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Redskins Hosted CB Keith McGill For Pre-Draft Visit

Another previously unreported predraft visit has been revealed by a league source.

By Scott Jennings

National Football Post is reporting that the Redskins are one of the 10 teams that have had Utah CB Keith McGill in for a predraft visit/workout.  McGill is one of the biggest CBs in this draft, and could benefit from the "Seahawks Effect".  He is a converted safety, who might have to convert back to safety in the NFL for whatever team drafts him.  McGill is currently rated #86 overall by CBS Sports and is projected to go in the 2nd-3rd Round.  The Redskins might consider him in the 3rd, but are probably hoping he falls to the top of the 4th.  McGill has missed a lot of time with a shoulder injury, and is a little stiff in is movement.  He has the potential and size to get overdrafted by a team, especially a team looking to emulate Seattle.

McGill ranked first in the pass-oriented Pac-12 Conference with with 13 passes defended and second with12 passes batted down.

As the primary cover corner for the Utes, McGill was targeted for 71 passes and allowed just a dozen receptions last season for zero touchdowns. The 16-percent completion percentage against McGill was accomplished while covering standout wide receivers like Brandin Cooks (Oregon State), Marqise Lee (USC) and Paul Richardson (Colorado.). He returned his lone interception for a touchdown.

It was only his first season as a cornerback as a converted safety, suggesting that he has his best football ahead of him as he continues to adjust to the position.

McGill was an honorable-mention All-Pac-12 selection after being a junior college All-American at Cerritos Junior College where he intercepted seven passes as a sophomore and blocked two kicks.

The Redskins reportedly talked to McGill at the Senior Bowl practices this year.  This doesn't really mean much, because the Redskins staff spoke to about 80% of the prospects there.

STRENGTHS: Tall, well-proportioned athlete with intriguing fluidity and straight-line speed. Frequently asked to play press in Utah's scheme and displays the balance, agility and acceleration to perform well in this role at the next level. Alert defender who plays the ball well, using his height, leaping ability and long arms to bat away passes. Baits quarterbacks into throwing underneath routes and shows an explosive downhill burst to close. Generally effective open-field tackler with the long arms to wrap securely. Signed with Utah as a JUCO All-American free safety at Cerritos College and logged five starts in this role for the Utes in 2011. Has the length, instincts and athleticism to project nicely in the NFL. Served as the gunner on kick coverage and handled outside duties on punt returns.
WEAKNESSES: Often lines up with his hips open, helping him turn more efficiently to run downfield with receivers. Often sneaks in a strong pop on the receivers deep downfield, which could earn him holding penalties in the NFL. While physically imposing, McGill shows only average toughness, too often hand-fighting with smaller receivers' blocks downfield rather than aggressively defeating them and attacking the ballcarrier. A bit hesitant when forced to break down and make tackles in the open field and can resort to lunging attempts at arm tackles rather than driving through the ballcarrier. Only fair hands for the interception and will occasionally drop easy picks (Arizona State). Missed as many games as he played while at Utah, losing the final eight games of the 2011 season due to a shoulder injury and rehabbing the entire 2012 campaign following surgery to correct the issue.
COMPARES TO: Trumaine Johnson, Rams -- Like the young Rams standout, McGill has the length and athleticism scouts adore at cornerback. Whereas Johnson had to answer character questions before getting drafted, NFL teams may need reassurance of McGill's durability before drafting him as high as his talents warrant.

Hogs Haven Draft Profile: Keith McGill

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