Now that the major free agent signings have been finalized, the Last Word On Sports NFL department will be looking at the top three needs for each team heading into the 2015 NFL Draft. Today, the Washington Redskins are the focus. The Redskins have the 5th pick in the first round and they will look to revamp their defense and offensive line through the draft.
Washington Redskins 2015 NFL Draft: Top 3 Needs
Offensive Line
The Redskins have a few major holes on their offensive line. Left tackle Trent Williams is one of the best in the business, but the glaring holes are the positions next to him. To make matters worse, the Redskins did not land a single offensive lineman in free agency, so they must solve this need entirely through the draft. At this point, the Redskins might have to hope that 2014 third-round pick Morgan Moses develops into a solid right tackle so they can focus on only the guard positions in the draft.
Brandon Scherff is a possibility in the first round, particularly if the Redskins trade back, but it is much more likely that this need will be addressed in the second or third round. Luckily, a few solid offensive linemen will still be available in those rounds. In the second round, center/guard Cameron Erving, guard Laken Tomlinson, guard A.J. Cann, and tackle Jake Fisher could all be significant upgrades. In the third round, guard Tre’ Jackson, guard Ali Marpet, and tackle Cedric Ogbuehi are legitimate possibilities. In fact, the Redskins could draft an offensive lineman in both the second and third rounds to create a monumental shift at their weakest unit.
Outside Linebacker
The Redskins will likely address the need for another pass rushing outside linebacker in the first round. Ryan Kerrigan was a beast last year, accumulating 13.5 sacks, but the Redskins need another dominant pass rusher on the other side. The Redskins addressed the defensive line heavily this offseason, signing Terrance Knighton, Stephen Paea, and Ricky Jean-Francois, so the need for another pass rusher is mainly at outside linebacker now.
Luckily for the Redskins, this draft contains a few dominant outside linebackers and Washington will be able to choose a great one at the fifth overall selection. Dante Fowler Jr. or Vic Beasley would form a tremendous outside linebacker duo with Kerrigan and it is almost a guarantee that one of them will be available.
Inside Linebacker
Perry Riley struggled in 2014 after most Redskins fans thought he would be a staple at middle linebacker for years to come. There will be too many quality inside linebackers available in the second round to ignore Riley’s regression. In the Redskins 3-4 defensive scheme, two stud inside linebackers are needed. Adding a youngster to play next to Keenan Robinson would be a smart move and the Redskins would have depth at the position if Robinson suffers another injury.
The Redskins will definitely have a few solid inside linebackers to choose from in the second round if that is the route they plan to take. Ideally, Eric Kendricks will be available, but he will likely be drafted towards the end of the first round. After him, the Redskins could look at Benardrick McKinney, Paul Dawson, or Stephone Anthony in the second round. If they elect to wait until the third round to draft an inside linebacker, Denzel Perryman would be a great option.
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