The Washington Redskins didn’t have many draft picks in the 2006 Draft, but they still managed to fill a few needs.
Not having a pick in the top fifty can certainly dampen the chances of getting what you’re after, so the Redskins made a draft day trade to move up to the number thirty-five slot and select Roger ‘Rocky’ McIntosh from the University of Miami. The move was fairly costly as Washington gave up their number 53 pick in the draft, their 6th round selection (189th overall) and their 2nd round pick in 2007. Some draft pick value charts grade this deal out as a wash, others indicate that the Redskins overpaid for the right to move up just eighteen slots.
Regardless of the price, the Redskins got themselves a good player and at a need position. McIntosh is a versatile linebacker. He played at all three linebacker slots at the “U” but strong side linebacker is his most natural fit. He started eleven games there last season. Surely it’s Rocky’s ability to play anywhere though, that attracted the Redskins’ Gregg Williams.
Williams’ vaunted 4-6 defense relies on many different looks and sets, and McIntosh only adds to the flexibility. He can blitz and he can tackle, as evidenced by his 5.5 sacks and team-leading 89 tackles last season (50 solo).
The Redskins didn’t have another selection until day two – 5th round, 153rd selection overall to be exact. They opted for University of Minnesota defensive lineman Anthony Montgomery. At 6’5″, 315 pounds, Montgomery is surprisingly nimble for his massive frame. He started 23 games as a Gopher, including 11 in his senior season when he logged 41 tackles and 3 sacks.
Montgomery has a strong upside, but he has struggled with consistency in the past. He will need to improve on his technique to succeed at the next level but his athleticism makes him a good project player.
The Redskins had two selections in the sixth round, and kept up their defensive stockpiling with their 3rd and 4th consecutive selections on that side of the ball. With the 173rd overall selection, Washington took safety Reed Doughty from Northern Colorado. Doughty was a division 1-AA standout with 159 tackles (76 solo), four interceptions and three forced fumbles. He was also a three-time Academic All-American. Twenty-three picks later at pick number 196; Washington took Kedric Golston, another defensive tackle. Golston showed signs of great potential as a senior at Georgia, but also struggled with consistency.
In the seventh round, with the 230th pick of the draft, the Redskins took their first and only offensive player of the draft. Kili Lefotu is a versatile offensive lineman from the University of Arizona. He played at both guard spots and at left tackle for the Wildcats in his senior season.
The Redskins also had two picks in the seventh round thanks to a compensatory pick. With their final pick of the draft (250th overall), the Redskins added Tennessee linebacker Kevin Simon. Simon is a fairly small inside linebacker with excellent tackling skills, who might actually project better in the NFL on the outside. Injuries are a concern and likely the reason that Washington was able to pick him up so late in the draft.
More detailed profiles on all of the Washington Redskins draft picks, and all of the new additions are coming soon.
Edit: This blog was archived in May of 2016 from our original articles database.It was originally posted by Mark Solway