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Redskins: Measuring positions of need in the offseason of 2019

By Ian Cummings

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 03: Running back Josh Adams #33 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball and is tackled by linebacker Mason Foster #54 and safety D.J. Swearinger #36 of the Washington Redskins in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 03: Running back Josh Adams #33 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball and is tackled by linebacker Mason Foster #54 and safety D.J. Swearinger #36 of the Washington Redskins in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 23: Da’Ron Payne #95 of the Washington Redskins pressures quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers in the second half at FedExField on September 23, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 23: Da’Ron Payne #95 of the Washington Redskins pressures quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers in the second half at FedExField on September 23, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Minimal Needs

The Redskins are an intriguing team, in this respect: The team’s middle class of talent is relatively large. There are only three positions of minimal need, positions where Washington is largely set, both for the present and for the future. Those positions are listed as follows:

12 – Interior Defensive Line (A)

The Redskins invested two consecutive first-round picks into their interior defensive line, as well as two fifth-round picks over the past three drafts, and that investment has paid off in earnest. The rotational starting trio of Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, and Matt Ioannidis has already generated exceptional results at exceptional value, and if Jim Tomsula remains in Washington, the potential for this unit, with Tim Settle and Caleb Brantley providing high-upside depth, is truly unmatched. It’s a unnaturally bright spot on a team with too many rough patches.

11 – Special Teams (A)

The only thing keeping this unit from an A+ grade is Nick Sundberg’s injury. Sundberg was moved straight to injured reserve ahead of Washington’s season finale, and there isn’t much clarity surrounding his injury right now. But Sundberg is still signed through 2020, and even if his future ends up involving a release, Andrew East performed well in relief of the veteran against the Eagles. With Tress Way emerging as the best punter in the NFL in 2018, and Dustin Hopkins reaffirming confidence with his stellar play (missed four total kicks on the year), Washington shouldn’t spend much time scouting special teams this offseason.

10 – Running Back (A-)

Some might be less sold on the Redskins’ running back situation, but with a full year to rehabilitate his knee, Derrius Guice should be back to full strength by early summer. At full strength, Guice is a first-round talent, and has the potential to be a dynamic playmaker for the Redskins on offense, something they desperately need. With Adrian Peterson serving as a mentor (assuming he’s re-signed), and Chris Thompson reprising his role as a scat back, Washington should have a very effective stable in 2019.

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