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Washington Redskins: Best pick from each of last 10 NFL Draft classes

By Hunter Noll

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 30: Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder before the game between the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField on December 30, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 30: Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder before the game between the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField on December 30, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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Washington Redskins Chris Thompson
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 28: Chris Thompson #25 of the Washington Redskins makes a run against the New York Giants during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium on October 28, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

2013: Chris Thompson – Fifth Round, 154th overall pick

This one might’ve been the toughest decision of them all. Chris Thompson and Jordan Reed are both special talents who have seen injuries derail seasons and tear up their careers.

Not long ago, Jordan Reed was supposed to be the tight end of the future. The next great tight end that the league would see and someone who would dominate for a long time due to his incredible combination of size and speed. In 2015, he recorded 87 receptions for 952 yards and 11 touchdowns. He had arrived.

Chris Thompson, on the other hand, was a shifty running back who could be dangerous in the passing game if only he could stay healthy.

Reed has struggled to stay on the field since that 2015 season though. In fact, the 14 games he appeared in that year still remains a career-high. Even when he does appear in a decent amount of games (13 in 2018) it seems like injuries are limiting him both on the field and how much he can even play.

At the same time, Thompson dealt with injuries since 2015 too. Just like Reed, that’s always been an issue for him. The only difference is it’s been less of a problem since 2015 than it has been for Reed. In fact, Thompson’s best four seasons have come since 2015. He’s ridiculously dangerous in the receiving game and puts up big rushing numbers when given the chance.

Out of the two, Reed is more likely to be that dominant once-in-a-generation talent. Thompson has been more consistent recently though. In fact, despite being a running back, Thompson has almost as many receptions in the last three seasons as Reed (129 compared to 147). He’s also had just three less receiving touchdowns (seven compared to 10) but has scored an additional five on the ground.

Not long ago, Reed’s career looked like it was heading on a potential Hall of Fame path. Injuries have derailed that though. While they’ve been a problem for Chris Thompson as well he’s seemed to adapt nicely, making him the pick for this class of Washington Redskins draftees.

It also helps that he was drafted two rounds later (Reed in the third, Thompson in the fifth). That adds a little extra value to Thompson.

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