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5 biggest needs Redskins will have to address in the 2019 offseason

By Jacob Camenker

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 04: Josh Norman #24 of the Washington Redskins looks on after a turnover late in the fourth quarter of a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 04: Josh Norman #24 of the Washington Redskins looks on after a turnover late in the fourth quarter of a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 23: Corey Clement #30 of the Philadelphia Eagles recovers his own fumble in the fourth quarter as Zach Brown #53 of the Washington Redskins defends on October 23, 2017 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 23: Corey Clement #30 of the Philadelphia Eagles recovers his own fumble in the fourth quarter as Zach Brown #53 of the Washington Redskins defends on October 23, 2017 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

3. Middle Linebacker

Many thought that the Redskins had solved their problems at middle linebacker this offseason by re-signing both Zach Brown and Mason Foster to contracts. However, that hasn’t been the case so far.

Both Brown and Foster have been liabilities in coverage at times. That has helped to open up the middle of the field for opponents to exploit the ‘Skins linebackers. It has gotten so bad that Josh Harvey-Clemons is starting to come on the field as a coverage linebacker in obvious passing situations. Harvey-Clemons is a fine rotational player, but this team needs to find some true three-down players at the position.

It’s possible that current reserve Shaun Dion Hamilton could eventually turn into a starter. So, if the team views the former sixth-round pick in that capacity, they could opt to use him in that way. Still, adding some young talent at the position in the draft wouldn’t be a bad move.

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There is a chance that the Redskins may be drafting in a range where they could land LSU’s Devin White in Round 1. White is an elite tackler and has the makings of a true three-down player. However, it seems more likely that he will sneak into the top 10 of the draft, so he may be more of a pipe dream than anything else.

A couple of other early-round options include Alabama’s Mack Wilson and Clemson’s Tre Lamar. Of the two, Wilson is better in coverage and would add another Alabama body to the Redskins front. But realistically, the team may just opt to stand pat and give Hamilton a chance to prove himself.

No matter what happens, the Redskins need to look to add some coverage help at this position. They may part with either Brown or Foster if their issues continue as well, so don’t be surprised to see a shakeup in the starting lineup at this position in 2019.

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