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Redskins D-line will Surpass Expectations

By Alan Shropshire

Nov 8, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Washington Redskins defensive end Kedric Golston (64) lines up at the line of scrimmage against the New England Patriots during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Washington Redskins defensive end Kedric Golston (64) lines up at the line of scrimmage against the New England Patriots during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 19, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers defensive end Kendall Reyes (91) assists on a tackle during the fourth quarter as Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) carries the ball at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

New Comers at Defensive End

The signing of free agent Kendall Reyes gives the team a 26 year-old former starting DE from the San Diego Chargers. He was a 2nd round pick in 2012 out of UConn and made the ESPN All-Rookie team in 2013.

The Redskins also signed former Pittsburgh DE and 1st round pick Ziggy Hood who is 29 and entering his 8th season in the NFL. He was only signed to a one-year deal after back-to-back disappointing seasons on two different rosters.  Jean-Francois should start at DE on one side but the other side has some intrigue and competition.

More from Riggo's Rag

Matt Ionnidis was the Redskins 5th round draft pick in 2016.  He’s 6’3″ and 308 pounds out of Temple University.  He played all over the line for the Owls and their very stout defense in 2015 with a niche for getting after the quarterback. The Redskins believe he can be developed and transfer his skills and versatility to the NFL and should be in the rotation with Paea and Baker this season.

Corey Crawford was signed as an UDFA and spent 2015 on the Redskins practice squad and will need to show he belongs on the 53-man roster.  Lynden Trail is 6’7″ tall, left the University of Florida to attend Norfolk State, signed with Houston as an UDFA in 2015, was waived in September, picked up by the Redskins in October, cut by the team, and resigned a month later.

A 3rd UDFA who was signed in 2016 is Alabama A&M’s Anthony Lanier where he was the Bulldogs MVP in 2015 along with 2nd team All-SWAC in 2014 and preseason 1st team all-conference in 2015.  He’s probably destined for the practice squad in 2016.

The Redskins seem to be trending toward tall DE’s because all of these guys are 6’5″ and taller which means more batted balls and turnover opportunities for the defense.

Next: Competition will spark Better Performance

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