Washington Redskins (Last Year: 4-13)
NFL Draft Team Grade:
B- GradeGoals Entering the 2024 NFL Draft: The Redskins will be drafting their franchise quarterback at No. 2. After that, it’s all about bolstering the trenches. The Redskins have major problems with their blocking and lackluster pass rush, so both of those areas could be addressed in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Redskins also have some major holes at cornerback and tight end that must be addressed.
2024 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The Redskins could have drafted an inferior quarterback prospect like the Panthers did a year ago, but they chose the correct player. Jayden Daniels was an excellent pick at No. 2 overall, as he’ll finally solve the quarterback problem that has plagued Washington for decades.
However, I worry about Daniels’ pass protection in the short term. The Redskins bolstered the interior of the offensive line in free agency, but still has a huge hole at left tackle. I thought the Redskins would select a quality blind-side protector or in the second round or perhaps trade up for one, but they failed to do so. As a result, Daniels will struggle with edge pressure to begin his career.
I liked some of Washington’s other picks, as Johnny Newton and Mike Sainristill will help defensively. However, the Redskins wasted some selections and failed to address their second-biggest need, so I can’t grade their haul too favorably.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
2. Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU – A Grade
Three possible quarterbacks were discussed as a possibility for the Redskins at No. 2. Ultimately, Washington made the correct decision. While J.J. McCarthy has a high floor and Drake Maye possesses an enormous ceiling, Jayden Daniels maintains both. He was the right choice for the Redskins despite some drama that occurred between between him and the organization during the top-30 visit.
36. Johnny Newton, DT, Illinois – B Grade
I don’t like that the Redskins are passing on a left tackle for their new quarterback because they don’t have one. However, I love the value they’re getting with Johnny Newton. While Newton doesn’t fill an immediate need, the Redskins aren’t ready to win the Super Bowl this year anyway, so they need to build for the future. I just worry about Jayden Daniels’ protection.
50. Mike Sainristill, CB, Michigan – B Grade
It can’t be a surprise that the Redskins are drafting a cornerback, given how much they struggled against the pass last year. Mike Sainristill fits the range here, as he’s a high-character cornerback who tested better than expected.
53. Ben Sinnott, TE, Kansas State – D Grade
The Redskins needed a tight end, but this is a reach. We slotted Ben Sinnott in the Round 3-4 range. This isn’t an egregious reach, but the Redskins could have gotten Sinnot or a similar tight end later.
67. Brandon Coleman, OT, TCU – C+ Grade
The Redskins needed a left tackle. Brandon Coleman played left tackle, but he’ll likely have to move to right tackle or guard in the NFL. Coleman was seen as a fringe second-day prospect, so the value isn’t quite here either.
100. Luke McCaffrey, WR, Rice – B- Grade
The Redskins were thought to be stacked at receiver last year, but with Jahan Dotson struggling in his second year and Curtis Samuel gone, the Redskins needed help at the position. Christian McCaffrey’s brother was thought to go a bit later than this as a developmental project, but the range is fine, and he fills a need.
139. Jordan Magee, LB, Temple – C Grade
I’m not crazy about this pick, as I had Jordan Magee slotted as a late-round prospect. This reach isn’t very egregious, however, and it also makes sense for the Redskins to draft a linebacker. I imagine Magee is going to spend most of his career on special teams.
161. Dominique Hampton, WR, Washington – B Grade
Any secondary player makes sense for the Redskins, given how poor they were against the pass last year. I figured Dominique Hampton would go around the Round 4-6 range, so he’s a logical pick for the Redskins, though he’ll play mostly on special teams this year.
222. Javontae Jean-Baptiste, DE, Notre Dame – B Grade
The Redskins lost so many talented edge rushers recently. Javontae Jean-Baptiste could fill someone’s shoes one day because he has some potential. However, he’s a thin player who needs to bulk up.
Season Summary:
The Redskins had some interesting games with Sam Howell early in the season, particularly against the Eagles. Soon enough, however, it was clear that the rebuilding process had to begin, so the Redskins dealt their two best defensive players in the middle of the season.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Quarterback: Despite Washington’s many defensive needs, finding a franchise quarterback is the top of the wish list. Luckily, the Redskins have the second-overall pick.
- Three Cornerbacks: Not one, not two, but three cornerbacks. The Redskins had the worst pass defense in the NFL last year. Kendall Fuller is a free agent, so if he’s re-signed, only two new cornerbacks are needed.
- Two Defensive Ends: The Redskins traded Chase Young and Montez Sweat, so they have to rebuild their pass rush from scratch. Signed Dorance Armstrong, Clelin Ferrell, Dante Fowler
- Offensive Tackle: Washington’s new franchise quarterback must be protected. A right tackle is needed for the present, and a left tackle should be found to replace Charles Leno in a few years.
- Linebacker: A new linebacker is needed to play alongside Jamin Davis. Signed Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu
- Safety: After Fuller, Kamren Curl is Washington’s top free agent. Signed Jeremy Chinn
- Tight End: Washington has very little at tight end for its new quarterback. Signed Zach Ertz
- Running Back: Some running back depth should be acquired with Antonio Gibson going into free agency. Signed Austin Ekeler
- Wide Receiver: Curtis Samuel is a free agent who must be replaced or re-signed.
- Kicker: Joey Slye is set to hit free agency as well. Signed Brandon McManus
- Punter: Tress Way had the seventh-worst net punting average last year.
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2024 NFL Free Agent Signings:
Washington Redskins Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
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