The Washington Redskins waited until Day 3 of the NFL draft to address their defensive backfield, grabbing Virginia’s Tech safety Kyshoen Jarrett with their first pick in the sixth round, No. 181 overall.
Jarrett started 38 of Virginia Tech’s 39 games over the past three seasons while serving as an important cog on special teams. With the offseason additions of Jeron Johnson and Dashon Goldson to Washington’s roster, Jarrett profiles as a special teams contributor for the Redskins this season. And he’s fine with that.
“Coming out of Virginia Tech and the term ’Beamer Ball’ means so much there. Coach Frank Beamer, he loves his special teams,” Jarrett said. “You begin to grow a passion with special teams. Anybody who comes out of Virginia Tech will do special teams automatically because it’s something that’s instilled in you when you first walk in the door.”
Redskins coach Jay Gruden praised Jarrett’s competitiveness and toughness on the field.
“A little bit undersized for a safety. He’s 5 feet 10 but when he brings it, he brings it,” Gruden said. “He’s a tough guy. I think he’s going to be very good on special teams and he’s going to have to try to work his way into the lineup. But very physical player, very productive player at Virginia Tech, and we like what we saw on tape.”
Jarrett said Saturday’s selection was an important moment for he and his family. He spent the day with his 21-year-old brother, Daishawn, who has cerebral palsy, and his mother, Vinise Capers, who works full-time while also caring for Daishawn.
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“I am really close to my brothers and it was a great feeling,” Jarrett said. “My one brother, he is excited and screaming my name,” Jarrett said. “This is going to be a blessing for him. He’s going to be able to go to some more games throughout his lifetime.”
Jarrett said he wasn’t “100 percent sure” if he would be selected by the Redskins, but he was familiar with the team due to Virginia Tech’s proximity to the team. He believes he can help the team in a variety of ways.
“I feel like I have many strengths,” Jarrett said. “I can play in the box. I can play the post. I have range as a free safety, play in the box as a strong safety. I can be a nickel back, cornerback. I can return punts. I could do any type of special teams. I feel like I’m a very versatile player coming out of Virginia Tech and I’m happy that the Washington Redskins are allowing me to display those talents within their system.”
• Tom Schad can be reached at tschad@washingtontimes.com.
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