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Washington Redskins Outlook: First Round Linebacker Is The Best Option

By Jacob Camenker

Jan 1, 2017; Landover, MD, USA; New York Giants running back Paul Perkins (28) is tackled by Washington Redskins linebacker Will Compton (51) during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Landover, MD, USA; New York Giants running back Paul Perkins (28) is tackled by Washington Redskins linebacker Will Compton (51) during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 12, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers running back Damarea Crockett (16) runs the ball and is tackled by Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) during the second half at Faurot Field. Missouri won 26-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers running back Damarea Crockett (16) runs the ball and is tackled by Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) during the second half at Faurot Field. Missouri won 26-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

The Draft Is The Place To Look

With the concerns about the free agent market, it would only make sense for the Redskins to look to the 2017 NFL Draft to find an upgrade at the position. After all, there were a lot of strong college players at the linebacker position, and there are as many as four middle linebackers who could potentially go in the first round.

More from Commanders Draft News

Of the group, Alabama’s Reuben Foster and Vanderbilt’s Zach Cunningham should interest the Redskins. Foster was a terrific leader at Alabama who got better with each passing year. He was great in coverage, has tackling skills, and he has experience in a 3-4 defense. He could be the next great middle linebacker to come from the school.

Meanwhile, Cunningham is a big bodied, tackling machine who should be an excellent NFL player. Cunningham has fantastic instincts and racked up a whopping 125 tackles during this past season. He has posted 30.5 tackles for loss over the course of the last two years and looks to be a true three down linebacker at the next level.

While Foster may be off the board when the Redskins pick, Cunningham could still be available. If he is, expect the team to pull the trigger. This will especially be true if they look to address the defensive line issues in free agency.

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