The Redskins have made eight draft choices in this year's draft. The hope for the team is that these players will make an impact for the club and make them better including possibly bringing a Super Bowl championship in the future. With that being said, here are the players the team selected and the grade of the selection.
Round One: Chase Young-Defensive End
The best player in the draft, it's hard to imagine that Young did not go first overall. That being said, him falling into their laps at number two was an easy decision to make and the obvious choice. Young's speed and strength makes him an elite prospect and his comparisons to some all-time greats makes it even more exciting to see him play. He was so good in college that there were times opposing teams not only had to double team him to defend their quarterback, but even triple team him. The defensive line for the Redskins was already a strength, but adding Young makes it even more imposing and seemingly almost impossible to defend. That pass rush is scary good now with Young.
Grade: A+ (if there was anything higher, it would be that grade)
Round Three: Antonio Gibson-Running back/Wide receiver
Probably one of the more underrated players in the draft, his skillset and talent fits in perfectly with head coach Ron Rivera's scheme. Similar skillset as Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey, Gibson is more versatile as he can line up in the backfield or out as a receiver, possibly in the slot from time to time. He is a dynamic runner who is essentially a Swiss Army knife. He will also play some special teams. Gibson will essentially replace Chris Thompson and his role.
Grade: A-
Round Four: Saadhiq Charles-Offensive Tackle
With Trent Williams' departure, there was a big hole to fill on the offensive line. Charles will seemingly be that player as he had helped LSU to a National Championship. Sure, he is not quite as talented of a player as Williams is or ever will be, but he is a very talented player as some saw him as a first round selection. His draft stock dropped because of character issues, but Rivera seemed to think that he checked out, can be dealt with properly, and was too good to pass up on. That being said, he is a great physical specimen that should help boost this offensive line, which struggled in 2019.
Grade: B+
Round Four: Antonio Gandy-Golden-Wide Receiver
Gandy-Golden was an absolute steal by the Redskins that because he had fallen so far in the draft, he was too good to pass up on. This might be one of the better draft picks made in the entire draft as certain circumstances led to this happening. The wide receiver class was so deep that Gandy-Golden normally would have been an early round selection. That being said, he is said to be a playmaker and a game changer as he will pair well with Terry McLaurin for a wide receiver partnership as his speed is incredible.
Grade: A+
Round Five: Keith Ismael-Center
Ismael is an excellent pass-blocker who stands his ground firmly. While he is a better zone blocker, he at least adds depth and versatility as he can play guard. It will be interesting to see how Ismael is used as he could be used in a lot of certain plays. He's a tough player and blocks really well as well as is mobile. This was a low key great selection.
Grade: B
Round Five: Khaleke Hudson-Linebacker
While this selection was a bit of a head scratcher at the time, after more and more analysis it makes a lot of sense. Hudson was selected for depth, but he also adds versatility. Essentially like a hybrid linebacker/safety, he played five different positions in college including cornerback and defensive line. Hudson should be able to help play all over the field making him a unique selection. He also has excellent speed, which should help in the defense as it should help him in blitz situations. He'll get a lot of playing time.
Grade: B
Round Seven: Kamren Curl-Safety
There's a common theme with Rivera's selections as Curl also provides versatility. Curl can play both at linebacker and safety, but will likely play more at safety. It seems as though that Rivera likes Curl's ability, he provides depth, and probably will play all over the field come gameday. It's most certainly an interesting selection.
Grade: C+
Round Seven: James Smith Williams-Defensive End
This was a most peculiar selection by the team, but there has to be a good reason why he was selected. The defensive line is stacked with talent, so it seems like he will have to compete hard to make the roster. Smith Williams might also be a developmental player by making the practice squad, but he could be depth as well.
Grade: C-
Overall Grade: A-/B+
Depending on how you look at with the grade, this was overall a great draft for the team. However, how we all will look at this class come a few years down the road is to be determined, but on paper this should be one of the franchise's best. Young is the only sure player to make an impact as he most likely to become a star, but with the types of teams Rivera built in Carolina, these selections should make the Redskins a dangerous team in a couple of years.
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