One reason the Redskins wanted to stick with so many picks: the inability to sign any undrafted free agents. This way, they have 12 rookies they already know will be in training camp.
Here’s coach Mike Shanahan’s comments on eight of his nine picks.
RB Roy Helu: “He brings something that we haven’t had: speed. He has great hands. We brought in a guy with 4.4 speed. We haven’t had that guy. So he brings something different to the table than what we have had. Now we have more competition at that position.”
FS DeJon Gomes: “He’s strictly a free safety. A very smart player. He comes up with a lot of turnovers. He does have the ability to play nickel inside. A very heady player. He’s one of those leaders who can tell you what everyone does on every play. He’s not only a guy who runs in that 4.5 range, but a guy who is very football knowledgeable and will help not only as a DB, but on special teams.”
WR Niles Paul (on his DUI): “If you look in detail and look at what happened, it was a little bit of a mistake there. He addressed that through the media. He’s really a quality kid. Talking to his coaches and people who have coached him, you don’t have to worry about character issues with him. I feel very good about him.”
More on Paul: “He’s a tough guy… a receiver that has good size in the 225-pound range; he’s one of the better blockers. He can return; he returns punts, kickoffs. He’s a great competitor. He’s a little bigger than the guys we have. But he’s a guy you know can help right away on special teams. He made a lot of big plays.”
RB Evan Royster: “He’s just a natural runner. All of a sudden when you take a look at him, you don’t see anything that blows you away. All he does is gain yards. He’s very smooth, very elusive. When you run the tape back and forth you say how did he gain four or five yards? He’s just a guy I was hoping would be there a little later and when he was there I felt very fortunate. I think we’ve got an excellent back that will come in and compete for a starting position.”
CB Brandyn Thompson: “Here’s a guy that ran 10.6, 10.7 in the 100 meters. He has a lot of playing experience. I just like the way he played and the way he competed. He can make plays and he’s a very sharp kid. A very heady kid.”
OG Maurice Hurt (on his positive test for marijuana): “I talked to the head coach. If people do their due diligence, you feel good about them. Urban spoke very highly of him.”
LB Markus White: “He has some great pass-rush skills. His last seizure was in 2008. Hopefully he has that under control. Our doctors feel good.”
NT Chris Neidl: “I love the way he competes. I love how important football is to him. He has the mindset when he plays that he enjoys football. He plays over that center. He competes every down and I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t come in here and do everything he can to make this team. “
And here’s receiver Aldrick Robinson on what he brings: “I bring versatility. I’m a speedy guy. I’m quick. I have good hands. I have a good all-around game and I’ll be able to contribute on special teams also.”
