Washington Football Team: Five questions to answer in free agency

No. 3 – Will Washington find its missing piece on defense?

Under Ron Rivera and Jack Del Rio, the Washington Football Team’s defense went from a perennial eyesore to a top-five NFL unit, led by a formidable defensive line that included Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Chase Young, and Montez Sweat.

Of course, as good as the defense was, there still remains room for improvement. The linebacker play wasn’t always consistent, especially against the run, and in the secondary, the need for a true playmaking free safety still persists. The Washington Football Team is close to possessing an elite defense, but they need to be proactive in filling those gaps and finding the right fit as free agency nears.

The NFL Draft offers plenty of opportunity at both linebacker and safety, but as of now, the Washington Football Team’s lack of flexibility has forced them to choose in mock drafts. Free agency gives them the chance to fill one of those needs, and focus on the other in April. As for which one, it depends on how the free agent class looks to pro scouts.

The linebacker class has some solid names at the top, including Lavonte David, Avery Williamson, K.J. Wright, but there’s no guarantee that those players hit the open market. Other high-upside prospects include Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson — an elite athlete who broke out last year with 122 tackles, three interceptions, and eight deflections — and Alex Anzalone, a former starter with the Saints who has good size.

Ultimately, however, the relatively thin linebacker class might force Washington to re-sign Kevin Pierre-Louis and look to the safety group instead. There, players like Marcus Williams, Justin Simmons, Marcus Maye, Malik Hooker, and Anthony Harris all offer good potential for Washington.  Whatever the case, the Washington Football Team has the money to spend, but offensive positions might demand more of that money, leaving them to be selective on defense. Will they still be able to convert?