Scot McCloughan’s To Do List: Part 4 – Linebackers

Washington Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan.

The Final Synopsis

Ryan Kerrigan is now the undisputed star of the defense. He needs to be signed to a 4-5 year extension. With his 2015 salary set at over $7,000,000, the Redskins could save some cap room with a new deal. Kerrigan is the type of player that McCloughan can build around.

Keenan Robinson is on the edge of stardom

Keenan Robinson is on the edge of stardom as well. He needs to stay consistent and make big plays with increased frequency. To do those things, he needs to stay healthy.

Trent Murphy has developed well over the 2014 season. He needs to work on his craft in the off-season and come back ready to sieze the position. I don’t expect McCloughan to re-sign Brian Orakpo as it might hinder the development of Murphy and others.

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Perry Riley and Will Compton should have a good competition at ILB during training camp and pre-season. Cutting Riley could save the Redskins almost $2,000,000 but would leave the team thin at the position.

A rookie could be added in the mid to late rounds of the draft to compete with them. They will surely add another UDFA if they see any worthwhile. Adam Heyward is still with the team but he didn’t have enough tape on defense to be worth grading.

With the depth of OLBs available in the 2015 NFL draft, I expect McCloughan to add competition there. It may even be with the 5th pick in the draft or a later pick if the Redskins are able to trade back.

Perry Riley and Will Compton should have a good competition at ILB

Jackson Jeffcoat, Trevardo Williams and Gabe Miller provide decent depth and will compete with any rookies brought in to compete at OLB. The Redskins LBs are definitely the strength of their defense and probably the best unit on the entire team even without Orakpo.

Coming soon: Scot McCloughan’s To Do List – Part 5: Defensive Backs

Next: Scot McCloughan's To Do List - Part 3: Defensive Line

Next: Should the Redskins Trade the Fifth Pick to the Eagles?