2017 Washington Redskins: Still Searching For Starters
The 2017 Washington Redskins are busy assembling their roster. Players have already been added through free agency and the NFL Draft is coming soon. The Redskins still have several starting positions available that need to be filled.
The Washington Redskins started the 2017 offseason with many holes to fill on their roster. They have done well to solve some problems through free agent signings. Next up is the 2017 NFL Draft. With 10 picks at their disposal, the Redskins need to find some answers to their remaining questions.
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The Redskins offense is in good shape when it comes to starters. While they lost DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon at the start of free agency they did find some replacements. The Skins signed wide receiver Terrelle Pryor from the Browns as well as Brian Quick from the Rams. In addition, 2016 first round pick Josh Doctson will return from injury to settle the receiver spot.
Left guard, center and running back are areas of concern for the Redskins. It appears the players needed to take over those spots will have to come from the draft. Left guard Shaun Lauvao may become a cap casualty due to his salary. I like Spencer Long because of his versatility since he can play both center and guard. He adds valuable depth and is an excellent reserve player.
Robert Kelley and crew are fine running backs in their defined roles but a stud running back such as Stanford star Christian McCaffrey is a must to advance this offense to the next level. I expect a running back to be added early in the draft while center and guard will wait until rounds 3-7.
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On the defensive side of the ball, many more holes exist. Currently the defensive line is one gigantic hole. I think defensive end is the best position for Trent Murphy because he can get to the quarterback as he showed last season. Bruce Allen has done a good job of adding depth with the additions of Stacy McGee and Terrell McClain. However, one or two havoc-wreaking linemen must fill starters positions.
With the Redskins featuring a 3-4 package in many sets, you can never have enough linebackers. Ryan Kerrigan and Zach Brown look to have two starting spots secured. A list of candidates that include Will Compton, Preston Smith, Mason Foster and Junior Galette look to grab the other two starting spots. If a playmaker like Haason Reddick from Temple comes in the first round, he may grab a starters role. Otherwise, look for this group of veterans to fill out the linebacker starting crew.
The secondary may have one opening at safety if Su’a Cravens continues in his rover duties that range from safety to linebacker. If Cravens secures the last safety role, there are no vacancies in the secondary. Corners Josh Norman and Bashaud Breeland are secure as is new safety D.J. Swearinger. Special teams seem to be in fine shape with all of their specialists already in place.
The Washington Redskins have roughly six or seven starting positions that are up for grabs. With 10 draft picks available, they need to find answers for most of the position battles through their picks. Ex-Giants defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins is still available in free agency and would surely fill a much-needed spot on the embattled line. Should the burgundy and gold find five starters in the draft it will be the dawn of a new day at Fed Ex Field when 22 quality starters take the field for the Washington Redskins on opening day.
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