For Washington Football Team, free safety is the final piece on defense
By Ian Cummings
The Washington Football Team’s defense improved a great deal with the selection of linebacker Jamin Davis.
Some of that improvement is more projected than anything, but the fact of the matter is, Jamin Davis is a top-notch athletic talent with all the traits necessary to develop into a star, especially behind the Washington Football Team’s defensive line.
The Washington Football Team’s line — and the defense as a whole, in fact — may have been an important factor in allowing Washington to take a high-upside player like Davis. Now, the defense is almost complete. Chase Young, Montez Sweat, Jonathan Allen, and Daron Payne form a scary front. Kendall Fuller, William Jackson III, Jimmy Moreland, and Kamren Curl bolster the secondary.
There’s just one more thing the Washington Football Team desperately needs. A free safety.
In truth, it’s not the only thing Washington needs. Even after the selection of Davis, they could still use some linebacker help. Additionally, they could also use more edge rushing depth, with Ryan Kerrigan unlikely to return. However, free safety is by far the top remaining need on defense, and Washington might have an opportunity or two to fill it on Day 2.
As of now, not a single safety has been selected in the 2021 NFL Draft. The top two safeties in the class — Trevon Moehrig and Richie Grant — are both still on the board. It’s unlikely either of them would be available at No. 51, but perhaps Washington could trade up, if they like either one enough. Moehrig in particular would be an excellent fit in two-high alongside Kamren Curl.
If Washington chooses to wait until Round 3, there are some options there as well. Indiana safety Jamar Johnson is a favorite of mine. He has good short-range explosiveness, but also has excellent instincts in coverage, and he’d be a nice high-floor option alongside Curl. Andre Cisco and Caden Sterns are also very compelling prospects. Cisco is a ball-hawk if he can stay healthy, while Sterns’ elite athleticism gives him a foundation that few players have.
Next. Re-drafting Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2021 NFL Draft. dark
Ultimately, it’s up to the Washington Football Team to decide where they want to go, and when. Even if they don’t address safety on Day 2, there will be some options on Day 3. However, the value of the class is best on Day 2, and if they play their cards right, they can come away from the draft with a truly elite defensive unit. Will they capitalize on the opportunity? We’ll see soon enough.