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I know, Scot McCloughan doesn't draft for need. I call BS on this!
Either way, we had a very nice start to free agency, addressing some of the team's biggest needs, however, there are some remaining needs on this team that will need to be addressed before the 2015 season starts.
Below, I'll take a look at these needs, and address some options to fill them.
Offensive Tackle:
Tom Compton was re-signed by the team this winter, and it's been speculated by some people that the current staff really likes him. Regardless, an upgrade on the right side would be in the best interest of the organization. Many thought Morgan Moses would be the future, but as it looks right now, he's not even the present. The foot injury may hamper his development during the offseason, and there is no guarantee he'll be ready to start training camp.
Free Agency:
Joe Barksdale
Anthony Collins
Draft:
Andrus Peat, Stanford(1st round)
Brandon Scherff, Iowa(1st round trade-back)
T.J. Clemmings, Pitt(1st round trade-back)
La'el Collins, LSU(1st round trade-back)
Jake Fisher, Oregon(2nd round)
Ereck Flowers, Miami(2nd round)
Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M(2nd-3rd round)
Donovan Smith, Penn State(2nd-3rd round)
Free Safety:
The recent signing of Jeron Johnson had many speculating that he could be our new free safety, but it's assumed he'll compete to become our starting strong safety, leaving only one true free safety, the diminutive Trenton Robinson, on the current roster. It is my belief that if we see a healthy DeAngelo Hall return from his Achilles injury, that he'll make the transition to free safety. Others have suggested that Bashaud Breeland or David Amerson could also make the transition from corner to safety, but those moves would be less likely.
Free Agency:
Taylor Mays
Draft:
Landon Collins, Alabama(1st round)
Eric Rowe, Utah(3rd round)
Cody Prewitt, Ole Miss(3rd round)
Adrian Amos, Penn State(4th round)
Center:
For those who argue Kory Lichtensteiger is serviceable.....he's not! I studied his games throughout the season, and he was just as poor as Will Montgomery was the prior two season. I don't care what PFF credits him with, he's just not very good. It feels like it has been decades since we have had a good young center on this team - oh wait, it has been!
Free Agency:
Brian De La Puente
Draft:
Cam Erving, Florida State(1st round trade-back)
Hroniss Grasu, Oregon(3rd)
Tight End:
Many will not agree that tight end is a pretty big need, but we all know, you can't count on Jordan Reed, that Niles Paul is more situational/special teams, and Logan Paulsen should be cut. That leaves us where.....? I would love to see a throw-back, in-line tight end come to us via the draft.
Draft:
Ben Koyack, Notre Dame(3rd)
Jessie James, Penn State(3rd)
Jeff Heuerman, Ohio State(3rd)
Nick Boyle, Delaware(4th)
Rush Outside Linebacker:
I don't consider outside linebacker to be a huge need, but I reluctantly added it mainly because the draft is loaded at the position, and you can never have enough players with the ability to rush the passer. We have a stud in Ryan Kerrigan, and a young developing player in Trent Murphy. I also feel that Jackson Jeffcoat has great potential, and will surprise some people this season.
Draft:
Dante Fowler, Jr., Florida(1st)
Vic Beasley, Clemson(1st)
Shane Ray, Missouri(1st)
Bud Dupree, Kentucky(1st round trade-back)
Randy Gregory, Nebraska(1st round trade-back)
Eli Harold, Virginia(2nd round)
Feel free to add any prospects you feel would be immediate help to the Redskins, and any needs you feel should be included.