Risk vs Reward: Should the Washington Redskins Select a Troubled DB?

The Washington Redskins are in need of young talent at the defensive back position. With the $18 million cap penalty, the team had to make a tough decision by cutting DeAngelo Hall. While the door isn’t closed on a Hall re-signing, there’s no doubt that defensive back is the team’s top need headed into 2013’s NFL draft. Even after signing former Buccaneers cornerback E.J. Biggers, the need at slot CB and free safety remains. Good thing for Washington is the draft will be loaded with talented DBs. But don’t be surprised if the Washington Redskins make a risky selection.

Georgia’s Bacarri Rambo and LSU’s Tyrann Mathieu are both talented, yet troubled football players. As they prepare for April’s NFL Draft, each will have to go through a daunting process. Other than both guys being defensive backs, the common denominator between these two players is marijuana usage. Both players know they will not be trusted immediately. The decisions or “accidents” they made will cost them millions. But whichever team takes a risk on one of these guys could be rewarded.

There is a significant thought process that teams go through when deciding to bring a new player into their organization. Every front office and coaching staff wants to bring in leaders, achievers and trustworthy players. Success with longevity comes to teams with a core nucleus of those three characteristics. However, each team’s goal is to build a football team — not a ministerial staff. But you have to be prudent. There’s an art to measuring risk vs reward.

In the NFL Draft, especially, there’s a major process that begins in January and ends in April. For much of four months, NFL prospects are put under the microscope. If a team is intrigued by a player, the front office and coaching staff turns into detectives. Their research is as thorough as preparing and getting a colonoscopy. Especially if the player has a sketchy past.

Georgia Safety Bacarri Rambo has had multiple off-the-field issues. In 2011, Rambo was suspended for one game due to a joint found in the purse of a girl riding with him. In between his next suspension, Rambo suffered the death of his unborn son, Braylin Rambo. Two days later, Rambo took the field against Ole Miss, collecting two interceptions, four tackles and one pass breakup in the Bulldogs’ 27-13 victory. Rambo’s junior season was a whirlwind, yet he went on to become an Associated Press first-team All-American and consensus first-team All-SEC. In 2012, Rambo’s senior season had a bumpy and bizarre start. He was suspended for the first four games due to failing a drug test. Rambo ingested two marijuana brownies on accident, after waking up hungry while on spring break in Panama City Beach. He claims that the incident was unintentional and didn’t know marijuana was in the brownies until he asked his friend after getting high off them. Rambo explained the incident to his high school football coach Alan Ingram, who has gone on record to say that Rambo has never lied to him.

On the other hand, none of Tyrann Mathieu’s incidents were unintentional. In 2011, Mathieu’s sophomore season was rewarded with consensus All-American and Heisman nominee honors. But soon after, Mathieu was dismissed from LSU’s football program. Mathieu failed multiple drug tests and entered drug rehab last Summer, but he and three other former LSU players were arrested for misdemeanor marijuana possession on October 25th. Since then, Mathieu says he hasn’t used marijuana and that he’s a changed man. “A lot of the things that I put before football was really not fun anymore without football,” he said during February’s NFL combine.

It’s not uncommon for players to become remorseful after making mistakes. Especially when talking about athletes who have played football for free their entire lives. They now have an opportunity to play for at least a few hundred thousand dollars and that’s enough to motivate anyone.

Teams have to be able to trust a player with a troubled past. But what about having trust in your football program? Once a team’s nucleus is constructed, risks become easier to take. Especially when they come at a discount.

Over the past three years, Mike Shanahan and general manager Bruce Allen have totally reshaped the culture of the Washington Redskins. Although, with the recent reported suspension of linebacker Rob Jackson, the Redskins have had seven drug-related suspensions since August of 2011. But really, only one player had major drug related issues prior to joining the team. Tanard Jackson was a clear red flag after serving two suspensions with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Shanahan and Allen are not afraid to take risks. Especially if the player is talented.

Tyrann Mathieu was named “honey badger” for a reason. He’s a small (5ft 9) defensive back who is a complete ball-magnet. He’s always around the football and he’s a complete playmaker. Those are God-given attributes that you just cannot teach.

Rambo is the same way. He’s a complete and utter ball hawk. Quarterbacks will second think throwing in his direction because of his great range. It’s easier to find “in the box” safeties than guys who can cover a ton of ground.

Due to Mathieu’s size, he’s better suited for the slot position in the NFL. Rambo is a pure free safety. Both of these players fit major needs for the Washington Redskins. But in my opinion, Bacarri Rambo is the guy who is worth the bigger risk. Although he’s a gambler and takes poor angles when attempting tackles — the Redskins’ biggest hole is in coverage. Bacarri Rambo is perfect for that.

“Rambo – I kinda like him,” said NFL Network’s Mike Mayock. “He ran well in the 4.6 – 4.65 range. He has good ball skills. I think he’s a true free safety.”

The Washington Redskins should absolutely take a risk on Bacarri Rambo. Many are slotting him as a third round pick. However, there will be 34 selections between the Redskins second and third round picks. Teams in need of a safety or two like the Green Bay Packers, Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, and every one of Washington’s division rivals have picks before the Redskins. I’m sure they will do their homework and find a spot they’re comfortable taking a risk with. But when it’s all said and done, don’t be surprised if the Redskins take a chance on a player like Bacarri Rambo or Tyrann Mathieu.