Redskins Promote Draft Guru Kyle Smith to VP of Player Personnel

The Washington Redskins have promoted Kyle Smith to Vice President of Player Personnel. The team announced the promotion Monday.

Certainly reads like a GM role for Kyle Smith without the GM title. But the past few drafts have been run by Smith and he’s done a great job with those. Deserved a promotion https://t.co/a1uWJwR5FI

— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) January 13, 2020

Smith spent the past 10 in the Redskins organization. He started out as an intern that ultimately led to him being an area scout and then director of college personnel.

Smith, the son of AJ Smith, who was the GM of the San Diego Chargers while newly hired Redskins head coach Ron Rivera was a defensive coordinator there.

“I have been impressed with Kyle’s track record and player evaluation process, and I’m confident in the vision we share for the future of the Washington Redskins,” Rivera said.

Smith’s promotion comes as part of a large overhaul of the team’s front office. The Redskins fired longtime team president Bruce Allen. Notably, they also reassigned Doug Williams from Senior VP of Player Personnel to player development. They also hired former Panthers executive Rob Rogers as their new Senior VP of Football Administration.

The team also parted ways with Senior VP of Football Operations/General Counsel Eric Schaffer after 17 seasons.

Many media and fans made a fuss about the Redskins opting to go into the 2020 NFL Draft without a GM. However, it appears Smith may be the man in charge without the GM title.

Smith & Rivera have talked briefly since Ron was hired, but it had mostly been business as usual.

Smith let RR know how they do things in the personnel dept. I guess he was impressed because just a few weeks in, Smith gets the promotion.

They didn't know each other previously.

— Craig Hoffman (@CraigHoffman) January 13, 2020

It was Smith who has handled the past three drafts for the Redskins. Not Bruce Allen. Those three drafts have produced defensive linemen Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen, running back Derrius Guice, linebackers Shaun Dion Hamilton, Cole Holcomb and Ryan Anderson. As well as, quarterback Dwayne Haskins, edge Montez Sweat, Terry McLaurin and defensive backs Jimmy Moreland, Montae Nicholson and Fabian Moreau.

Rivera, the head coach, has the most power within the Redskins front office. Smith himself is excited to work with Rivera.

“I am excited for the opportunity to oversee both the college and professional sides of the scouting department,” Smith said. “Our staff is looking forward to working together with Coach Rivera to build the best team possible.”

Smith is well-respected within the NFL, and retaining him was a smart move by Rivera.