Redskins Draft CB Greg Stroman and WR Trey Quinn in Round 7

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April 28, 2018; Updated 9:15 p.m. ET

by Steve Thomas

The Washington Redskins drafted Virginia Tech corner Greg Stroman with the 23rd pick in the 7th round, 241st overall, and wide receiver Trey Quinn from SMU with the 38th and final pick in the draft, 256th overall.  Quinn is the NFL’s Mr. Irrelevant for 2018.

Stroman, who is 5’11” and weighs 182 pounds, played in 48 games over a 4 year career with the Hokies.  He is extremely versatile, principally playing corner, but also serving as wide receiver, running back, and punt and kickoff returner while at Virginia Tech.  He was selected as a First Team All-ACC corner and an All-ACC honorable mention selectee as a return specialist in 2017, and a Second Team All-ACC selection as a corner in 2016.  As a corner, he amassed 60 tackles.  As a punt returner, he made 127 returns over his 4 year career for 1,108 yards and an 8.7 yards per return average, with 4 touchdowns.  He also had 23 kickoff returns for 478 yards.

At the 2018 Combine, Stroman ran the 40 yard dash in 4.48 seconds, jumped 33.5 inches in the vertical leap, bench pressed 225 pounds 16 times, and jumped 9’5” in the broad jump.  He is known as an outstanding ballhawk, and has a penchant for undercutting routes while in coverage.  He possesses quality man coverage skills and has the ability to play both inside and outside corner.  Stroman’s principle weakness is his thin frame and lack of playing strength.

Redskins head coach Jay Gruden made note of Stroman’s special teams ability, stating, “last year we did not have anybody that could back up Jamison, really. DeAngelo Hall took some there at the very end and right now on our roster we really don’t have anybody that can catch a punt other than Jamison, so it was very important for us to address that. So with Greg and with Trey [Quinn], the last pick here, both of them have punt return experience, so that was good.  And Greg is also a good corner.”

Stroman noted how pleased he was to be drafted in Washington alongside teammate and new defensive tackle Tim Settle, stating, “Man, it just feels like going to school and going to Virginia Tech again. Tim Settle actually played with me in high school and we went to Virginia Tech together and now once again we meet again. It’s going to be fun.”  As to what he can bring to Washington, Stroman noted that he is a playmaker and “a guy who is just going to go out there and just make plays, a guy that’s going to study film, knows what’s going on before the play starts and just finish plays. Catch interceptions and take punts to the house.”

Stroman will join lead corner Josh Norman, former wide receiver turned corner Quinton Dunbar, 2017 rookie Fabian Moreau, and others.  Given the poor state of the Redskins return game and Stroman’s extensive experience at punt returner, it is very likely that he will be given an opportunity to take over the position from incumbent Jamison Crowder.  He is an outstanding value pick.

Quinn, who hails from Louisiana, 6’0”, 208 pounds, played 27 games over 3 seasons, including 2 years at LSU from 2014 – 2015 and one with the Mustangs in 2017.  He has 36 receptions for 1,512 yards in his collegiate career for an 11.1 yards per reception average and 13 touchdowns.

At the NFL Combine, Quinn ran the 40 yard dash in 4.55 seconds, did 17 bench press reps, a 33.5 inch vertical leap, and a had a 9’8” broad jump.

Quinn isn’t known as an explosive athlete, but is a quality route runner with good hands, acceleration, and footwork.  He has a body type suited for the slot in the NFL.  Quinn’s main question mark is that he had only one productive year, which was his 2017 at SMU, while he barely played in his two years at LSU, with only 22 receptions.  His 2017, though, was one of the best in the nation, with 114 receptions for 1,236 yards in just 13 games.  The Redskins likely see him as a possession receiver, special teams contributor, and replacement for the departed Ryan Grant.

Gruden also made note of Quinn’s abilities, stating “Trey Quinn is a very exciting prospect. At SMU, he caught a lot of balls, did some punt return. He’s a great option route runner, great feel in zones, strong hands, good physical blocker, good after the catch.”

Quinn was asked in his conference call about his status as Mr. Irrelevant, and responded by saying “[t]here’s a big chip on my shoulder and you’ll see it on me, but I’m excited. I’m excited to be a part of an organization, and after a long day, I’m kind of stressed out. I’m just excited to be a part of the ‘Skins and go dominate a little bit.”  He also acknowledged his probable role on special teams as a possible punt returner, stating that “I think that kind of just comes natural. I grew up playing center field for baseball, so tracking balls was just kind of a thing that came easy to me, so I’m excited to have the opportunity to show my talents on special teams as well – just anyway to make the team and not even just make the team but, you know, dominate once I get on the team.”

We’ll have a complete analysis of all of the Redskins draft picks on the next episode of The Hog Sty.

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