10 potential GM candidates for the Redskins if they part with Bruce Allen

Any time you can help to offset the loss of a franchise quarterback, you deserve credit. And Ed Dodds falls into that category.

Dodds has been with the Colts for the past two seasons and has done a lot to help Chris Ballard reshape their roster. After the Ryan Grigson years, the Colts were left with minimal talent outside of Andrew Luck. But Ballard and Dodds have helped to build up talent and really remade the team in the collective image of the duo and coach Frank Clark.

Notably, Dodds and Ballard focused on rehabbing a terrible offensive line that drastically improved after the additions of Quenton Nelson and Braden Smith, as well as the development of Mark Glowinski. Ballard and Dodds invested in those resources to protect Luck and it had a big impact on the team before Luck’s surprising retirement.

In addition to building up the O-Line, the Colts have looked to add athletic football players on the defensive side of the ball. These high-IQ players have helped to solidify Matt Eberflus’ defense and make it solid despite the fact that they lack big-name players.

In short, Dodds has helped the Colts build an identity. He has learned from Ballard how to do that and he also witnessed the success of the Seattle Seahawks. He worked under John Schneider and spent 10 years with the team, winning two Super Bowls.

The Seahawks were another team that drafted to an identity. They built up a tough, physical, and athletic defense and found the two keys on offense (Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch) to balance the team.

In all likelihood, Dodds would have a vision of what to do with the Redskins. He would see a way to build them up, likely on the defensive side of the ball. If his vision aligns with Washington’s goals, it could easily work out.

Dodds has done well to evaluate talent in his role as an assistant. He should be able to keep doing that, especially if he has a clear picture of the type of team he wants to build.