Redskins find solid defensive depth, contributors in rookie class

Last April, Redskins director of scouting Scott Campbell joked his team would end up drafting an offensive player in the first round after having just given a lengthy answer about how the 2017 draft was one of the “strongest and deepest” classes he had seen on defense.

Campbell’s joke was days before the NFL draft, but his comments about the defensive depth foreshadowed the Redskins’ thinking. Washington used six of its 10 draft picks on defense — including their first three selections.

While it’s hard to accurately measure the success of a draft class without a few years of data, some of the Redskins’ rookies made an impact in 2017.

Here’s a look at each one.

First round, pick No. 17: defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (Alabama)

Key stat: 81. 3

What it means: Some take grades from Pro Football Focus with a grain of salt. But according to the analytics company, Allen graded 81.3 his rookie year, eighth-best among those taken in the first round. Allen has a noticeable effect on the Redskins’ defense, adding a much-needed interior presence on the line.

Allen’s season, however, was limited to just five games. His year ended when he suffered a Lisfranc sprain against the San Francisco 49ers. The Redskins hoped Allen could return later in the season, but proceeded to be cautious once they were eliminated from playoff contention. The injury marked the second year in a row where the Redskins’ first-round pick didn’t finish the season.

Second round, pick No. 49: linebacker Ryan Anderson (Alabama)

Key stat: 193

What it means: Anderson saw just 193 defensive snaps in 2017 as he was buried behind Ryan Kerrigan, Preston Smith and Junior Galette. The Alabama linebacker was taken to give the Redskins’ another explosive pass-rusher on the outside, but he failed to make a difference. Anderson’s 193 defensive snaps accounted for just 30.74 percent of Washington’s defensive plays.

During the season, Galette said he told Anderson to keep his head up because he barely saw time his rookie year, too. But Anderson was a high selection for the Redskins to get such little value in Year 1.

Third round, pick No. 81: cornerback Fabian Moreau (UCLA)

Key stat: 10

What it means: That’s how many games Moreau went this season without recording a single defensive snap. Moreau largely made an impact on special teams, thriving as a gunner on the outside. Moreau’s future, though, is intriguing as he will be a strong candidate to replace Bashaud Breeland on the outside if the cornerback leaves in free agency.

“I think next year in the offseason and training camp is going to be a great test for him, but I think he’s got the chance to be a true lockdown corner for us,” Redskins coach Jay Gruden said.

Moreau missed time in training camp because he was recovering from an offseason torn pectoral injury, but was healthy throughout the year.

Fourth round, pick No. 114: running back Samaje Perine (Oklahoma)

Key stat: 3.45

What it means: Perine was a solid selection for a fourth round value. But for him to take the Redskins’ starting job in the future, he has to average better than 3.5 yards per carry. His improvement will come with a better understanding of reading running lanes and learning to be patient. Despite the low average, Perine led the Redskins in rushing yards, in large part because injuries forced him into the starting lineup.

Fourth round, pick No. 123: safety Montae Nicholson (Michigan State)

Key stat: 6

What it means: Nicholson started six games as a rookie, and when he did, he impressed. Nicholson and veteran D.J. Swearinger gave the Redskins a solid safety pair. However, Nicholson had a problem staying healthy. He missed two games with shoulder injuries, which were also a problem in college. Even more concerning, he missed the last six games of the season with a concussion. Nicholson couldn’t clear concussion protocol and so the Redskins shut him down on Dec. 19. His health will be major question mark moving forward.

Fifth round, pick No. 154: tight end Jeremy Sprinkle (Arkansas)

Key stat: 13

What it means: Sprinkle had just 13 yards as a rookie on just two catches. He made the roster, but was limited to primarily special teams. The Redskins like his upside and knew he was going to be a project when taking him.

Sixth round, pick No. 199: center Chase Roullier (Wyoming)

Key stat: 7

What it means: The Wyoming product might be the Redskins’ most surprising find as an injury to Spencer Long forced Roullier to start seven games. Roullier was particularly impressive in pass protection, and he could be in line to start again next season with Long a free agent.

Sixth round, pick No. 206: wide receiver Robert Davis (Georgia State)

Key stat: 1

What it means: Davis played in just one game this season, spending most of the year on the practice squad. He showed flashes in training camp.

Seventh round, pick No. 230: linebacker Josh Harvey-Clemons (Louisville)

Key stat: 16

What it means: Harvey-Clemons had 16 tackles in 2017 — and that’s more than what the Redskins probably would have expected at the beginning of OTAs. The Redskins took Harvey-Clemons as a project, but he saw playing time with so many injuries to their linebacking core. He wasn’t a disaster.

Seventh round, pick No. 235: cornerback Joshua Holsey (Auburn)

Key stat: 12

What it means: Holsey was active for 12 games this season, a decent amount for a seventh-round rookie. During training camp, Gruden said Holsey surpassed expectations by far. In the regular season, he played mostly special teams.