The Redskins can’t sign any undrafted free agents until 10 a.m. Tuesday morning, but they were able to talk to them last night. And, according to the website NEPatriotsdraft.com (by the way, it’s a terrific site to see all the undrafted players signed around the league), two players have agreed to join the Redskins: North Carolina running back Shaun Draughn, who tweeted about his agreement, and Indiana quarterback Ben Chappell. Also, ESPN980 reported that East Carolina tackle Willie Smith will sign with the Redskins.
Here’s a quick look at the players.
Draughn lost his starting job as a senior, but still rushed for 637 yards and six touchdowns and caught 13 passes for 62 more yards. He did not play in the season opener last year because of an NCAA investigation for receiving improper benefits. He was cleared.
According to Pro Football Weekly’s draft guide, the 5-foot-10, 213-pound Draughn has “energetic feet and a short-energy burst.” They called him competitive and wrote that he had good speed to the edge. However, they said he had average instincts and too often bounced to the outside. The fact that he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.76 seconds did not help him, either. Still, PFW labeled him as a late-round draftable pick.
Chappell, a two-year captain for the Hoosiers, completed 62.5 percent of his passes and threw for 3,295 yards , 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions as a senior. The previous season, he completed 62.6 percent of his passes for 2,941 yards, 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.
PFW’s positives on Chappell: “Quick-triggered — knows where to go with the ball. Tough, gutty and competitive. Very intelligent. Well-prepared, vocal leader. Plays through pain.”
PFW’s negatives on him: “Limited arm strength — hangs the ball up int he air with a loose wobble and too often overthrows his target. Stares down the primary target. Forces the ball into coverage and cannot make the stick throws. … Marginal anticipation, sporadic accuracy. Very stationary in the pocket.”
He also worked out of the shotgun most of the time.
Smith is a converted tight end who started his final two years at left tackle. He’ll also turn 25 during the season, so he’s an old rookie (if he even makes the roster).
PFW’s positives: “Fairly light on his feet. Can pull, maneuver and adjust in space… Appeared very athletic and light on his feet moving through positional drills at the Combine. Plays with good knee bend and balance… Smart with good work ethic and solid character. Has a passion for the game.”
PFW’s negatives: “Lacks the functional strength to knock defenders off the ball or factor into the run game. Marginal lower body strength to finish. Not a tough or physical striker. Needs to spend more time in the weight room.”
Smith is in a good spot considering the Redskins want mobility at tackle and don’t often call for them to plow straight ahead. But at his age how much will he change or develop?
