Washington Redskins: Grading every Day 3 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft
By Hunter Noll
Round 7 (No. 229 Overall): James Smith-Williams, EDGE
With the 229th overall and their last pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Redskins selected James Smith-Williams. Smith-Williams is a defensive end out of North Carolina State.
Okay, one last time. The glaring issue with the pick is that it wasn’t a tight end taken. One of Washington’s biggest needs entering the draft was not addressed at all. However, let’s try not to look into that. Clearly, they didn’t feel anyone was the right fit. And Smith-Williams brings value.
An injury forced him to play just six games in 2019. That likely dropped his stock a bit. Even worse, injuries were a serious issue all throughout his college career. Based on the reports he’s an incredibly hard worker though. Those are the kind of players you want to get late in the draft.
Smith-Williams will always be working to get better and never be satisfied. And at 6-3, 265 pounds he’s an absolute tank. So that work ethic has a good frame to mold into a legitimate player.
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Washington has a lot already going for them on the defensive line. So Smith-Williams will have to push to carve out any type of role. It sounds like he’s up for the job though. Look past the injury concerns and this is a solid pickup.
Pick Grade: C | Overall Day 3 Grade: B+