The Washington Redskins rounded out the NFL draft Saturday with a pair of seventh-rounders, taking Arkansas safety Kamren Curl with the 216th overall pick and North Carolina State defensive end James Smith-Williams at No. 229 overall.
Curl, a 6-foot-1 safety, was a three-year starter for the Razorbacks, catching scouts’ eyes with his competitiveness, according to NFL.com. Like the Redskins’ other picks, Curl took pride in his versatility; he has experience playing cornerback, as well. Throughout the draft, the Redskins have taken players who can play multiple spots — something that was important to new coach Ron Rivera as he rebuilt the Redskins’ roster.
Beyond his ability on the field, Curl is also known for a 2018 incident in which he was suspended for flirting with members of the Mississippi State dance team before Arkansas’ game.
On a conference call with reporters, Curl called the situation “a little misunderstanding.”
Smith-Williams, meanwhile, is a prototypical 4-3 defensive end, which seems to fit Rivera’s defense. Under Rivera, the Redskins switched from a 3-4 to a 4-3 earlier this offseason.
At North Carolina State, Smith-Williams had 20 tackles and one sack last year in seven games. His season was cut short due to an ankle injury.
The Redskins have now completed their first draft under Rivera:
1. (2) Chase Young, DE, Ohio State
3. (66) Antonio Gibson, WR/RB, Memphis
4. (108) Saahdiq Charles, T, LSU
4. (142) Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, Liberty
5. (156) Keith Ismael, C/G, San Diego State
5. (162) Khaleke Hudson, LB, Michigan
7. (216) Kamren Curl, S, Arkansas
7. (229) James Smith-Williams, DE, North Carolina State
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.