Riggo's Rag
FanSided

Washington Redskins Re-Sign Defensive Lineman Ziggy Hood

By Jacob Camenker

Oct 28, 2016; London United Kingdom; Washington Redskins defensive end Ziggy Hood (90) at practice at the Twyford Avenue Sports Ground in preparation for game 17 of the NFL International Series against the Cincinnati Bengals. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2016; London United Kingdom; Washington Redskins defensive end Ziggy Hood (90) at practice at the Twyford Avenue Sports Ground in preparation for game 17 of the NFL International Series against the Cincinnati Bengals. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Ziggy Hood demonstrated versatility in his first season with the Washington Redskins. They signed him on Wednesday to provide depth on their unit.

The Washington Redskins have made another key move on the defensive line in free agency. After signing Terrell McClain and Stacy McGee early in the free agent period, the team elected to bring back Ziggy Hood. The former first round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers had played just a single season with the Redskins, but impressed during his time with them.

Must Read: Redskins Three Options With Kirk Cousins

Just over a year ago, Hood joined the Redskins on a reserve/futures contract that allowed him to become a part of the team. He signed the deal the week that the Denver Broncos won Super Bowl 50. Over the course of the offseason, he impressed head coach Jay Gruden and ultimately won the starting job at the right end position on the defensive line.

More from Riggo's Rag

However, in the second game of the season, Hood was forced to move inside to nose tackle after an injury to Kedric Golston. Hood would play there for the rest of the season, and fared relatively well all things considered. It was not at all his natural position, and as a result he was not a terrific run defender, but he still offered some tackling ability and a little bit as a pass rusher.

There is reason to think that Hood could have some success if he moved back to the 3-4 end position. Granted, he has never lived up to his first round billing, but he has proven to be capable of getting to the passer from that spot. If the Redskins use him in a platoon situation with either McClain or McGee, that could work out very well for the team.

Re-upping Hood will not solve the Redskins defensive line problems. As CSN Mid-Atlantic’s Rich Tandler pointed out, Hood technically graded out as the team’s worst defensive lineman in 2016. However, that does not account for the fact that he was playing out of position or the fact that he is better suited as a backup for the team.

Next: Washington Redskins Free Agent Departure Grades

At the end of the day, keeping Hood was a good move for the team, provided that they did not overpay him. They should look to use him as their primary backup and he should be solid in that role.

Home/Commanders News