Evan Spencer to Washington Redskins: Full Draft-Pick Breakdown

The Washington Redskins took their second wide receiver in the 2015 NFL draft by claiming Evan Spencer with the 187th overall pick. Unlike fourth-round choice Jamison Crowder, Spencer brings some genuine size to the position.

He's 6'2" and 208 pounds, a large frame he most often brings to bear as a blocker in the open field. NFL.com's Lance Zierlein commended Spencer's physical approach: "Puts team first and willing to do dirty work. Will not hesitate to stick his nose in the action as run blocker."

B/R draft analyst Matt Miller felt Spencer is the best blocker at his position in this year's class. He also feels the former Ohio State Buckeye is a natural for special teams:

Wide receivers who can clamp onto and block second-level defenders often play a key role in turning short running plays into big gains. But helping out on the ground isn't Spencer's only value as a flanker.

He's got possession-style traits as a big-bodied and sure-handed pass-catcher. Any receiver who can be trusted to bring the ball in is a potential asset to a team beset by inconsistent play at quarterback.

Of course, Spencer's hopes of helping out the men under center will hinge on his ability to get on the field amid a very crowded position group. He's set to join a depth chart already bloated with names such as DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon and Andre Roberts.

Spencer will also have to contend with young targets Ryan Grant and Jamison Crowder. He's got similar steady possession traits to Grant, but neither player can offer the explosive, field-stretching potential Crowder is being counted on to add to the offense.

Fighting for playing time in a crowded position group is nothing new to Spencer. He faced a similar problem at Ohio State, per ESPN's John Keim:

But Spencer should have little trouble making the grade on special teams. His willingness and skill as a blocker will make him a valuable figure in the return game. Meanwhile, his general physicality can make him a hit on the coverage units.

Head coach Jay Gruden is already anticipating Spencer becoming a feature of a group that general manager Scot McCloughan has made the focus of his last three picks, per Mike Jones of The Washington Post:

It shouldn't be a surprise that the Redskins have opted for a physical, try-hard player at this pick. It's been the central theme for the team during this draft.

Spencer is just one more fit for the way McCloughan wants to rebuild this roster.