Redskins Draft Profiles: Dexter McDougle
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The Redskins draft approach to the cornerback position will largely depend on the confidence they have in their current cornerbacks. DeAngelo Hall and David Amerson look to be the starters heading into OTA’s, but beyond those two there isn’t a ton of certainty at cornerback for the skins.
Tracy Porter was signed in the offseason and will compete for the largley used slot cornerback position (essentially a starter as well); Richard Crawford Jr. is coming off season ending knee surgery (although he showed promise before getting hurt), E.J. Biggers is more of a depth guy, and Chase Minnifield has spent the majority of his time on the practice squad.
It appears that if the season started today Hall and Amerson would start and Porter would man the slot position. However, DeAngelo Hall is on the wrong side of 30 and Tracy Porter has been with four teams in as many years, so this starting lineup is hardly set in stone.
Regardless of Hall’s age it appears he still has a good couple years of football left in him (he had arguably his best season in 2013), and if the Redskins have confidence in Porter playing the slot for at least this coming season, the Redskins would be wise to invest in former Maryland standout corner Dexter McDougle.
The Redskins haven’t done a fantastic job in the past of developing their draft picks, but instead opt to sign big name free agents. With a core of young talent now in Washington, the Redskins simply must improve in their ability to develope their own players if they want to elevate themselves to a playoff team or a Super Bowl contender.
McDougle was enjoying a fine senior year at Maryland before a shoulder injury brought his season to an abrupt end. His last game before injury came against UCONN when McDougle enjoyed two interceptions, one in which he returned 49 yards for a touchdown.
McDougle is an excellent corner that recently enjoyed an phenomenal pro day, and appears will be back to his pre‑injury form. If the Redskins find McDougle available in a late round of this May’s draft, they may just find a future starter.
If the Redskins can draft McDougle and let him learn under a veteran like Hall, and not rush him onto the field his rookie season (Much like they did Rambo—out of necessity) they will find themselves with a high value pick that could contribute immediately on special teams, and possibly if developed correctly step into the slot corner or even starting corner spot.
McDougle is a draft prospect with a high upside, and in the right system and the right coaching, he could flourish as a pro, he could be a fantastic fit with Washington.
