The Washington Redskins really need to add one more piece on the defensive line in order to complete a solid front seven. Here are the linemen for them to watch at the NFL Combine.
The Washington Redskins did well to improve their defensive line during the 2017 NFL Draft. With the No. 17 pick, the team was able to scoop up Jonathan Allen, a highly touted defensive end prospect who fell due to injury concerns and merely decent NFL Combine workouts. As a rookie, Allen flashed excellent potential before going out with a Lisfranc injury early in the season.
This year, the Redskins once again should be focused on landing an early prospect on the defensive line. The difference is that this time, they should be searching for a potential starter at nose tackle, a position that has been an issue for them for the better part of the past five seasons. In a class that has some nice talent on the defensive line, this is the time for the team to pounce and land an impact player.
With that said, here’s a look at the top defensive linemen for the Redskins to keep an eye on as Day 3 of the NFL Combine workouts commences.
When looking for a nose tackle, one often desires to find a massive man with size and length. Tim Settle is one of the bigger men in this draft class, and he will have a shot to make an immediate impact at the next level.
Standing at 6-foot-3, 329 pounds, Settle is a big man who will be able to occupy blockers in the middle of a 3-4 defense. He has strength and toughness, and that should allow him to power through some interior linemen at the NFL level.
According to NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, Settle is a fringe first round prospect, and he could end up being a major acquisition for the team that lands him.
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"Settle has rare gifts for a big man with good mass, play strength, quickness, and agility. His substantial jump in production in 2017 was due to weight loss and additional conditioning that allowed him to play more snaps and play faster. He’s a disruptive, versatile defensive lineman who offers enough pass rush potential to warrant reps on passing downs. Settle is a natural 4-3 fit but can play in a 3-4 as well. He has the potential to become a very good starter with a Pro Bowl ceiling if he controls his weight and maintains his conditioning."
The questions about Settle’s weight are a big deal, as out of shape players rarely stick around for long at the NFL level. He will have to commit to a fitness regimen to allow him to succeed at the next level.
If Settle performs well at the Combine, he should cement himself as a late first rounder. However, there’s still a chance that he could make it to the Redskins’ second round pick. If he’s available, he could be an ideal player to fill the need that the team has had at the position, and his versatility will make him an even bigger weapon, as it will allow the squad more flexibility in sub packages.
If Tim Settle is a big man, then Vita Vea is an absolute giant. Vea stands at a massive 6-foot-5, 340 pounds, but he doesn’t play like it. In fact, he still figures to be a solid athlete despite his huge frame.
Vea was a big part of the Washington defense during his three season with the Huskies, and he put forth his best performance in 2017. Vea notched career highs in tackles with 43 and was able to become better at deflecting passes as well, knocking down four. Additionally, he notched 3.5 sacks and continued to prove himself as a well-rounded player.
The most intriguing part of Vea is obviously his size, but coupling that with his athleticism is absolutely insane. Vea moves around very well in spite of his size, and that allows him to make plays that other linemen simply cannot. He has strength, and his athleticism appears to be good as well. Now, the question is, will the numbers back that up?
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At the Combine, the Redskins should be keeping an eye on how Vea fares in movement drills and in the 40 yard dash. If he posts very good times, then the team, as the rest of the league, will know that the tape didn’t lie and that Vea truly is an athletic freak. If he doesn’t do as well, he could have an experience similar to Jonathan Allen, where his stock plateaus a bit and other prospects get a chance to move ahead of him.
Vea’s performance will be key to deciding his next home. He looks like a sure-fire top 20 pick, but he could move up with a better performance. For that reason, the Redskins should keep an eye on him on Sunday as he looks to prove himself again.
Sunday is the big day for Da’Ron Payne. It’s his chance to finally show how athletic he is. And, he should be up to the challenge.
Payne didn’t put up massive numbers during his final season at Alabama. However, he did a lot to prove that he has the requisite athleticism to succeed at the NFL level. He made numerous plays in the Crimson Tide’s run to the National Championship that showcased his ability as a dancing bear of sorts. He made an excellent interception against Clemson and returned in 20 yards. Later, he would score a touchdown on offense. He has loads of potential and if he’s paired with a great defensive line coach, he could develop into a terrific player.
The Redskins have just that in Jim Tomsula. Tomsula is one of the best defensive line coaches in the league, and he worked wonders with young studs Allen and Matt Ioannidis last year. Adding Payne to that mix could turn him into a serious weapon. Of course, he will have to impress at the Combine first to ensure that works out.
Next: Redskins first round option - NT Da'Ron Payne
If Payne has a big Combine, he should continue to be the favorite for the No. 13 pick. If he doesn’t, things will open up a bit more. But, the Redskins like Payne right now and this is his chance to shine. For that reason, he is the top defensive line prospect to watch as the NFL Combine continues.