The initial grade looked good, but the output during the season didn’t quite match. In fact, it fell way short. So ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper changed his grade for the Washington Redskins' 2016 draft class, going from an A-minus after the draft to a C-plus now.
The truth is, grades for a draft class always will be fluid for the first few seasons and can’t be viewed as definitive. I never thought this class would provide instant impact and it didn’t. Of course, I didn’t count on the first-round pick missing 14 games with an injury, either.
There are two players from this group with a good chance to start in 2017. But while this is just grading draft picks, you also have to factor in running back Rob Kelley, who went from undrafted to starter as a rookie. If fellow undrafted end Anthony Lanier develops, that’s another plus from the 2016 rookie class.
Here’s a look at the 2016 class and how it projects moving forward:
WR Josh Doctson (first round): With DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon gone, Doctson has a chance to start. If nothing else, he needs to be among their top three wideouts (along with Jamison Crowder and Terrelle Pryor) to suggest he’s on the right path. Taking the best player available is never a bad strategy and that’s how the Redskins ended up with Doctson. But now he must prove them right. And he must hope that those Achilles issues are indeed over.
S Su’a Cravens (second): Cravens helped as a nickel/dime linebacker last season but was moved to safety. He plays with good instincts and passion, so he has a chance to be very good. Youth will lead to growing pains, but he’ll either start or play quite a bit.
CB Kendall Fuller (third): The Redskins tried to bring Fuller along slowly after he recovered from knee surgery as a senior. He had a solid summer but struggled covering in the slot. If not for the surgery, he would have been drafted higher than the third round. Reuniting with his college position coach (Torrian Gray) should help his development. Still, he’s behind Josh Norman and Bashaud Breeland on the outside.
DL Matt Ioannidis (fifth): Ioannidis was cut, spent time on the practice squad and also spect 10 games on the 53-man roster. Ioannidis anticipated being drafted as a 3-technique by a four-man front. That’s what he had heard from most teams. Regardless, it led to an adjustment; he’ll have to show more this summer to prove he can help. The Redskins have changed their defensive line and might add another player in the draft. They need more youth, but there’s no guarantee he’ll win a roster spot. He'll play for a new line coach in Jim Tomsula, which could help.
QB Nate Sudfeld (sixth): Former general manager Scot McCloughan wasn’t shy about letting others know that Sudfeld could be the long-term plan if Kirk Cousins left. I don’t think everyone in the building shared that outlook. He’s a good worker, which always helps. He’ll be the No. 3 quarterback again, unless the Redskins draft someone.
LB Steven Daniels (seventh): Hard to say how he projects because he was hurt and missed the season. If he becomes a special-teamer and solid backup, it’ll be viewed as a good pick.
RB Keith Marshall (seventh): The Redskins love his speed, but he didn’t show enough running back skills -- patience, vision -- last summer to assume a whole lot in 2017. But with speed comes more chances.
RB Rob Kelley (undrafted): Unless the Redskins draft someone in the upper rounds, Kelley will return as the starter. A knee injury slowed him late in the season, but he's a good, tough runner who was good at learning the game.
DE Anthony Lanier (undrafted): He now weighs 290 pounds and will be one to watch this summer. But to what extent? Everyone sounds promising in April. His athleticism and length are worth trying to develop. He has a chance to be a solid part of the rotation.
WR Maurice Harris (undrafted): Harris caught eight passes in 10 games last year, including some key grabs on third down. He has excellent hands and size, but as of now he's a fifth or sixth receiver for the Redskins. Nothing wrong with that given where he started.
