clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

What Position Remains the Biggest Need for the Redskins?

Mark Tyler examines the Redskins remaining needs after the first wave of free agency.

NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Washington Redskins Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

On a roster full of holes, the case could be made that the Redskins have many positions of need. Some of those needs, like quarterback, wide receiver and inside linebacker, have been filled through free agency. Alas, many still remain.

Running back:

Head coach Jay Gruden and Director of Player Personnel Doug Williams both mentioned upgrading the running back position multiple times this offseason, None of the free agent options have tickled the team’s fancy, so you can bet you last dollar that it will be addressed come April’s draft.

Center/Guard:

The Redskins lost last year's starting center, Spencer Long, to the Jets in free agency. We also don’t have a current starting left guard. Second year player Chase Roullier, who played well when Long went on IR last season, is expected to start 2018 at center, but he also has experience playing guard if the team were able to bring in a capable center. Either way, we’ll have to focus on a upgrade somewhere along the interior in April’s draft.

Defensive Line:

The Redskins courted free agent defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, and although he left Redskins Park with a deal, he’s still on the team's radar. If we can manage to lure Hankins in, the need at defensive tackle becomes less, but if we enter the draft with the current lineup, the need is certainly there.

Linebacker:

The Redskins made a huge move in re-signing inside linebacker Zach Brown to a multi-year, team-friendly deal. Heading into the offseason, this was a major priority, and the Skins were able to get it done. Still, the spot next to Brown is far from settled. Mason Foster was re-signed this offseason as well, but he may not be viewed by the team as the long-term answer. An infusion of youth and speed could greatly impact the defense.

Cornerback:

The loss of Kendall Fuller in the trade with the Chiefs is huge. Fuller was one of the best slot corners in the NFL last season, and he has the ability to play inside or outside. Starter Bashaud Breeland was all set to leave via free agency, but a failed physical with the Panthers put a damper on those plans. It’s still assumed Breeland won’t be back with the Redskins, and although we have some young talent in Quinton Dunbar and Fabian Moreau, and the recent addition of veteran Orlando Scandrick, an upgrade on the outside isn’t out of the question.

Safety:

This is a tough one. When healthy, the Redskins have some solid talent on the back end. The problem is, can these players be counted on for the length of the season? It seems we have found our strong safety and team leader in D.J. Swearinger, but the health of second-year player Montae Nicholson and the availability of Su’a Cravens leaves many questions.

I have listed six team needs above. How can the team fill these needs in the draft (assuming we are done with bigger-name free agent signings)?

Poll

What position are the Redskins lacking most?

This poll is closed

  • 29%
    Running Back
    (792 votes)
  • 19%
    Center/Guard
    (526 votes)
  • 41%
    Defensive Line
    (1121 votes)
  • 1%
    Linebacker
    (42 votes)
  • 4%
    Cornerback
    (130 votes)
  • 2%
    Safety
    (72 votes)
2683 votes total Vote Now