The Redskins 2017 draft marked a pivotal moment in the franchise’s effort to build a younger, tougher, and more versatile roster. With ten selections spanning all seven rounds, Washington added a blend of proven college standouts and high-upside developmental prospects. From first-round anchor Jonathan Allen to late-round flyers like Josh Harvey-Clemons and Joshua Holsey, the team focused heavily on defense, physicality, and leadership.
This breakdown takes a closer look at each pick from the Redskins 2017 draft, evaluating the players as they entered the NFL.
Redskins 2017 Draft: Round 1
Jonathan Allen, Alabama – DE
A projected top-10 talent, Jonathan Allen fell to Washington at number 17 due to lingering concerns about shoulder arthritis, but his college production and leadership made him a steal. At Alabama, he was a dominant force on the defensive line, earning SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors. Allen brings power, technique, and a relentless motor, capable of playing multiple spots along the line. He’s expected to contribute immediately as a disruptive presence in the trenches and a potential cornerstone of the defensive front.
Allen won both the Chuck Bednarik and Bronco Ngurski awards for good reason.
“I think he’s a game changer,” said Draft Analyst Mike Mayock. “My number two player on my board.”
Redskins 2017 Draft: Day 2
Ryan Anderson, Alabama – OLB
Drafted in the second round, Ryan Anderson is a physical, high-motor edge rusher with a reputation for toughness and leadership. A key part of Alabama’s ferocious front seven, Anderson lacks elite burst but makes up for it with power, effort, and football IQ. He excels at setting the edge and brings a gritty, no-nonsense attitude to the locker room. Washington views him as a strong-side linebacker who can contribute early in base packages and special teams while developing as a situational pass rusher.
“I’m a playmaker, man. I’m a game-changer. I’m a good teammate, man. I’m a good dude out of the locker room. I’m the old-smith football player,” said Anderson. “I’m not a combine warrior, not a workout warrior, I’m a football player. At the end of the day, that’s what it boils down to.”
Fabian Moreau, UCLA – CB
Fabian Moreau is a long, athletic corner with upside, drafted in the third round after slipping due to a torn pectoral at his pro day. At UCLA, he developed into a solid cover corner with great speed and fluid hips. Moreau’s physical tools—highlighted by a 4.35 40-yard dash—make him a valuable developmental piece in Washington’s secondary. While he may need time to recover and refine his technique, he projects as a future outside starter with press-man potential.
Mike Mayock, “Big picture, Washington just got themselves a starting corner.”
Redskins 2017 Draft: Day 3
Samaje Perine, Oklahoma – RB
Drafted in the fourth round, Samaje Perine brings a powerful running style and impressive college résumé to Washington. At Oklahoma, he became the school’s all-time leading rusher, including a record-setting 427-yard game as a freshman. Known for his compact build, strong legs, and punishing finish through contact, Perine projects as a dependable early-down back. He is not a breakaway threat. His vision, toughness, and ability to grind out yards make him a strong addition to the backfield rotation.
Montae Nicholson, Michigan State – S
With elite athleticism and size (6’2″, 212 lbs), Montae Nicholson was selected in the fourth round as a developmental free safety prospect. A former track athlete, Nicholson impressed scouts with his speed and range. At Michigan State, he showed flashes of playmaking ability, though his game remains raw. Washington hopes to refine his instincts and technique, believing his physical tools can translate into a versatile safety capable of contributing on defense and special teams.
Jeremy Sprinkle, Arkansas – TE
Taken in the fifth round, Jeremy Sprinkle is a big-bodied tight end (6’5″, 255 lbs) known more for his blocking than receiving. He showed flashes of red-zone potential at Arkansas and steadily improved his technique as an in-line blocker. With Washington needing depth at the position, Sprinkle fits the mold of a traditional Y-tight end and could carve out a role as a reliable blocker with upside in short-yardage passing situations.
Chase Roullier, Wyoming – C
Washington used a sixth-round pick on Chase Roullier, a smart, technically sound center out of Wyoming. A four-year starter, Roullier was known for his football IQ, toughness, and ability to anchor against interior linemen. Though he lacks elite athletic traits, he’s considered a high-floor prospect who could provide valuable depth and eventually compete for a starting role with refinement in his pass sets and hand placement.
Robert Davis, Georgia State – WR
With rare size-speed combination (6’3″, 219 lbs, 4.44 40), Robert Davis is a classic late-round upside pick. He became Georgia State’s all-time leading receiver and impressed scouts with his physicality, leaping ability, and work ethic. Coming from a smaller program, he’ll need time to adjust to the NFL level, but his athletic profile makes him a potential deep threat and intriguing developmental project at wide receiver.
Josh Harvey-Clemons, Louisville – LB/S Hybrid
A seventh-round pick, Josh Harvey-Clemons is a hybrid safety-linebacker with intriguing versatility. After starting his college career at Georgia, he transferred to Louisville, where he played a key role in their defensive scheme. At 6’4″, 230 lbs, he offers size and range to potentially cover tight ends and contribute in nickel packages. He’ll need to prove he can hold up in coverage and add value on special teams as he transitions to the NFL.
Joshua Holsey, Auburn – CB
Drafted in the seventh round, Joshua Holsey is a battle-tested cornerback with solid ball skills and field awareness. Despite suffering multiple knee injuries in college, Holsey rebounded to have a strong senior season at Auburn. While undersized, he’s known for his toughness, intelligence, and ability to play both inside and outside. He projects as a special teams contributor and possible depth piece in the secondary, depending on his continued health.
Building A Promising Future
The Redskins’ 2017 draft was widely regarded as a solid effort to bolster the team’s roster, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. By selecting Alabama standouts Jonathan Allen and Ryan Anderson with their first two picks, Washington aimed to infuse their defense with proven talent from a championship program. Third-round pick Fabian Moreau added depth to the secondary, while later selections like Samaje Perine and Chase Roullier addressed offensive needs.?
The Redskins, “got a little bit of everything,” according to the Washington Post.
While the true measure of a draft class comes with time, the initial reactions suggest that Washington has laid a promising foundation for future success.