Last season, the Washington Redskins failed to follow up on their 2015 postseason berth with a division win. Instead, the franchise went 8-7-1 and finished third in the NFC East. With the Washington Redskins looking to make it back to the postseason in 2017, here are a few positions they must upgrade in order to contend.<\/p>\n
With the Redskins not completely sold on\u00a0Matt Jones<\/a><\/strong> as their starter for the future, they should certainly try and acquire a new starting running back for the future. With this year’s draft having a plethora of solid options, they could opt to use their draft picks to acquire new talent. Players like\u00a0Dalvin Cook<\/strong> and perhaps even\u00a0Samaje Perine<\/strong> are possibilities for Washington. Both, especially Cook, have the potential to succeed at the NFL level from the start.<\/p>\n Another option for them could be through free agency. This year’s free agency class consists of several solid options, including\u00a0Le’Veon Bell<\/a><\/strong> and\u00a0Eddie Lacy<\/a><\/strong>. While Bell will likely be resigned by the Steelers, Lacy is a more likely option for Washington. As long as Lacy is not franchise tagged or signed to an extension, look for the Redskins to make a strong push for the former Pro Bowl running back.<\/p>\n The safety position was one of heavy uncertainty and inconsistency throughout 2016, and is in desperate need of improvement for 2017. While\u00a0Su’a Cravens<\/a><\/strong> might switch to play safety instead of linebacker next season, the position still requires some improvement. Of course, Washington could go through the draft and take someone like\u00a0Jabriil Peppers<\/a><\/strong> and play him at safety, but the more likely option for them will be via free agency.<\/p>\n Free agency is filled with several intriguing options, with\u00a0Barry Church<\/a><\/strong> and\u00a0Micah Hyde<\/a><\/strong> being two of them. Prying Church away from their division rival Dallas Cowboys would be a great move for the Redskins. Not only would they improve their defense with a solid starting safety, but they would also weaken their division rival in the process. On the other hand, Washington could go with Hyde, a safety who excels in every facet of the game. Hyde would be a phenomenal addition to the Redskins both as a safety and as a return specialist. With safety being such a pressing need, expect the Redskins to make a strong push for either of them.<\/p>\n Perhaps their biggest need, the Redskins need a major upgrade at nose tackle. With the draft lacking heavy talent at the position, Washington must go through free agency for a new starter. The most likely option will be the Eagles’\u00a0Bennie Logan<\/a><\/strong>. Like signing Barry Church, signing Logan would weaken a division rival and improve Washington’s chances of reaching the postseason. Logan is a phenomenal player who is a terrific run stuffer, which is exactly what the Redskins need. As long as Logan decides to test free agency, he should receive a very enticing contract offer from the Redskins to be their nose tackle for the future.Safety<\/h3>\n
Nose Tackle<\/h3>\n
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