule, but they all say that five months before the season. 

The NFL player Thompson reminds me of the most is Darren Sproles, who is also very fast, small, and very good out of the backfield as a receiver. 

Here is the NFL scouting report on Thompson: 

STRENGTHS

 Dangerous runner/receiver combination in the backfield able to make the big play. Comfortable behind a fullback in I-formation, follows off tackle the cuts back inside. Capable swing pass receiver, looks the catch into hands, and utilizes a quick move to make a tackler miss in space. Definitely at his bets in the open field. Makes things happen if untouched at the second level, open footwork and makes tacklers miss with nice burst. Very patient on screen passes but tends to drift to the sideline. If the lane is there, he is a very decisive runner. Gives good effort when attempting to pickup blitzer, dives at inside leg.

WEAKNESSES

 Lacks the size to be a bellcow NFL back, and has had problems staying healthy. Carries the ball in the wrong arm too often. First contact usually brings him down, loses footing and upended. Will not always get back to the line of scrimmage when contacted in the backfield. Small and lean frame. Can attempt too many moves in space. Runs like a receiver, striding instead of being efficient with his footwork. Can’t sustain in pass protection or mirror. Takes some really big hits, could be due to his upright stance. Has the most problems when initial line is stopped at the line of scrimmage. Has difficulties creating without some space first.

NFL COMPARISON

 Antone Smith

BOTTOM LINE

 Two broken vertebrae in his back wasn’t enough to keep Thompson from coming back for his senior year. The diminutive but speedy back led the Seminoles in rushing in 2010 (845 yards, six touchdowns, also 19-155, TD receiving), but struggled with his back throughout his junior season even before suffering the major injury against Wake Forest. If he proves himself healthy enough to take hits after breaking off big runs using his track speed and elusiveness, however, teams will value him as a mid-to-late round change of pace back with return potential.

Here is a look at Thompson from last season before his knee injury.

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Redskins take S Phillip Thomas in 4th Round

Written by Thomas Threlkeld on . Posted in Washington Redskins

In the fourth round of the 2013 NFL draft, the 119th pick overall, the Washington Redskins selected safety Phillip Thomas of Fresno State. Like David Amerson, the cornerback the Redskins took in the second round of this draft, Thomas is a ballhawking defensive back with pretty good size. 

Thomas led the nation with 8 interceptions last year, returning three of them for touchdowns. Thomas also recorded 82 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, four passes broken up and four forced fumbles.

"That is a great pick for the Redskins," said Mike Mayock of the NFL Network.  "One of the best ballhawking free safeties in this draft... This kid, as a 4th round pick, has an opportunity to come in and start." 

Thomas grew up as a Redskins fan even though he was raised in California. His favorite player: the late Sean Taylor, of course.

ESPN writes this about Phillip Thomas

Instincts are a notch below elite. Recognizes and reacts to play action quickly. Reads quarterback and flashes above average route recognition. Flashes above average situational awareness i.e. trying to rip the ball out of runners' hands when trailing late. Lined up deep, over the slot and in the box at Fresno State.
 
Limited in terms of ability to match up with slot receivers. Tight and takes too long to transition when forced to change directions quickly. However, can get hands on receivers and reroute them. Flashes ability to turn and run when wins with hands at line of scrimmage. Fast enough to cover deep half. While doesn't have elite range quick reaction time boosts range and can play centerfield when takes sound angle to the ball. Times hits well and can separate receivers from the ball. Limits production after the catch.
 
Playmaker that tracks the ball well. Can extend and snatch. Times jumps well for the most part and can high point. Locks in and can tip ball to himself when only gets one hand on it. Can be late turning and locating the ball when forced to turn back to the line of scrimmage.
 
Big enough to hold up in box. Does a nice job of slipping blocks and sifting through traffic when plays close to line of scrimmage. Takes too long to get off blocks once reached but doesn't shy away from taking on bigger blockers and willing to sacrifice body to make play. Not relentless but above average effort chasing the run. Inconsistent tackler. Can lower the boom. Can also fail to break down and wrap up trying to level the ball carrier. Angles are sound for most part but again a touch inconsistent.
 
Below is a video highlights package of Phillip Thomas.
 

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Mike Shanahan NFL Draft press conference

Written by Thomas Threlkeld on . Posted in Washington Redskins

The following is from a Mike Shanahan press conference after round 3 of the 2013 NFL Draft.

CB DAVID AMERSON [2nd Round Pick]

“I thought Amerson really played well. The last couple of years he’s really done a good job of getting interceptions. He’s a guy we think can play in off coverage and in bump coverage. He’s got the speed that you look for. He’s got some length. He’s just a guy we thought would fit into our system very well. Very sharp player, very smart player." 

On Amerson's tendency to gamble in coverage“We don't really worry about that. We're going to coach him the way we want to coach him. He's going to fit into our system, and we do think he's got the athletic ability to make plays. And anytime you're in that 4.4 range and you've got length in that six-foot area, and you have the ability to play off-coverage and bump... We do a lot of different things with our secondary. We think we can give him opportunities he hasn't had in the past and we're just looking forward to working with him. I had dinner with him when he came into town. He's a nice person, fit in really well with our staff. We're happy he was there.”

Amerson at CB or S“We’ll have to see when he gets here. The first thing we want to do is see if he can play outside, because that’s the toughest position to play. If you can find that guy, you are in pretty good shape. I think he can play nickel, but we are looking at him as an outside corner and we’ll adjust some other players on the inside.”

TE JORDAN REED [3rd Round pick]

“We took a look at Reed. He was a guy that had a great ability to make people miss. When he has the ball in his hands, he can do things with the ball that are very athletic. That is something that a lot of tight ends can’t do. We weren’t necessarily looking for a tight end, but when he was there we couldn’t pass him up.” ...

“What you do is you watch a lot of film. You have some guys ranked and some guys you think are going to go in the first or second round. Sometimes they last until the third round. Sometimes you have guys projected in the second and third round that are gone. When he was there with our pick, we felt it was a value we couldn’t pass up. We think he brings a lot to our football team that we didn’t have.” ...

“Usually your best player is a quarterback in high school. It happens a lot, for a quarterback to come in, sometimes you see him as a tight end, sometimes he'll be an offensive lineman. [Former Redskins defensive lineman] Phillip Daniels, very impressed when he came out. He could just do some things a lot of tight ends couldn't do, send people up, so you look for that type of athlete and we feel like we got one in Reed.” ...

“He can go outside or inside and he’s got the athletic ability to do those types of things.” ...

“We had him as a top receiving tight end and that’s one of the reasons why we drafted him. We feel like he’s got those intangibles you look for, a lot like [New England Patriot tight end Aaron] Hernandez. I’m not sure if Hernandez is that fast, but he’s got the ability to beat linebackers and defensive backs because he knows how to run routes and this guy is very similar.”

Reed's Benching at the Sugar Bowl for "attitude" problems“We checked that out. We talk with different coaches before we draft somebody. You have to check all those stories out and we feel very good about him.” 

CB or S DeANGELO HALL

“The great thing about D-Hall is that he has the ability to play any position on your team. He can play outside or he can play inside. He gives you some advantages, especially with what offenses are doing today. He can play free safety. He can play strong safety, which a lot of people can’t play because they don’t have the skills or they don’t want to hit, and D-Hall is not afraid to hit and he is very bright. He gives us a lot of flexibility. You have to have the depth at the corner position, and now we feel like we have that.”

TE NILES PAUL

“Niles has done a great job. I think it’s always tough to go from a wide receiver to a tight. The transition is usually in the first year. I expect him to do a lot better. The thing you can do offensively when you have a lot of tight ends is you are flexible and can put a lot of pressure on the defense. You can go five wides for a game or four tight ends; a guy that can go either direction. It helps you on special teams and gives you the ability to do things normally an offense can’t do and a defense has to prepare for. And some of the things we did last year, we think he compliments what we do; a guy that can not only act as a tight end but can run routes like a wide receiver.”

2013 DRAFT QB

“Well, you never know what a quarterback is going to do until he gets into a system and does it. I hate to talk about any quarterback until he actually goes out there and you see what he can do. There’s always a lot of speculation and a lot of pressure on the quarterback because you expect a lot out of him and a lot of it has to do with the supporting cast as well. We will find out here in due time.”

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Day Three Draft Preview

Written by tomblaz on . Posted in Washington Redskins

 

The Redskins will be busy on Saturday with five total selections in rounds four through seven.

I like the pick of NC State defensive back David Amerson as he has potential at both corner and free safety and fits nicely since the team seems confused on which position is a bigger need. Amerson was destroyed by the stud receivers at Clemson and Tennessee, but two were drafted in first round, another in second and a fourth projects as a first rounder next season. I really like defensive end Margus Hunt of SMU who went two picks later to Cincinnati, but Amerson fills a much larger position of need.

Jordan Reed is athletic enough to have served as the wildcat quarterback at Florida the year after Tebow left. Reed is a "joker" tight end, not an in-line blocker, but one that will be put in motion on nearly every play. Why did the Redskins take a tight end after bringing back Fred Davis? Because Davis is gone after this season. Davis will either have a big year and be too expensive, or struggle in his recovery from injury and be let go. UNC offensive tackle Brennan Williams went four picks later to Houston and may have filled the RT spot long term.

Who is left? Fortunately, this is an extremely deep draft with lots of talent remaining on the board. These are some of the players I would be targeting, some will go early in round three, others later in the proceedings.

QB Matt Scott Arizona- Nice fit for system, could stash for '14 and beyond when Grossman departs.

RB Andre Ellington Clemson- Fast, fast, fast and should go early Saturday afternoon.

RB Kenjon Barner Oregon- Can turn the corner and be found in later rounds.

FB Zach Line SMU- Could be Peyton Hillis type "big back" at next level.

WR Da'Rick Rogers Tennessee Tech- As much potential as the two Vols WR's chosen early.

WR Denard Robinson Michigan- Why not take a chance late on "shoelace"?

OL Barrett Jones Alabama- Can fill at C,G or T, eventually starting at a high level.

OL Khaled Holmes USC- Grab a center as Wil Montgomerry's eventual replacement?

OL Earl Watford James Madison- If a Duke is gonna be an NFL player, should be with Skins.

OL David Quisenberry San Jose State- Underrated tackle, lost in the shuffle.

DL Devin Taylor South Carolina- I like the potential of the 6'8" DE/OLB.

DL Jesse Williams Alabama- What a handful, surprised he is still on the board.

LB Chase Thomas Stanford- Talented and steady, will be a battle for backup jobs at OLB.

LB Jelani Jenkins Florida- My sleeper of the later rounds, homegrown DC high school star.

LB Kevin Reddick UNC- Best inside linebacker left, potential Fletcher replacement?

DB B.W.Webb William & Mary- Solid corner, would be great fourth round selection.

DB Jordan Poyer Oregon State- Not many mocks had him falling out of the second round.

DB Steve Williams California- Fastest DB left on the board, perhaps fastest player left at any position.

DB Phillip Thomas Fresno State- A favorite of many Skins fans and mocks.

DB Bacarri Rambo Georgia- If the Skins are going to take another safety and I hope they are, I hope its Rambo.

DB Zeke Motta Notre Dame- Bigger, faster Reed Doughty with upside.

P   Brad Wing LSU- Former Australian Rules football star is a game changer.

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Redskins take TE Jordan Reed in 3rd Round

Written by Thomas Threlkeld on . Posted in Washington Redskins

In the third round, with the 85th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Washington Redskins selected TE Jordan Reed of the University of Florida. 

Safety is a major need for the Redskins and players like Phillip Thomas and Earl Wolff were there to be taken, but the Redskins passed them up in favor of Reed. 

Reed is a smaller tight end, at 6'3" and 236 pounds, but he's a very good athlete. I like his upside because he's got good hands, quick feet and has superior body control. He can be lined up all over the field -- in the slot, wide or in the backfield -- and be a threat at all times. 

Due to his size, don't expect Reed to be a road-grading blocker. Reed is more of a "move" blocker, meaning he gets into open space and takes on defenders there, relying on his speed and athleticism to get the better of those matchups. 

Here is video of Reed's NFL Draft profile. Below that is ESPN's take on Reed. 

Here is what ESPN has to say about Reed: 

Good take off speed and impressive natural athleticism for the position. Has a lot of upside in this area because of his natural athleticism and experience at QB. Fluid hips. Does not need to gear down when changing course. Flashes a good feel for working back to QB after initial play breaks down. But does still need polish as a route runner. Too many routes with wasted steps. Will round off and telegraph some routes. Also has a tendency to get head turned around late on certain routes (usually out, post and post-corner).

Confident pass catcher. Attacks ball away from his body. Shows ability to pluck on the run. Has made some tough catches with defenders draped on him. Does a nice job of looking the ball in and immediately securing it. Does not appear to have great leaping ability but does show good body control and ability to contort body while in the air. Also consistently catches ball thrown over his head.

Versatile athlete. Can line him up all over the field, including in the backfield and as a Wildcat triggerman. Very good athlete for the position. Shows good burst off the line and can get down the seam quickly. Shows good initial burst after the catch. A legitimate weapon with ball in hand. Has quickness, change-of-direction skills, field vision and second gear to turn short completion into big gain.

Wants the ball in his hands and is very competitive. Has a lot of confidence in his ability. Will lay it on the line as a receiver and runner. Fumbled on final play of loss to Georgia in 2012 (attempting to leap into end zone over defender trailing by one score). Not the first guy to look for a defender to hit when another teammate makes a catch. Can be a buffet blocker down the field. Gets frustrated by lack of targets in UF's run-heavy offense.

Prototypical 'Joker' or 'F' type TE. Can be an effective 'move' blocker. Has shown improved strength and technique in this area. Can execute assignment when he is in position and has an angle. Solid effort as a blocker. But has limited size/strength to matchup inline. Has tendency to dip his head prior to contact, which leads to off-target contact and occasional whiffs. Falls off too many blocks. Struggles to sustain when blocking head-up. Tries to stay low and drive legs after initial contact but frequently overmatched at point of attack.

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