Official 2018 NFL draft order released; where do the Redskins pick?

The NFL released the official 2018 draft order on Tuesday, listing all of the Redskins picks this year. This is the official list, so the Redskins still have their 3rd round pick, but that will be property of the Chiefs(along with CB Kendall Fuller) as compensation for QB Alex Smith. That trade, along with the reported 4 year extension he will receive, will become official on March 14th.

Redskins official 2018 Draft picks:

1.13 (13) Washington

2.12 (44) Washington

3.14 (78) Washington (Traded to the Chiefs for Alex Smith)

4.13 (113) Washington

5.12 (149) Washington

6.14 (188) Washington

7.13 (231) Washington

7.23 (241) Washington from Los Angeles Rams (Derek Carrier trade)

The Redskins entered the offseason with all of their picks, and also had one extra. Washington traded TE Derek Carrier to the Los Angeles Rams(and their former Offensive Coordinator Sean McVay). Carrier started 3 games for the Rams, and was active for 14, but continued to be a non-factor as a receiver. The Redskins were going to cut Carrier, so a throwaway pick late in the 7th is better than nothing. The Redskins acquired Carrier in a trade with the 49ers in 2015 which also gave them a 7th round pick in last year’s draft for their 5th round pick.

The Redskins will have some questions answered before the draft begins on April 26th, when free agency begins next week. The team will reportedly let most of it’s free agents test free agency, and match offers for players they want to bring back. Some important pieces on defense are expected to leave(ILB Zach Brown, CB Bashaud Breeland, and others), and they could lose a lot of depth on both sides of the ball. The Redskins are expected to address the WR position in free agency, so that likely won’t be their top pick this year.

The Redskins expected to look for DL, RB, and possibly ILB, DB help early in this year’s draft. Upgrading RB(and WR) is a priority with new QB Alex Smith looking to extend his career in Washington. Both VP Doug Williams, and Head Coach Jay Gruden talked about the running game needing an upgrade. The Redskins spent a 4th round pick on Samaje Perine last year, but could look to the 2nd round to get the impact player they are looking for.

The Redskins will have a lot of options picking 13th overall, and there is expected to be 4 QBs taken before their turn at the podium. If a top QB is still sitting there at 13, it’s unlikely Washington will use their first pick to draft Smith’s understudy, but it does open up trade possibilities. The Redskins would love to get another 2nd, or replace the 3rd they lost in the trade with KC. If no trade is there, Washington will be getting a top player, likely on defense, this year, after grabbing a top 5 talent in Jonathan Allen last year.