Redskins: 3 edge rushers to target on the free agent market in 2018
Demarcus Lawrence. 1. player. 123. . Defensive End. Dallas Cowboys
There’s no doubt that Demarcus Lawrence is the most talented edge rusher on the market. The fourth year pro put forth the best season of his career by far in 2017, recording 14.5 sacks and excelling at getting into opposing backfields. While he has a spotty injury history, the fact is that he is one of the best young pass rushers in the league. He turns just 26 this offseason, so he still has room to grow and at the worst, he’s in his prime.
For the Redskins, targeting Lawrence would require a huge investment, and it would come with some risk. In Dallas’ scheme, Lawrence has been a 4-3 end and hasn’t be tasked with covering anyone. If they brought him on as a 3-4 rush linebacker, Lawrence would have to prove that he can survive in coverage. It’s unknown how he would fare, but he certainly has the frame and athleticism to make an impact at the position.
In the vent that Lawrence was added to the team, they could then have a formidable duo at the edge rusher positions. Ryan Kerrigan and Lawrence would rival the Joey Bosa/Melvin Ingram combo in Los Angeles as the top pass rushing duo in the league. Adding in Preston Smith and Ryan Anderson as the backups, and the position would be set for the long term.
Next: 3 nose tackles to target on the free agent market
Choosing to sign Lawrence may not be the best way to spend free agent money, just because of the questions about positional fits. Still, he is a transcendent talent who, if acquired, would strengthen the Redskins and weaken the Cowboys. If Lawrence makes it to the open market, expect the Redskins to be one of the many teams that kicks the tires on the former Boise State product.