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Redskins: Comparing Johnathan Hankins to the top nose tackles in the 2018 NFL Draft

By Jacob Camenker

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 05: Defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins #95 of the New York Giants celebrates after sacking quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter of their game at MetLife Stadium on October 5, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 05: Defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins #95 of the New York Giants celebrates after sacking quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter of their game at MetLife Stadium on October 5, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – NOVEMBER 05: Tom Savage #3 of the Houston Texans looks to pass as Jeff Allen #79 blocks Johnathan Hankins #95 of the Indianapolis Colts in the third quarter at NRG Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – NOVEMBER 05: Tom Savage #3 of the Houston Texans looks to pass as Jeff Allen #79 blocks Johnathan Hankins #95 of the Indianapolis Colts in the third quarter at NRG Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

Verdict

In truth, the Redskins can’t go wrong by landing one of these talented nose tackles. They’ve had a weakness at the position for the past two seasons and with their defense on the verge of being a top 10 unit, they have to land one.

Arguably, the best and safest option for the Redskins would be to ink Hankins to a deal. He’s the most proven of the three players, he’s still just 26, and adding him would allow the Redskins to select another top prospect in the first round of the draft. If the team signed Hankins and nabbed a falling prospect like Minkah Fitzpatrick, then they would land two starters while only using their cap space and a draft pick. So, that would be the best option.

If the team continues to deem Hankins too expensive, then I would prefer the team to take Payne over Vea. I think Payne has a higher ceiling and still has some untapped potential left. At the worst, he would be an upgrade over Ziggy Hood and at the best, he could be one of the league’s better nose tackles. Payne is definitely going to succeed as a high-level nose tackle, but I think his floor is just a bit lower than that of Vea.

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But again, the Redskins can’t go wrong with this decision. All they have to do is get one of these players, and they will be set at the nose tackle position for at least the next five years.

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