Previews on Some 7th round and Undrafted Options: Offense

I didn't have time to do a full post on each player, but I wanted to highlight some potential 7th round and undrafted free agents for the Redskins. Obviously what positions we address earlier will dictate what direction we go in the late rounds, but I wanted to touch on a broad spectrum of options.

WR:

Jeff Maehl:

Maehl isn't a burner or a real big receiver, but he does offer a lot of upside as a 3rd or 4th possession type of receiver. While he will likely never become a star, I think there is a very good chance he becomes a contributing player to the Skins. And I think given the thin depth chart Washington has he could even be third behind Moss (assuming he resigns) and Armstrong. It's not the complement we need for Moss, but Maehl is a good value as a 7th rounder.

Tori Gurley:

Gurley has the size the Redskins are looking for at 6'4", but he doesn't have the typical speed you'd like to see with it. While this will drop him late into the draft, it shouldn't be a deal breaker for Washington. Gurley didn't drop a single pass in 2010, and his size could make him a valuable red zone threat (boy it would be nice to have one). Again he's not a guy who would likely become a star, but his floor is such that he should be at least a decent NFL receiver.

Ricardo Lockette:

Lockette wowed NFL scouts with his speed at the combine running in the 4.3's at 6'2" 211lbs. While the size and speed are tantalizing he is a very raw player given his lower level of competition and multiple transfers, which could make him drop. 

Lester Jean:

Jean is another good sized receiver with decent upside. He has solid speed, but probably won't be able to go the distance at the next level. Given his size and work ethic Jean should at least be able to help the Redskins as a backup receiver. 

Offensive Line:

Kyle Hix:

Hix isn't what you'd typically expect for a zone blocking system type of player (but then again neither were Cook or Lichtensteiger and Shanahan has drafted both of them), but he has an impressive resume and great work ethic. Hix has 28 career starts at RT before moving to the left side as a senior. While he isn't the most athletically gifted he is known as a great character guy and hard worker that he could develop into a utility G/T type lineman. The Redskins might be able to wait until UDFA to pick him up (which who knows when that will be), but he could be a good option.

Daniel Kilgore:

Kilgore projects as a guard at the next level, and while he might seem like more of a power guard, his experience at tackle makes me believe that he has the foot speed for the zone blocking system. Kilgore plays with a good anchor and a mean streak and if he gets into a defenders body, he's won. Probably could wait until one of the late 7th rounders, but he has the work ethic and upside that makes him worth using a pick on rather than waiting for UDFA. 

Tight End:

Lee Smith:

Smith is a strong inline blocker who could be like a 6th offensive lineman for the Skins. While not having the speed or agility to stretch the field, Smith has soft hands and will be a valuable underneath receiver. Tight end isn't a priority now, but when ever the free agency/trade period goes into effect, expect to see Fred Davis potentially be moved. Davis will be a free agent (assuming there is a season) next year, and the Redskins might look to add a mid-round pick or two in the 2012 draft, by dealing him instead of paying him big money to ride the bench.

Running Back:

Graig Cooper:

Cooper was projected as a top 100 pick (and likely top 50 or 60) before he tore his ACL during his Bowl game in the 2009 season. Cooper elected to come back for 2010 instead of taking a medical redshirt and taking a year to heal. While he didn't have a great year this past season, he receives high marks for an impressive East-West Game and Combine. He doesn't have the best 40 time, but he is a shifty cut-back type of back, who also is advanced as both a receiver and a blocker. He should excel in the zone blocking system we run, and would be a nice value pick with our early 7th rounder.

Fullback:

Shaun Chapas:

The Redskins might need to address this position in the 5th or 6th round to get an instant upgrade like a Henry Hynoski, Owen Marecic, or Anthony Sherman, but Chapas is a good plan B for a 7th round pick. Chapas is more of a blocker first, but he does have some capabilities as a runner and receiver. Chapas is a strong lead blocker, and a smart FB player. He was a team captain at Georgia and is known as a hard worker. 

Steve Shoup has been a Redskins fan his entire life and dreams of the day they get back to the glory days of his youth. In addition to his regular piece on Hogs Haven, you can find his daily writings at Fanspeak.com.