Now that the Super Bowl has been played and free agency is approaching in less than a month, the Last Word On Sports NFL department will be looking at the top three needs for each team. Today, the Washington Redskins are the focus. The Redskins have the 5th pick in the 2015 NFL Draft and a few players will hit the free agency market this year, most notably Brian Orakpo.
Washington Redskins 2015 Offseason: Top 3 Needs
Offensive Line
Besides stud left tackle Trent Williams, the Redskins offensive line is horrendous. They have significant needs at both guard and right tackle. Tyler Polumbus is a free agent, although he didn’t do much to help at right tackle anyway. 2014 third-round pick Morgan Moses struggled in his rookie season, but the Redskins desperately need him to develop into a contributing player in the near future.
The Redskins will likely target multiple offensive linemen in free agency and in the draft. They probably won’t select an offensive lineman in the first round, but if an impact lineman is available in the second round, they will be ecstatic. In free agency, the Redskins might try to sign an immediate starter like Doug Free to shore up the right tackle position.
Safety
The Redskins will be desperate to add two impact safeties this offseason, as their two best safeties (although best isn’t much of a compliment) from last season are free agents. Ryan Clark and Brandon Meriweather were both highly ineffective last season, so it is probably a good thing that they are no longer under contract. The in-house options right now at safety are limited, so this is clearly a pressing need.
In the first round, Landon Collins is a possible option, but he might be a slight reach. However, if they evaluate him as an impact safety and Leonard Williams isn’t available, he could be one long-term solution at safety. Devin McCourty is the top free agent safety, but the Redskins might not be willing to pay a significant amount of money for him considering their other needs. Either way, they will likely sign an inexpensive veteran safety for depth.
Pass Rusher
Brian Orakpo’s time in Washington has likely expired after a miserable injury-plagued 2014 season. Without him, the Redskins were one of the worst pass rushing teams in the league. Jason Hatcher is solid, but he needs considerable help around him.
Luckily for the Redskins, they will have a few dangerous pass rushers available in the first round of the draft. Ideally, Leonard Williams will be available, but that is not likely. Randy Gregory and Shane Ray are two other options, and both would make a significant impact. Pass rushers are also available in the free agency market. Jerry Hughes and Greg Hardy are two options if the Redskins are willing to dish out a significant amount of money. Brandon Graham would be a cheaper option, and they could steal him from a division rival.
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