5 positions the Redskins must address this offseason
The 2015 version of the Washington Redskins had a surprising finish to their season. With the 2016 season just over the horizon, the Redskins can look to improve on certain areas of their team, and if they manage to do so, their 2016 season could be even more successful. Here are the five positions the Redskins need to upgrade this offseason.
1. Inside Linebacker
In the latter half of the season, the Redskins were in desperate need of a pass rushing linebacker. That issue should be quickly solved if the Redskins decide to re-sign Junior Galette, who missed the entire 2015 season with a torn Achilles tendon. What the Redskins truly need is a big inside presence in their linebacker unit. Mason Foster and Will Compton gave the Redskins a relatively strong duo in the latter half of the season. Foster is set to become a free agent, and Compton is set to become an exclusive-rights free agent. While Foster was good down the stretch in filling in for the injured Perry Riley, the Redskins could likely find a better option for next season. Last week, I suggested the Redskins should consider cutting Riley Jr. On top of all of this, Keenan Robinson is set to become a free agent as well. Washington didn't really seem to trust Robinson. Any combo of the Redskins' 2015 inside linebackers could return for the 2016, but the only player that seems to be a clear lock is Compton. Regardless of the situation, the inside linebacker core could use a bit more beef.
2. Center
Kory Lichtensteiger simply can't be a starting center for a great starting offensive line. Lichtensteiger played in five games this year before being placed on the injured reserve with a neck injury. General manager Scot McCloughan quickly proved in his first year with the Redskins that a strong offensive line is important to him, drafting Brandon Scherff with Washington's fifth-overall pick in the 2015 draft. Scherff looked very comfortable as a right guard in the latter half of the season. And with Trent Williams consistently among the team's top left tackles, the center position is the clear weak spot on the line.
3. Defensive Tackle
The last time the Redskins selected a defensive tackle with a first round draft pick? 1991, when they selected Bobby Wilson with the 17th-overall pick. It may be time to change that up this year. Don't get me wrong, both Jason Hatcher and Terrance Knighton did an adequate job this season as the Redskins' defensive tackles. But Hatcher, who is turning 34 this offseason, is contemplating retirement and Knighton is set to hit free agency. Knighton has expressed interest in returning to Washington, but regardless of whether he does or not, the Redskins need a defensive tackle who fits their 3-4 defensive scheme, and the best way to do that is at this years' draft. Jarran Reed out of Alabama, Robert Nkemdiche of Mississippi and Andrew Billings out of Baylor all fit the bill.
Terrance Knighton was great this year, but the Redskins may need another option.
4. Wide Receiver
It makes sense for the Redskins to cut either one of Pierre Garcon or DeSean Jackson this offseason. Garcon is a possession-type receiver, while Jackson is a downfield prescience. But what do both players have in common? They both lack size. Jackson is listed as 5-foot-10 and Garcon is measured at 6-foot even. The Redskins would be better served with a big downfield prescience that's a nightmare for opposing defenses. Unfortunately for Washington, Laquan Treadwell will likely be long gone before the Redskins pick with the 21st-overall pick in the 2016 draft. And, unfortunately for Washington, the wide receiver free agency pool is relatively weak this year. Washington might be better off banking on a mid-round selection or looking at the trade market.
5. Running Back
It seems pretty likely that Alfred Morris is going to test free agency this offseason. And if he does end up doing so, Washington needs another running back. Matt Jones and Chris Thompson, who is an exclusive free agent this offseason, can both serve as weapons in the Redskins' offense. Thompson will continue to be that receiving back, but Jones at times showed head coach Jay Gruden that he had the tools to be a feature back (as long as he doesn't, you know, fumble the ball as often as he had). If Gruden sees Jones as a feature back, the Redskins' need to find a third down back. Someone like LeGarrette Blount should work out nicely. If the Redskins don't see Jones as their primary back option, well, their options become a bit more difficult.
Tommy Chalk writes about the NFL and NHL for FOX Sports. You can follow him on Twitter @Tommy_Chalk
