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Washington Redskins hope Tim Settle “settles” their issues at nose tackle

By Lawrence Jason Dukes

BLACKSBURG, VA - OCTOBER 21: Defensive tackle Tim Settle #4 and safety Terrell Edmunds #22 of the Virginia Tech Hokies celebrate their sack on quarterback Brandon Harris #6 of the North Carolina Tar Heels in the first half at Lane Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA - OCTOBER 21: Defensive tackle Tim Settle #4 and safety Terrell Edmunds #22 of the Virginia Tech Hokies celebrate their sack on quarterback Brandon Harris #6 of the North Carolina Tar Heels in the first half at Lane Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /
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After years of subpar play from the defensive line, the Washington Redskins have invested heavily in the position within the past two seasons.

In last week’s NFL Draft, the Washington Redskins made their most underrated move with the selection of Virginia Tech’s Tim Settle in Round 5.

The Washington Redskins run defense has been a serious issue recently. In 2015, the Redskins finished No. 31 in the NFL, allowing 4.8 yards per rush. The following season, Washington finished in the bottom third of nearly every run defense category. The run defense was so bad that season, the Panthers and Giants both had their first 100-yard rushers of the season against the Washington Redskins, in Weeks 15 and 17, respectively. Washington ultimately hit rock bottom in 2017, allowing 134 rushing yards per game, ranking them dead last in the NFL. Injuries contributed, but the issue has persisted.

One reason that the rushing defense has struggled in years past is that they’ve lacked a traditional nose tackle. A two-gap plugger is a prerequisite in any effective 3-4 front. At 6-foot-3, 330 pounds, fifth-round pick Tim Settle clearly fits the mold. Settle was a big reason why Virginia Tech allowed just 3.3 yards per rush. In addition to the Hokies finishing 2017 15th in the NCAA against the run.

Settle was projected to be a 2-3 round pick according to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com. Fortunately for the Washington Redskins, Settle was available in the fifth round. This pick not only filled a big void along the defensive line, but it provided excellent value. Currently, the Redskins have Ziggy Hood and Phil Taylor as nose tackle options. According to Pro Football Focus, Hood posted a grade of 38.5 in 2017. Taylor missed all of 2017 with a torn quad and hasn’t played a full season in four years.

Despite playing in just 23 college games, Tim Settle has a realistic chance to be the starting nose tackle this season, rotating with first-round pick Da’Ron Payne. Defensive line coach Jim Tomsula should be able to get the most out of Settle. The former Hokie struggled with weight issues in college, but Tomsula is a no-nonsense type of coach. The Redskins are banking on Settle’s ability to clog up running lanes on early downs and collapse the pocket in passing situations. Settle offers versatility as a pass rusher, as he had four sacks in 2017. But run defense is his bread and butter.

Next: Ten under-appreciated Redskins players in 2018

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results. The selection of Tim Settle reinforced how serious the Washington Redskins were about improving its defensive line. Settle has the potential to be a impact player on defense, fixing the run defense for good.

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