National Football League

Redskins sign 2 draft picks: CB Amerson, S Thomas

Published May. 17, 2013 10:45 p.m. ET

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The Washington Redskins signed second-round draft pick David Amerson and fourth-round choice Phillip Thomas on Friday, leaving one of their seven selections without a rookie deal: Florida tight end Jordan Reed.

Amerson is a cornerback from North Carolina State who was the 51st overall pick last month, Washington's highest because it traded its first-rounder to the St. Louis Rams in the deal that brought quarterback Robert Griffin III to the Redskins.

In 2011, Amerson set a single-season Atlantic Coast Conference record with 13 interceptions and won the Jack Tatum Award as the nation's top defensive back. He was more of a hit-or-miss player last season, though, making five interceptions while getting beat for some long touchdowns.

Thomas is a turnover-maker, too: The Fresno State safety led major college football with eight interceptions last season.

Thomas, an All-American, was the 119th overall selection in last month's NFL draft. He sat out the 2011 season with a broken left leg and dislocated ankle.

The Redskins hope both defensive backs will help improve a unit that ranked 30th in the NFL against the pass last season.

Washington now has signed six of the seven players it drafted, including safety Bacarri Rambo, linebacker Brandon Jenkins, and running backs Chris Thompson and Jawan Jamison.

Reed was taken in the third round, the 85th overall pick.

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