Washington Redskins 2016 Draft Profiles: Will Redmond, CB

Player Overview

Will Redmond is one of the bigger question marks in the defensive secondary in this draft. The big issue with him is a lack of material to work with — he wasn't a full-time starter for most of his collegiate career and missed most of his senior season with a torn ACL. He was also wrapped up in a recruiting scandal, involving free cars and bribes, so his character will need to be investigated. But that was about five years ago, and it appears that he's kept himself out of trouble since, so there isn't much concern on that front.

When he has been on the field, it's been a mixed bag. He was knocked some for a lack of production in 2014, snagging just three interceptions in 12 games, but one of those picks sealed a win over Arkansas and another sealed a win over No. 8 LSU. In 2015, he had two interceptions in six games; one came on Auburn's first possession on the Mississippi State 2-yard-line, and the other came in the final seconds of the first half against Southern Mississippi. There's a theme here: Redmond comes up with interceptions at important times.

Strengths

• Redmond is a very smart player who does a great job thinking on his feet. Watch this:

Love this play by Mississippi State CB Will Redmond (2), pushing his own teammate into the ball carrier to ... https://t.co/3Nwc8uC1nY

— Draft Scout 24/7 (@DraftScout247) January 14, 2016

• The guy never gives up on a play. For example, early in the second half against Ole Miss in 2014, Redmond got beat (pretty badly) on a deep route and gave up a sure touchdown. He recovered well, took a great angle and beelined to the endzone in time to catch receiver Evan Engram on the 1-yard-line and save a touchdown. (Ole Miss did eventually score, but that's not the point.)
• He diagnoses plays incredibly fast, especially in the run game. He always seems to be the first guy to pick up a run and get to the ball.

Weaknesses

• Redmond is not a very good tackler. He flings himself at the feet of ball carriers far too recklessly, and when he goes for the body, he often doesn't wrap up. He's not built well enough to deliver much pop on his hits, so he needs to develop better technique.
• He had just five interceptions and eight passes defended in his college career — in part due to outside circumstances, such as really good corner play ahead of him and injuries, but still somewhat concerning.
• He's not a very big corner, and it's tough to see him holding his own against the Dez Bryants of the NFL.
• The ACL tear will make it difficult for him to show his physical skills at the combine, and it remains to be seen when he'll be cleared to return to the field.

How He Would Fit on the Redskins

Washington definitely needs to add some depth in the secondary, and the middle rounds would be the perfect time to do so. Another stud corner, ideally a big one, to pair with Bashaud Breeland would certainly be nice, but Redmond has all the tools to be a very capable nickel corner. He would do well to bulk up a bit, as he doesn't quite look the 186 pounds he's billed as, but he's got pretty good speed and plenty of quickness that would serve him well at the next level. He has a good competitive fire and is willing to do the dirty work; he's much more willing to get in and make a hit on a running back than the average cornerback, which is generally a good thing, but he needs to improve his tackling for this to truly be a positive attribute.

Overall, I came away very impressed with Redmond. With so little legitimate experience under his belt, he has a lot of room to grow and he could end up being a steal in the middle of the draft.