Here’s a look at each of the Redskins’ picks in the 2011 NFL Draft and what their impact may be on the team:
Ryan Kerrigan, LB, Purdue
First round, 16th
Overview » Kerrigan starred at Purdue thanks to his relentless style ; he has strong hands, too. Kerrigan finished his career with 33 ½ sacks and 14 forced fumbles.
Impact » If Kerrigan doesn’t start immediately while transitioning to outside in the 3-4, he will be part of the rotation. If nothing else he’ll play in pass-rush situations.
Jarvis Jenkins, DE, Clemson
Second round, 41st
Overview » Jenkins played defensive tackle at Clemson, but will shift to end in the NFL. He has good size at 310 pounds and is considered a good run-stopper.
Impact » Jenkins eventually will start at right end. With Kedric Golston a free agent, and better as a backup, and Vonnie Holliday a pass rusher, they need Jenkins’ youth and athleticism.
Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami
Third round, 79th overall
Overview » Hankerson was productive at Miami, catching 72 passes for 1,156 yards and 13 touchdowns. He runs the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds and has good size (6-foot-1 1/2 , 205 pounds).
Impact » Hankerson has the size Washington has needed for several years. Wideouts often take a while to contribute but he’ll have a shot because there’s a lack of depth.
Roy Helu, RB, Nebraska
Fourth round, 105th overall
Overview » Helu rushed for 3,404 yards in four seasons at Nebraska. Scouts called him a good fit in the zone because he makes decisive cuts.
Impact » Running backs often can make quicker impacts than other positions. Ryan Torain’s durability issues means Helu will get early chances, even if he’s just a backup. He has excellent speed, something the Redskins have lacked in the backfield. The coaches like his hands.
DeJon Gomes, WR, Nebraska
Fifth round, 146th overall
Overview » Gomes played a variety of spots for the Cornhuskers, from covering in the slot to playing free safety and strong safety. He’s considered tough and competitive.
Impact » Perhaps minimal. The Redskins are deep at safety, though Reed Doughty could be a free agent and Chris Horton’s spot could be in jeopardy. But Gomes could provide help initially on special teams.
Niles Paul, WR, Nebraska
Fifth round, 155th overall
Overview » He’s an interesting player because he’s strong and physical and a playmaker. He averaged 19.2 yards per catch as a junior. On returns as a senior, he averaged 27.9 yards on kickoffs and 10.2 yards on punts.
Impact » Special teams. If Paul develops as a WR that’ll be a bonus next season. But with Brandon Banks’ durability a concern, he could provide help. He can also cover on special teams.
Evan Royster, RB, Penn State
Sixth round, 177th
Overview » Royster, a Westfield High School alum, is Penn State’s all-time leading rusher. Though he’s not a speedy back, he was productive and has solid hands. He would have to improve his blocking to become a third-down back.
Impact » Royster will fight for one of the last running back positions, with Keiland Williams and James Davis. Williams does a good job picking up blitzes, too. It’ll be a tough road but certainly not impossible for Royster.
Aldrick Robinson, WR, SMU
Sixth round, 178th
Overview » The speedy Robinson made big plays for SMU this past season, averaging 20.0 yards on 65 receptions in June Jones’ pass-happy offense. Robinson is only 5-foot-10, but he produced. He scored at least one touchdown in 11 of 14 games this past season.
Impact » The Redskins are thin at receiver – hence three picks at this spot Saturday – so Robinson can at least get in the rotation. Most likely, he’ll fight for one of the last spots and will have to play special teams.
Brandyn Thompson, CB, Boise State
Seventh round, 213th overall
Overview » He’s not big at 5-foot-9 and 189 pounds, but he is experienced having started three years at Boise State. He was also productive with 13 career interceptions. Reports say he took chances on passes and questioned his instincts. He might be best in a zone defense, which the Redskins often play.
Impact » Likely a special teamer and someone to develop for the future. The Redskins need help at corner, but will probably sign a free agent when the lockout ends to replace Carlos Rogers, a free agent.
Maurice Hurt, OG, Florida
Seventh round, 217th overall
Overview » He was plagued by injury issues at Florida, with everything from his knee to his neck. He also tested positive for marijuana at the combine according to Pro Football Weekly. He’s strong and competitive, but his agility is questioned.
Impact » Depth and a possible practice squader to develop. Because he can play both guard spots he has some value, but don’t look for much this season.
Markus White, LB, Florida State
Seventh round, 224th overall
Overview » White played end at Florida State, but will be moved to outside linebacker in the Redskins’ 3-4 scheme. White recorded 8.5 sacks this past season and 24.5 for his career. He was the junior college defensive player of the year in 2007.
Impact » The Redskins clearly want to get some younger legs, not only for defense but for special teams. They have quality veterans in Lorenzo Alexander and Chris Wilson.
Chris Neild, NT, West Virginia
Seventh round, 253rd overall
Overview » The Redskins love his intangibles as he’s another high-motor, overachieving sort of player. He was West Virginia’s co-defensive MVP this season as well as a team captain. He’s more of a run stopper as his pass-rush skills aren’t strong.
Impact » The Redskins needed a nose tackle, but it’s hard to expect a seventh-rounder to come in and make an immediate impact.
