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2018 Washington Redskins: Projected starting lineup heading into training camp

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 29: Outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan #91 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after sacking quarterback Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at FedEx Field on October 29, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 29: Outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan #91 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after sacking quarterback Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at FedEx Field on October 29, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Defense

For the first time in a long while, the Redskins appear to have the makings of a very solid defense. In the first month of the 2017 season, they looked like a potential top 10 unit before injuries took their toll. This offseason, they were able to improve their run defense, retain their top inside linebackers, and continue to add young talent and depth to the squad.

This mix of young talent and smart, hard-working veterans will do a lot to help the Redskins field a competitive defense in 2018. Greg Manusky will be able to use an aggressive, attacking style to get after opposing quarterbacks, thanks to the abundance of pass rushing options he has. The only big question mark comes in the secondary where Torrian Gray will have to whip some young defensive backs into shape to ensure the back end holds up well.

Here are the projected starters for the Redskins defense in 2018.

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    • DE: Jonathan Allen

    NT: Daron Payne (rookie)

    DE: Matt Ioannidis

    OLB: Ryan Kerrigan

    LB: Zach Brown

    LB: Mason Foster

    OLB: Preston Smith

    CB1: Josh Norman

    CB2: Quinton Dunbar

    Slot: Orlando Scandrick

    S: Montae Nicholson

    S: D.J. Swearinger

    The biggest point of debate here will come at cornerback. Quinton Dunbar seems to have the inside edge to win the No. 2 corner position, but he could face a strong challenge from second-year man Fabian Moreau. The former third-round pick had first-round talent in the 2017 NFL Draft, but he slipped due to a torn pectoral. He has great athleticism and could win a starting job in the future. But for now, Dunbar’s experience beats him out there.

    The same can be said of Orlando Scandrick in the slot. Scandrick was signed to provide veteran depth for the team and serve as a function nickel back after the departure of Kendall Fuller. While Moreau or another young Redskin could take that role from him eventually, he is penciled in as the starter there for the beginning of the 2018 season at the very least. That seems unlikely to change.

    Elsewhere, the biggest name to watch will be rookie nose tackle, Daron Payne. The Alabama product should make a big impact as a run stuffer, but he will need to show pass rushing chops to be a potential three-down lineman. Also, Matt Ioannidis is projected as a starter here because I expect he will see the most snaps of anyone at defensive end. Stacy McGee may be the technical starter since his main role will be as a run stuffer, but the point is that Ioannidis is better and will see more action.

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