The Redskins drafted Stanford linebacker Jared Newberry and The Citadel running back Nehemiah Broughton in the late rounds of the weekend's NFL Draft.
-- JARED NEWBERRY, LB
Newberry, a sixth-round pick (183rd) overall, Newberry, 6-1 and 234 pounds, finished his career with 159 tackles (103 solo) and 6.5 sacks. He also forced and recovered three fumbles, intercepted three passes and had 14 pass deflections.
After redshirting as a freshman, Newberry appeared in 10 games in 2001 seeing action mostly on special teams while serving as a reserve fullback. He shifted to linebacker in 2002, starting in three games. He ranked fourth on the team in tackles with 45 (29 solo) and also added three sacks, a fumble recovery, an interception and three pass deflections.
Newberry took over strong-side linebacker duties in 2003 and ranked second on the squad with 67 tackles (40 solo), three sacks, three forced fumbles, an interception and seven pass deflections. He continued as a starter in 2004 and recorded 45 tackles (32 solo).
A product of DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis, Minn., Newberry was a three-time all-conference selection. He played on both sides of the ball. On defense, as a linebacker, he recorded more than 100 tackles, five sacks, three fumble recoveries and two interceptions. On offense, he played every position except quarterback.
Head coach Joe Gibbs touted Newberry as a highly intelligent player.
"I told him on the phone that he might be too smart for us to coach," Gibbs said. "They played Jared a lot on the outside because of their personnel. We think he could be a very good inside linebacker. We think he could fit in and compete for a middle linebacker position.
"He is one of those players who can get everyone lined up and can be the captain of the defense."
-- Nehemiah Broughton, RB
Broughton, a seventh-round selection (222nd overall), is a strong inside runner who possesses a combination of size and speed.
The 5-11 and 250 pounder played in 40 games with 29 starts at The Citadel and recorded 581 carries for 2,638 yards and 25 touchdowns. He also tallied 47 receptions for 355 yards and three touchdowns.
During his senior season, he started every game and logged 179 carries for 788 yards and five touchdowns. For his efforts he was named All-American first-team (as a fullback) by The NFL Draft Report and All-Southern Conference first-team (as a tailback).
Broughton, nicknamed "Nemo," is from North Charleston, South Carolina where he attended North Charleston High School. He was an All-State selection as a senior, rushing for 1,670 yards and 23 touchdowns.
Said Gibbs: "[Running backs coach] Earnest Byner went down and had a workout with him personally at The Citadel campus. We think he'll fit in well on special teams. He's big--he's 5-11 and 250 pounds. We'll teach him a few things at the running back position and then see how he fits in there."
