The Washington Redskins missed out on the top nose tackles in the 2017 free agent market. Now, they will have to try and find a capable one in the NFL Draft.
Coming into the offseason, the Washington Redskins had a glaring need at the nose tackle position. It was no secret that it had been the weakest position on their defense during the 2016 season, and they had to find a replacement. With free agent Kedric Golston hitting the market, the team would have to opportunity to sign a player and had a talented crop of tackles to choose from.
Instead, the team has elected to largely ignore the position in the greater context. While they re-sign Ziggy Hood, who played nose tackle last season after Golston’s injury, they failed to bring in another player who could really get the job done for the team on the defensive front. Their reasoning for doing so is somewhat hard to understand.
All of that said, here is a look at the missed opportunities by the Redskins, and also what their plans for addressing the nose tackle position could be.
Redskins Targets Signed One Year Deals
The most frustrating part of the Redskins lack of additions at the nose tackle position was that they did have their eye on a couple of players. Both Dontari Poe and Bennie Logan were on the Redskins radar, and it seemed like the team had a legitimate chance to sign the latter. At the end of the day, neither ended up in Washington, but it was not due to financial reasons.
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Logan and Poe both signed one year deals that were each worth $8 million. The two players had some injury concerns that caused their markets to be weaker, but they still were able to land lucrative deals. An $8 million per year pact is higher than most other one-year deals, and it is the same amount the Redskins gave to standout receiver Terrelle Pryor.
Granted, there is no long term security guaranteed with a one year deal, but there is also no risk. In the event that the team signed one of the two tackles and they had success, they could always slap them with the franchise tag. At the very least, they could let them walk and get a compensatory pick for the departure.
I just do not understand how the Redskins justified paying two decent run stoppers $10 million annually combined but refused to pony up money for a potential elite nose tackle. This could be a decision that comes back to bit them.
What Options Are Left?
In terms of what is available on the free agent market, it is pretty barren save for one name. Johnathan Hankins, a former New York Giants tackle, is still available, and his talent level is roughly on par with that of Poe.
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Hankins played in the Giants 4-3 system and was spectacular in his second season, notching a ridiculous seven sacks. After missing half of 2015 with an injury, Hankins came back to be a quality starter, notching three more sacks and faring generally well against the run. He has a high ceiling, as he will now be two years removed from the torn pectoral he suffered in 2015.
However, Hankins has not been tied to the Redskins, and he appears to be looking for a longer contract. The Redskins seem unlikely to offer him a lucrative long term deal. Unless we hear otherwise, we assume that Jenkins is off the table.
Elsewhere, the team could opt to try and play recent free agent signee Terrell McClain at nose tackle. I thought that was the plan they had when they initially signed the former Cowboys, but apparently they see him as a fit at 3-4 end. McClain’s fit in a 3-4 defense has always been questionable, so if playing him at end does not work out, perhaps they could try him at tackle.
One thing is absolutely certain. The team cannot go into the season with Ziggy Hood as their starter on the line. He played out of position last year and had issues against the run. For that reason, the Redskins may look to the NFL Draft to try and find a replacement.
Who Could The Draft Targets Be?
The top target for the Redskins at the nose tackle position should be Montravius Adams. The Auburn product has ideal size and athleticism and could be a true difference maker for the team.
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Adams had a great final season with the Tigers, in which he recorded 39 tackles and 4.5 sacks. He is a solid run stuffer but also does offer some decent pass rushing ability thanks to his athleticism. Adams would have position versatility in a 3-4 defense, and could play any position up front. Most importantly, he has the size to be a nose tackle.
The major concern with Adams is his work ethic and motor. Though he quelled some of the concerns with a solid Senior Bowl and Combine, he needs to make sure that he is not taking plays off. Adams looks like a second round pick who could end up being one of the steals of the draft.
If the Redskins choose not to go with Adams, they will have to take a later round option. Players that could be on their board include the highly versatile Dalvin Tomlinson of Alabama and two down run defender Elijah Qualls out of Washington. Neither have the same upside as Adams, but they could be capable starters.
No matter what, the Redskins need to make sure they do something about their nose tackle position during the 2017 NFL Draft. If they do not, their defense will once again have a glaring hole. The Redskins have missed on some chances to add a quality nose tackle, but they really cannot afford to blow their final great opportunity prior to the 2017 NFL season.