technical details
  1. is_video => true
  2. alias => "washington\/\/redskins\/nfl-combine-preview-five-prospects-watch-redskins-needs-mind"
  3. nid => "1387806"
  4. title => "NFL Combine Preview: Five prospects to watch with Redskins needs in mind"
  5. is_chrome_page => false
  6. article_body => "<p><em>NBC Sports Washington's NFL Combine preview continues with a look at five prospects at need areas for the Redskins. <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Also, read profiles on Kansas State offensive lineman and potential first-round selection <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/washington\/redskins\/nfl-combine-preview-kansas-state-ol-dalton-risner-could-give-redskins-good-option-left\">Dalton Risner<\/a>, and Houston speed cornerback <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/washington\/redskins\/nfl-combine-preview-houston-cornerback-isaiah-johnson-talks-talk-and-offers-element\">Isaiah Johnson<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Quarterback \u2013 Will Grier, West Virginia<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>We have a top four. Dwayne Haskins and Kyler Murray followed by, in some order, Drew Lock and Daniel Jones. Considering the desperation for passers, it\u2019s conceivable that quartet hears Roger Goodell call their names in the first round of April\u2019s draft.<\/p>\n<p>Pre-Combine draft rankings slot Grier next in line, but that status wobbled after a shaky Senior Bowl. Should his accuracy return in Indianapolis, Grier becomes the hot Day 2 quarterback teams target if they missed out on those other options and perhaps a late first if the others fly off the board.<\/p>\n<p>Should Grier remain iffy, NC State\u2019s Ryan Finley or Auburn\u2019s Jarrett Stidham could pass him.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Redskins angle<\/strong>: Come draft time we\u2019ll know if Washington added veteran help during free agency. Unless we\u2019re talking Teddy Bridgewater the depth chart would still need a young passer. Expect them to select somewhere in the draft and possibly by the end of Day 2.<\/p>\n<p><blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Game on the line and Will Grier throws a DIME\u2026then gets the 2-point conversion \ud83d\ude33 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/YB1BTYUUlt\">pic.twitter.com\/YB1BTYUUlt<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/BleacherReport\/status\/1058866295083397120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">November 3, 2018<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<br \/>\n<h4><strong>Wide receiver \u2013 Keesean Johnson, Fresno State<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Sleeper alert. Johnson finished his career with the Bulldogs tops in receptions (275) and receiving yards (3,463) with an FBS-leading 50 consecutive games with a reception. S<\/p>\n<p>olid route running, hands and football IQ spurred on all that production for the 6-foot-1 target. His draft value is a bit all over, but a strong Combine performance could boost Johnson into the round 3-4 range.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Redskins angle:<\/strong> Washington added a few prospect types last year in Trey Quinn, Cam Sims and Darvin Kidsy. Considering the overall weakness within in this positional unit, taking more shots somewhere in the draft works. That\u2019s unlikely in the first round based on big board projections unless the Redskins fall hard for Marquise Brown or D.K. Metcalf, but a deep group of options exists throughout the draft.<\/p>\n<p><blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Keesean Johnson is going to be a stud. Dude impresses me every game due to the nuances in his game. He knows his leverage, works off of it, and makes a beautiful catch by high pointing this and being the more physical guy. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/M5PAWM6o6E\">pic.twitter.com\/M5PAWM6o6E<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/FarabaughFB\/status\/1099129959539445760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 23, 2019<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<br \/>\n<h4><strong>Tight end \u2013 Keenen Brown, Texas State<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>While you try remembering which conference the Bobcats play in (Sun Belt) or if by Texas State I mean the University of Texas (no), get to know the tight end named first-team All-American by Pro Football Focus. The Oklahoma State transfer led all tight end\u2019s last season with a staggering 24 missed tackles after the catch and ranked among the position leaders with 51 receptions. The 6-foot-2, 250-pounder and Day 3 prospect is also considered among the better blockers in the draft class.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Redskins angle:<\/strong> Washington is set at tight end with Jordan Reed, Vernon Davis and Jeremy Sprinkle or in need of reinforcements. Davis could become a salary cap casualty. Reed\u2019s age (turns 29 in July) and injury history may finally spook the front office into action.<\/p>\n<p><blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Willie Jones to Keenen Brown for the first offensive touchdown of <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/TXSTATEFOOTBALL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@TXSTATEFOOTBALL<\/a>\u2019s 2018 season. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/IrR89jR81z\">pic.twitter.com\/IrR89jR81z<\/a><\/p>&mdash; SWC Round-Up (@swcroundup) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/swcroundup\/status\/1038875233753677824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">September 9, 2018<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<br \/>\n<h4><strong>Edge rusher \u2013 Jalen Jelks, Oregon<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>For some prospects, the Combine offers a valuation reset. That\u2019s the hope for Jelks, who held round one upside after recording 15.5 sacks in 2017. Now the forecast projects late Day 2 after a few regular season kinks and a disappointing Senior Bowl. His sack total dropped to 7.5 this season, but Jelks led all Pac-12 edge rushers with 27 run stops. Rocking the drills and measurables in Indianapolis could swing his draft momentum back toward the top 50 selections.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Redskins angle:<\/strong> Preston Smith is the most high profile defender from last season\u2019s roster entering free agency. As the saying goes, deadlines create deals, but there\u2019s no sense that the two sides are communicating toward that goal. Even if the coaching staff believes Ryan Anderson could step up, Washington needs more perimeter depth.<\/p>\n<p><blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">My Draft Gem of the Day: <br><br>Jalen Jelks (Edge, Oregon)<br>6\u20195\u201d<br>250 lbs<br>4.80 40 yard dash<br>Projected Round: 4-5<br>His big frame lets him to play DE or OLB <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/zDG3225UEG\">pic.twitter.com\/zDG3225UEG<\/a><\/p>&mdash; \u2115\ud835\udd56\ud835\udd69\ud835\udd65 \ud835\udd43\ud835\udd56\ud835\udd67\ud835\udd56\ud835\udd5d \u2119\ud835\udd52\ud835\udd54\ud835\udd5c (@NextLvLPack) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NextLvLPack\/status\/1100458697015390210?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 26, 2019<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<br \/>\n<h4><strong>Safety \u2013 Taylor Rapp, Washington<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Want a tackling presence for your team\u2019s secondary? Then hope they grab the physical Rapp, the top strong safety prospect entering the Combine. There\u2019s some first-round potential, but Rapp could slide into the middle of the second round based on some coverage concerns and the potential post-combine status of other safeties, including Johnathan Abram. Another round 1-2 prospect, Alabama free safety Deionte Thompson, will miss the Combine after tearing a wrist ligament last week.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Redskins angle:<\/strong> Massive uncertainty at both safety positions entering this off-season for Washington. Perhaps free agent Ha Ha Clinton-Dix returns, but the Redskins need outside help for the deep inside of their defense. This isn\u2019t a particularly deep draft class for safeties so targeting one early might be the answer.<\/p>\n<p><blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Washington safety Taylor Rapp&#39;s closing speed \ud83d\udeb6\u200d\u2642\ufe0f\ud83d\udca8 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/ITwLG3gHbk\">pic.twitter.com\/ITwLG3gHbk<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Michael Kist (@MichaelKistNFL) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/MichaelKistNFL\/status\/1058717727328817154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">November 3, 2018<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n<p><em><strong>MORE NFL DRAFT NEWS:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mock Draft:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/washington\/redskins\/2019-nfl-mock-draft-140-pre-nfl-combine-2-round-mock-draft\">Two-round, pre-combine mock draft<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Win<\/strong><strong> in the Middle:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/washington\/redskins\/redskins-must-get-better-finding-contributors-nfl-drafts-middle-rounds\">Redskins need to improve in mid-rounds<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>The Race for No. 15:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/washington\/redskins\/2019-nfl-mock-draft-roundup-who-are-redskins-taking-15\">Who should the Redskins draft?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Back to 'Bama:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/washington\/redskins\/why-redskins-should-draft-more-alabama-players\">Redskins should look at Crimson Tide ... again<\/a><br>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em><strong>REDSKINS TALK PODCAST NFL COMBINE PREVIEW:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><div class=\"video-filter art19-player-iframe\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/f1339a3e-06a7-41d6-bc8b-77df06fb8eae\/episodes\/ecd53829-b8ec-4c93-82b4-583283bbfd6d\/embed?theme=light-blue\" width=\"100%\" height=\"250px\" class=\"video-filter video-art19 vf-f1339a3e06a741d6bc8b77df06fb8eae vf-ecd53829b8ec4c9382b4583283bbfd6dembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" scrolling=\"no\" title=\"Art19 Player\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\"><\/iframe><\/div><\/p>\n"
  7. author => "Ben Standig"
  8. mps => {"author":"Ben Standig","league":"","sport":"","sponsor":""}
  9. published => "1551268800"
  10. created => "1551209035"
  11. changed => "1551307397"
  12. status => "1"
  13. hero_image_credit => "USA Today Sports Images"
  14. tags => [{"tid":"446","name":"NFL Draft","url":"tags\/nfl-draft"}]
  15. section => "Redskins"
  16. team => "Washington Redskins"
  17. image => {"uri":"public:\/\/archive\/assets_article\/washington\/2019\/02\/27\/redskins_talk_nfl_combine_19_02-25_909965.jpg","alt":"redskins_talk_nfl_combine_19_02-25_909965.jpg","title":"What to expect while the Redskins Talk podcast is at the NFL Combine"}
  18. video_url => "https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/washington\/video\/what-expect-while-redskins-talk-podcast-nfl-combine"
  19. is_mediaid => true
  20. mediaid => "jzVKeFaQW_FK"
  21. video_autoplay => true
  22. video_automute => false
  23. mpx_account_id => "BxmELC"
  24. player_id => "washington_article"
  25. chrome_data => "{\"league\":\"\",\"sport\":\"\",\"sponsor\":\"\"}"
  26. sponsor => ""
  27. region => "washington"
  28. fb_url => "https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/dialog\/share?app_id=1175440639277882&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcsports.com%2Fwashington%2Fredskins%2Fnfl-combine-preview-five-prospects-watch-redskins-needs-mind&display=popup"
  29. tw_url => "https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=NFL%20Combine%20Preview%3A%20Five%20prospects%20to%20watch%20with%20Redskins%20needs%20in%20mind&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcsports.com%2Fwashington%2Fredskins%2Fnfl-combine-preview-five-prospects-watch-redskins-needs-mind&original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcsports.com%2Fwashington%2Fredskins%2Fnfl-combine-preview-five-prospects-watch-redskins-needs-mind"
  30. mailto => "mailto:?subject=NFL%20Combine%20Preview%3A%20Five%20prospects%20to%20watch%20with%20Redskins%20needs%20in%20mind&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcsports.com%2Fwashington%2Fredskins%2Fnfl-combine-preview-five-prospects-watch-redskins-needs-mind"
  31. tags_hide => []
  32. type => "article"
  33. meta => {"file":"\/mnt\/gfs\/rsnunited\/sites\/default\/files\/archive\/article\/washington\/redskins\/nfl-combine-preview-five-prospects-watch-redskins-needs-mind.json","assets":["public:\/\/archive\/assets_article\/washington\/2019\/02\/27\/redskins_talk_nfl_combine_19_02-25_909965.jpg"]}
  34. orig_image => {"uri":"public:\/\/2019\/02\/25\/redskins_talk_nfl_combine_19_02-25_909965.jpg","alt":"redskins_talk_nfl_combine_19_02-25_909965.jpg","title":"What to expect while the Redskins Talk podcast is at the NFL Combine"}
  35. article_type => "article"
Redskins

Redskins

NBC Sports Washington's NFL Combine preview continues with a look at five prospects at need areas for the Redskins.

Also, read profiles on Kansas State offensive lineman and potential first-round selection Dalton Risner, and Houston speed cornerback Isaiah Johnson.

Quarterback – Will Grier, West Virginia

We have a top four. Dwayne Haskins and Kyler Murray followed by, in some order, Drew Lock and Daniel Jones. Considering the desperation for passers, it’s conceivable that quartet hears Roger Goodell call their names in the first round of April’s draft.

Pre-Combine draft rankings slot Grier next in line, but that status wobbled after a shaky Senior Bowl. Should his accuracy return in Indianapolis, Grier becomes the hot Day 2 quarterback teams target if they missed out on those other options and perhaps a late first if the others fly off the board.

Should Grier remain iffy, NC State’s Ryan Finley or Auburn’s Jarrett Stidham could pass him.

Redskins angle: Come draft time we’ll know if Washington added veteran help during free agency. Unless we’re talking Teddy Bridgewater the depth chart would still need a young passer. Expect them to select somewhere in the draft and possibly by the end of Day 2.


Wide receiver – Keesean Johnson, Fresno State

Sleeper alert. Johnson finished his career with the Bulldogs tops in receptions (275) and receiving yards (3,463) with an FBS-leading 50 consecutive games with a reception. S

olid route running, hands and football IQ spurred on all that production for the 6-foot-1 target. His draft value is a bit all over, but a strong Combine performance could boost Johnson into the round 3-4 range.

Redskins angle: Washington added a few prospect types last year in Trey Quinn, Cam Sims and Darvin Kidsy. Considering the overall weakness within in this positional unit, taking more shots somewhere in the draft works. That’s unlikely in the first round based on big board projections unless the Redskins fall hard for Marquise Brown or D.K. Metcalf, but a deep group of options exists throughout the draft.


Tight end – Keenen Brown, Texas State

While you try remembering which conference the Bobcats play in (Sun Belt) or if by Texas State I mean the University of Texas (no), get to know the tight end named first-team All-American by Pro Football Focus. The Oklahoma State transfer led all tight end’s last season with a staggering 24 missed tackles after the catch and ranked among the position leaders with 51 receptions. The 6-foot-2, 250-pounder and Day 3 prospect is also considered among the better blockers in the draft class.

Redskins angle: Washington is set at tight end with Jordan Reed, Vernon Davis and Jeremy Sprinkle or in need of reinforcements. Davis could become a salary cap casualty. Reed’s age (turns 29 in July) and injury history may finally spook the front office into action.


Edge rusher – Jalen Jelks, Oregon

For some prospects, the Combine offers a valuation reset. That’s the hope for Jelks, who held round one upside after recording 15.5 sacks in 2017. Now the forecast projects late Day 2 after a few regular season kinks and a disappointing Senior Bowl. His sack total dropped to 7.5 this season, but Jelks led all Pac-12 edge rushers with 27 run stops. Rocking the drills and measurables in Indianapolis could swing his draft momentum back toward the top 50 selections.

Redskins angle: Preston Smith is the most high profile defender from last season’s roster entering free agency. As the saying goes, deadlines create deals, but there’s no sense that the two sides are communicating toward that goal. Even if the coaching staff believes Ryan Anderson could step up, Washington needs more perimeter depth.

 


Safety – Taylor Rapp, Washington

Want a tackling presence for your team’s secondary? Then hope they grab the physical Rapp, the top strong safety prospect entering the Combine. There’s some first-round potential, but Rapp could slide into the middle of the second round based on some coverage concerns and the potential post-combine status of other safeties, including Johnathan Abram. Another round 1-2 prospect, Alabama free safety Deionte Thompson, will miss the Combine after tearing a wrist ligament last week.

Redskins angle: Massive uncertainty at both safety positions entering this off-season for Washington. Perhaps free agent Ha Ha Clinton-Dix returns, but the Redskins need outside help for the deep inside of their defense. This isn’t a particularly deep draft class for safeties so targeting one early might be the answer.

MORE NFL DRAFT NEWS:

REDSKINS TALK PODCAST NFL COMBINE PREVIEW: