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Washington Redskins still need to add a defensive tackle

By Lindsay Austin Hough

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) walks on the field during the first quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) walks on the field during the first quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Despite landing Jonathan Allen in the draft, the Washington Redskins still lack proven commodities on the defensive line.

This offseason the Washington Redskins signed a pair of young and hungry defensive ends in Terrell McClain and Stacy McGee, but neglected to sign a notable free agent defensive tackle. Washington picked-up former first round talent Phil Taylor, but he is a large question mark having been out of football for two years.

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The team still has veteran Ziggy Hood and unproven talents in Anthony Lanier, A.J. Francis, and Matt Ioannidis. They also signed a player off of the Falcons practice squad, Joey Mbu, who has good size and could develop into a starting nose tackle. Roster hopefuls Ondre Pipkins and Brandon Banks are also working out at Redskins Park. They will try to crack the 53 man roster, but they need to show a lot to do that.

The team’s first round pick of 2017, Jonathan Allen, has been called a defensive end by scouts that say he lacks the weight to play defensive tackle in the NFL. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 280 pounds, Allen projects nicely as a 3-4 end as well. It’s possible the coaching staff has plans for him to hit the gym and add muscle, but if Allen ends up on the edge that would leave the defensive tackle position lacking in elite talent. While head coach Jay Gruden says he will use Allen at all positions on the line, if he maintains his current weight it might not be possible to move inside his rookie season.

Despite their lack of NFL starts, Gruden has been very high on all of his lineman. The Redskins had their pick this off-season of top free-agents Johnathan Hankins, Nick Fairley, Kawann Short, Calais Campbell, Dan Williams, and Dontari Poe, but opted not to spend too much cap money on the position. Washington is taking a very large risk here, as not one of their tackles outside of Hood and Taylor have much experience.

Next: Washington Redskins top 5 position battles of 2017

The Redskins are placing their faith in defensive line coach Jim Tomsula to make the most of the players he has. Washington is now also stacked at linebacker, arguably the most important position in a 3-4 defensive scheme, and this may be the reason they do not feel the pressure (see what I did there?) to sign a another defensive tackle.

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