Meant to say, anyone interested in reading about any other team, let me know...
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Redskins' D could use influx of youth
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Scouts Inc.
Inside Linebacker:
Unrestricted free agent Antonio Pierce signed with the Giants, and there doesn't appear to be a player on the roster ready to replace him. Although Mike Barrow has excellent experience and plays with great intensity, knee problems forced him to miss all of last year and he has lost a step with age.
Brandon Barnes, who is currently listed as the backup, signed with Washington as an undrafted rookie free agent last year and will likely never develop into an every-down player. With that in mind, expect the Redskins to use an early-round pick on a linebacker who has the natural ability to push for playing time this year.
Florida's Channing Crowder, Georgia's Odell Thurman and Oklahoma's Lance Mitchell are three of the best interior linebackers available in this year's draft. Washington may choose to fill this need by moving Lemar Marshall inside. If it takes this approach, depth will need to be added on the outside.
Defensive end:
Redskins defensive coordinator Gregg Williams blitzes frequently, so getting pressure from his defensive ends isn't as important as it is for some other teams. That said, adding a defensive end who can consistently get to the quarterback would give Williams more freedom in his play calling.
With RDE Phillip Daniels turning 32 during the offseason and coming off a season-ending wrist injury, now would be a good time for Washington to add a playmaker here. Iowa's Matt Roth and Notre Dame's Justin Tuck possesses outstanding quickness and the athletic ability to make some plays in the backfield.
In addition, don't be surprised to see the Redskins sign or use a late-round pick on an end even if they draft one early, as Renaldo Wynn turns 31 this year.
Cornerback:
Shawn Springs returns as the starter on one side, but unrestricted free agent Fred Smoot signed with Minnesota. While Walt Harris has excellent starting experience, he gives up more big plays than he makes when he's asked to line up on the outside and is a much better fit at nickel back.
There is also a glaring lack of depth here, as none of the cornerbacks on Washington's roster appear ready to compete for the nickel back role if Harris has to start. The Redskins should use a first-day pick on a corner who can push Harris for playing time such as Florida State's Bryant McFadden.
Defensive tackle:
Washington has re-signed Joe Salave'a, who is a high-motor player who should provide excellent depth behind starters Brandon Noble and Cornelius Griffin. However, Noble turns 31 and Salave'a turns 30 during the offseason, so look for the Redskins to infuse some youth and depth here.
Strong safety:
This may not appear to be a need at first. Matt Bowen, who started the first five games of the season last year, is expected to return from a season-ending injury, and Washington signed Pierson Prioleau to improve the depth behind him. Prioleau played under Williams while the two were in Buffalo together and should make a smooth transition.
It's also worth noting that Williams frequently rotated his safeties last year and could very well do the same last year. The problem is Bowen and Prioleau aren't upper-echelon starters, and ideally there should be a little more stability at this position. Look for the Redskins to draft a developmental prospect on the second day.
Offensive guard:
Randy Thomas and 2003 third-round pick Derrick Dockery return as the starters, but Dockery hasn't progressed as hoped. Although Washington will likely give Dockery one more season to start realizing his potential, it must start preparing the possibility he remains inconsistent.
Look for the Redskins to use a second-day pick on a guard who can provide adequate depth this year and possibly push Dockery for playing time next year.
Tight end:
Robert Royal made strides last year and is expected to return as the starter, but he isn't a great in-line blocker. Although Michael Sellers and 2004 third-round pick Chris
ey can line up at tight end in certain situations, both are better fits at H-Back.
In addition, Brian Kozlowski is an unrestricted free agent who isn't expected to return and Jabari Holloway failed to appear in a game last year. With depth an issue, Washington should use a late-round pick on a tight end.
