Redskins 2012 NFL Draft: Potential Gems Amongst Added Undrafted Free Agents

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Updated: May 1, 2012 (9:14am EST)

As one of those weirdo draft nerds, I enjoy the race at undrafted free agents just as much as I do the actual NFL draft itself.

Through Sunday night, the unofficial list of UDFAs is all over the web. For the Redskins, Mike Shanahan is making quality moves.

In terms of guys that I believe to have a real shot at making the team and contributing, there’s about four or five of ‘em.

Chase Minnifield ( CB / Virginia ) — Back in September, Minnifield was considered a late first-round prospect and a majority of mock drafts didn’t have his name listed anywhere past the second round. However, Minnifield’s slowed recovery from a January knee microfracture surgery appears to have scared front offices. Given a solid recovery, Minnifield could be a starter by 2013.

Lance Lewis ( WR / East Carolina ) — Albeit a crowded position for the Redskins, Lance Lewis has a good shot at making the roster. Having scouted him this season, I had Lewis projected as a fifth-rounder. He is physical off the line and he’s a very impressive route-runner. He may not have the speed to get behind defenses, but he has potential as a reliable possession receiver.

D.J. Holt ( ILB / California ) — The eventual replacement of London Fletcher is a touchy subject for Redskins fans. Although it’s not knocking on the door quite yet, it’s important to develop the young guys that could take over the reigns. Holt is a well-built gap-filler that can serve as a reliable backup. He isn’t much of a pass-rusher, and his coverage is suspect, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him earn a spot.

Grant Garner ( C / Oklahoma State ) — Hailing from a spread offense in college, Garner is an experienced center with the necessary athleticism to be effective alongside a mobile quarterback in a wide offensive set. With Will Montgomery as the team’s only real center, Garner has a good chance of earning his spot and starting within a couple years.

Josh Oglesby ( OT / Wisconsin ) — Although not as athletic as Shanahan may desire, Oglesby is an absolute mammoth on the offensive line. He’s 6’7, weighing close to 340 pounds and possessing long arms and ginormous hands. At a thin/weak position, Oglesby has potential for the Redskins given how he responds to coaching and adapting to the zone scheme.

Eain Smith, S, WVU
Michael Shaw, RB, Michigan
Brian McNally, DE, New Hampshire
Darius Hanks, WR, Alabama
Lenny Creer, RB, La Tech
Vaughn Meatoga, DT, Hawaii
Kerby Long, WR, James Madison
Dwayne Frampton, WR, Arkansas State
Marcus Hyde, DE, William & Mary

Brandon Bolden, RB, Ole Miss

Be sure to mark this page, as I will make adjustments accordingly when the list grows and/or shrinks.