Examining The Rookie Class After 5 Games: David Amerson

The Redskins are 5 games in their 2013 season, and so far they haven’t gotten a lot of production out of their rookie class. Now that isn’t terribly surprising considering the Redskins didn’t have a 1st round pick due to the RGIII trade and 4th rounder Phillip Thomas is out for the year with an injury. While it isn’t surprising the Redskins desperately needed this draft to fill multiple holes since they were so limited in free agency. Now this is just five games so this isn’t necessarily proof on the long term future of these players and the success of these picks. What five games does show us is what we should expect for the final 11 weeks of the season. First up will be defensive back David Amerson.

2nd RD CB David Amerson:

The Good: Amerson had a pick six against the Raiders, which helped turn around the game for the Redskins. It was a poor decision by QB Matt Flynn and the Raiders receiver inexplicably stopped his route, but Amerson made a nice play on the ball and finished it in the end zone. Amerson also allowed just 1 catch for 8 yards in four targets week 1, and defended a pass in the end zone to force a field goal against the Lions.

The Bad: Amerson has struggled with missed assignments, missed tackles, poor decisions and penalties throughout the year so far. He did “shutdown” Riley Cooper week 1, but it’s Riley Cooper one of the least talented starting receivers who is only playing due to Jeremy Maclin‘s injury. Amerson was exposed more the next two weeks against the Packers and Lions. The pick six was great against the Raiders, but Amerson was responsible for a big mistake in that game that led to an Oakland score. The Cowboys went after Amerson as well and he was picked apart on the first drive, and missed a crucial tackle that could have stopped Dallas.

Despite not being a full time player and leaving the Dallas game early with a concussion, Amerson are already showing his struggles. He’s tied for 9th worst among all corners in the league with 147 yards allowed after the catch according to Pro Football Focus. Amerson is also allowing a ridiculous 25.3 yards per catch. Too many big plays are coming at the expense of Amerson and there haven’t been any real signs of improvement.

Going Forward: Amerson’s status for this week will be dependent on whether or not he can pass the concussion test. Whether he passes or not the Redskins should consider splitting his reps up a bit more with E.J. Biggers. Biggers hasn’t been great himself (though most of his miscues are at safety), but he may help minimize some of the exposure to Amerson. That just isn’t a concern for this week, but the rest of the season as well. Amerson isn’t a starter obviously, but he’s going to see a lot of work as the third corner and he will see most team’s number two receivers in those situations. Amerson has got to start producing more this year if he wants to prove he deserves a starting spot next season.

Yes Amerson has shown a couple of flashes, but through 5 weeks his mistakes far outnumber his positives. More troubling is the fact that it seems the tougher the QB and/or receiver is the more Amerson struggles. That doesn’t bode well for the rest of this season or the future. Amerson still has plenty of time to get his career on track, but the expectations are high for a 2nd round pick and he needs to start showing some signs of improvement. Right now as the Redskins are hoping for some miracle to get back into the playoff hunt, they can’t afford to have their 2nd rounder remain a liability.