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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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Jan 28, 2017; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad running back Kareem Hunt of Toledo (33) is tackled by South squad inside linebacker Duke Riley of LSU (0) during the fourth quarter of the 2017 Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The South won 16-15. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2017; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad running back Kareem Hunt of Toledo (33) is tackled by South squad inside linebacker Duke Riley of LSU (0) during the fourth quarter of the 2017 Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The South won 16-15. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports /

Why A First Round Pick May Be Necessary

In addition to the top heavy free agent linebacker class, there seems to be a dearth of talent at in the middle to later rounds of the draft for linebackers. A few of the guys outside of the top four had solid performances at the Senior Bowl, but frankly they are still projects for the next level. Duke Riley and Alex Anzalone have potential, but they are just not yet ready.

The Redskins and their coaching staff need players who can help them out now. Jay Gruden could end up on the hot seat if the Redskins cannot improve in 2017, so drafting projects is not in the best interest of the team. They need to get an early round linebacker who can make an immediate impact. Waiting is not an option.

For that reason, the Redskins will probably look to take a linebacker in the first round of the NFL draft. If they can land Cunningham in the draft and Bennie Logan in free agency, then they could be an entirely different team in 2017.

Next: Redskins Defensive Senior Bowl Targets

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