The 2013 NFL Draft transformed 32 NFL rosters. Around The League will examine the aftershocks in our Draft Fallout series. Next up: The Washington Redskins.
The Big Question: Will Amerson be a boom or bust?
The Redskins didn't have a first-round draft pick, so David Amerson will get the attention of a top selection. He has the talent to match. Amerson made 13 interceptions as a sophomore at N.C. State, but he gambled too much and was beat often as a junior. He has first-round ability in terms of his physical tools and is known for his competitiveness, but he just didn't play well last year.
NFL Network's Mike Mayock called Amerson a "boom or bust" player with a chance to play right away. The veterans ahead of him -- Josh Wilson, DeAngelo Hall and E.J. Biggers -- all are year-to-year players by now. Amerson should start in 2013. Safeties Phillip Thomas and Bacarri Rambo also could be asked to play bigger roles sooner rather than later because the Redskins are so thin in the secondary.
This is the flip side of the Robert Griffin III trade. Without many high picks (or salary-cap room), the Redskins need to hit on some late picks who can contribute right away.
Three takeaways
- Thomas might be the best bet to start as a rookie because his collegiate system was so similar to what the Redskins run, according to coach Mike Shanahan.
- The arrival of third-round pick Jordan Reed at tight end gives the Redskins four solid players at the position. His arrival lowers the chances that Fred Davis will return in 2014.
- Running back Chris Thompson out of Florida State is worth watching in fantasy leagues just because of Shanahan's hit rate on late-round players at his position. Thompson ideally would fill a third-down/return role behind Alfred Morris.
Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.
