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Measurements: Height- 6'5", Weight- 250 lbs
Projected Round: 6
Why he would be a good Redskin:
The need is not pressing but his value may be too much to pass up. Quanterus Smith, the 2012 Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year, was leading the nation in sacks with 12.5 until his final season was cut short by a torn ACL. When healthy, Smith showed explosion off the defensive end position. Additionally, his agility, length, and rush angles make him a candidate to convert to an OLB pass-rush specialist. The Redskins need to generate more pass rush from their base packages on passing downs to avoid jeopardizing their coverage with blitzes. Normally Smith's kind of ability would not be available in rounds 5-7 but due to his injury he could fall.
Why he won't be drafted by the Redskins:
Quanterus tore his ACL in November 2012. It is doubtful that he will be able to contribute at all in the upcoming season. Also, with Brian Orakpo back from injury, Rob Jackson re-signed, and Darryl Tapp acquired via free agency the defense already has a vast improvement in the pass rushing department. The gamble of teaching another defensive end to stand up and play OLB in the 3-4 (ie Jackson, Orakpo, Kerrigan) may not be worth the risk for this coaching staff.
Bottom Line:
Orakpo is entering a contract year and there is no guarantee that his shoulder or pectoral muscle is going to hold up. We could have a Chase Minnifield type situation with Quanterus Smith. Even though Minnifield was not drafted, the Redskins still saw enough from him to place him on their IR and now he may provide some cornerback help. However, additions at linebacker are the least of the Redskins' defensive depth worries. The flyer pick may be a luxury they cannot afford.