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Two Redskins Named as Biggest Draft Steals by DraftWire

DraftWire recently posted an article where they highlight who they believe were the biggest steals at every position in the 2017 NFL draft. I was happy to see that the Redskins scored two of the biggest steals at their respective positions. Both Jonathan Allen and Fabian Moreau were considered steals by DraftWire.

Everyone was excited when Jonathan Allen dropped to the Redskins at #17. We all knew he was exactly what our defense needed and thankfully it was a no-brainer pick for team management. Here is what DraftWire had to say regarding the pick:

Another top-20 pick from Alabama makes the list, and just like O.J. Howard, it’s because Allen was a top-five talent in this class. A sub-par combine performance and concerns about long-term shoulder health contributed to Allen’s fall to the No. 17 pick, but he was a huge value at a key position of need for Washington. He should make an immediate impact in the trenches for coach Jay Gruden and his crew, and if those shoulders hold up, he could easily end up being the biggest steal of this entire draft.

In the third round, the Redskins made another great pick as they snatched up Fabian Moreau. Once considered a first round prospect, Moreau's stock tumbled after a pro day injury. The Redskins were more than happy to make him their third round selection, helping to fortify the CB position for now and the future. DraftWire thought he was the biggest CB steal of the draft:

Moreau’s fall was understandable, considering he suffered a serious injury at his pro day workout. Still, Moreau’s body of work at UCLA combined with his impressive combine performance should have gotten a team to take a chance on him before Washington grabbed him in the third round. If he makes a full recovery, this physical playmaker could quickly develop into one of the league’s best young cover men.

Of course, it bears mentioning that the Redskins may have missed out on a few steals at critical positions as well. Anthony Walker, Jr. who was well regarded by many posters at Hogs Haven was the biggest steal of the draft at ILB (per DraftWire). One could argue that even with Ryan Anderson in the fold, taking Walker Jr. instead of TE Jeremy Sprinkle might have been a better option. Given that DraftWire feels Walker Jr. was a steal in the 5th adds weight to that argument.

Heading into the draft, another potential position of need, given Kirk Cousins' contract situation, was QB. DraftWire felt Brad Kaaya was a steal in the 6th round. The Redskins were able to secure two players that could potentially contribute in C/OG Chase Roullier and WR Robert Davis, but one has to wonder if taking Kaaya with one of those picks might have been more prudent.

These are minor quibbles in a draft that looks to be very promising for the Redskins. As noted by several publications and Hogs Haven, the Redskins did a very good job of drafting the best player available while also addressing positions of need. There were very few head scratching picks and only time will tell how it all works out. Grading drafts this early is a futile exercise, but I for one am excited any time I see non-biased publications endorse what we believe are great picks. Things are definitely looking up for the Redskins and their fans.