Washington Redskins: Offseason Needs

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DRAFT PICKS:

1st rd: 10th
2nd rd: 41st
3rd rd: traded to New Orleans
4th rd: traded to Philadelphia
5th rd: 144
5th rd: 155 (from New Orleans)
6th rd: 177
7th rd: 213
7th rd: 224 (from Indianapolis)
7th rd: 253 (compensatory selection)

DRAFT NEEDS:

1. Right Tackle: The Redskins thought they filled their RT void with a trade for former All-pro Jamaal Brown, but unfortunately he proved to be ineffective (and is also a free agent), meaning the Redskins will need to find a bookend to last year’s number one pick Trent Williams. They could look to draft one early, but given their other needs and depth of the potential free agent class, this might be one need they wait slightly on.

2. Left Guard: Trent Williams last year showed flashes of brilliance and should be the top notch tackle the Skins need, unfortunately he is the only member of the offensive line that should be starting in this league. His partner on the left side, Kory Lichtensteiger was pretty awful last season and isn’t the answer for the Redskins. Adding another young talented lineman to lineup next to Trent will go a long way to ensuring better production for the offense.

3. Defensive End x2: If Albert Haynesworth is eventually traded as is expected, the Redskins will have the worst defensive end corps in the NFL. While Jeremy Jarmon flashes some potential to start, he is the only one worth regular snaps. While some would point to Adam Carriker as a starting option, it is pretty clear that he wouldn’t even be a 3rd DE for most of the 3-4 defenses in this league. The Redskins need to add at least one DE early (or of immediate starting caliber in FA), and look to add a 2nd one later.

4. Nose Tackle: The Nose Tackle position is key to any 3-4 unit, and the Redskins found this out the hard way last season as they were totally unprepared. Finding at least someone semi-capable is key to the Redskins offseason.

5. OLB: While the Redskins have Brian Orakpo manning one rush linebacker position at an All-pro level, their other position is a complete black hole. To run the type of defense the Redskins are looking for they need a highly capable pass rusher opposite Orakpo, which makes this a high priority.

6. Right Guard: Will Montgomery is a journey man guard/center and while, he is a good backup he shouldn’t be penciled in as the starter for next season.

7. ILB: Rocky McIntosh is an impending free agent and won’t be back. Last year’s fourth round pick Perry Riley was very raw last season, and probably isn’t ready for a starting role (if ever). Also making this a need is the fact that star ILB London Fletcher will be a free agent after next season and is turning 36 this season.

8. Center: Casey Rabach was perhaps the Redskins worst offensive lineman last year (which is saying something). Despite that, this isn’t as big of a need because both Lichtensteiger and Montgomery project as (slightly) better centers than guards, which should cover the position for a year.

9. WR: Santana Moss is an impeding free agent, and even with him in the fold this WR corps was among the leagues worst last season. Adding 1-3 receivers (depending on Moss’ status) will be key to maintaining at least a decent offense.

10. RB: The Clinton Portis days are over, and while Ryan Torain has flashed some big time ability, I’m thinking he will end up being just an average back. A big part of the concern with him is his durability as it has been 4 years since he last had a fully healthy season. Look for a change of pace back to be picked up in the late rounds.

11. CB: Carlos Rogers is an impending free agent so if he leaves this could definitely move up the list some. While losing Rogers makes it a bigger need, it won’t be too big of one as Kevin Barnes showed some decent ability last season while filling in at FS.

12. QB: The Redskins are likely to have Rex Grossman to start the season, so adding a long term answer at QB is key, unfortunately the Redskins other needs mean they might have to wait a season. Adding a quarterback now when the offensive line is in such shambles would be irresponsible (if they are considering letting him play).

13. Safety depth: The Redskins did manage to sign FS Atogwe before the lockout started, which took care of a big need. Unfortunately safety isn’t totally fixed as the Redskins have pretty bad depth right now.

14. Kicker and Punter: The Redskins specialists were among the worst in the league last season, which should necessitate them bringing in some new competition at least for the roles.

SUMMARY:

While most people focus on the Skins needs at QB or WR, that would be a waste of a 1st or 2nd round pick. While they are major needs, the biggest needs are on defense and along the offensive line. The Redskins defense ranked near the bottom in every single defensive and rushing category. It was a mixed bag when it came to passing, but it was definitely the least weak area for the Redskins last season. Not to mention that building up the offensive line should help improve the passing game quite a bit as well.