The Washington Redskins are a team in need of defense. They have most of the pieces for a solid offense. However, their defense is incredibly bad. Their focus in free agency should be on defense. Here are a few targets that should be on the Redskins radar.
Micah Hyde – Safety
The Washington Redskins are very weak on the back end of their defense. They struggled mightily in 2016. They could not find a competent safety at all in 2016. This role would fit Micah Hyde well. He can cover and has very solid ball skills. This is something that the Redskins have not had on the backend since the death of Sean Taylor. Micah Hyde is no Taylor but he would be the best safety that the Redskins have seen in burgundy and gold in quite some time.
Dontari Poe – D-Tackle
The Redskins were horrible in stopping the run in 2016, especially between the tackles. They need a solid run stopping big man. Dontari Poe fits this piece. He is a 6’3” 350lbs run stopping machine. This is exactly what the Washington Redskins need on their defensive line. A respected run stopper who can take on double teams and still be able to make a play.
Ronald Leary – Left Guard
The one position on the offensive line that needs improvement is at left guard. Ronald Leary would be perfect to come in. This could be a seamless signing. He has played for Washington Redskins offensive line coach Bill Callahan before. Callahan was previously the o-line coach for the Dallas Cowboys. Leary would be an immediate upgrade over Shawn Lauvao and could improve a non-existent running game.
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A.J. Bouye – Cornerback
The Washington Redskins struggled at corner opposite of Josh Norman. Incumbent corner Bashaud Breeland did not have the type of year that was expected of him. He was the best second best corner on the team. The Redskins need help opposite Norman. Bouye was a standout on the Houston Texans and would help solidify the Redskins secondary.
Rashad Jennings – Running Back
The running game of the Washington Redskins was non-existent in 2016. Many think that this was just because of horrible play calling and line play. I think that those factors contributed to about 80 percent of the problems. However, the rest was due to not having a solid running back. Jennings could come on the cheap and could still fill a need. He can play three downs if need be, however, he is more suited for being a two down back. The Redskins still have Chris Thompson, who proved to be the best back on the team last season. But the Redskins would be best to spot him as a runner and mainly show him on third down.
The Washington Redskins are not far from being a contender. If they are able to re-sign Kirk Cousins and add a few more pieces to solidify the defense, they could be right back in the race in 2017. The defense should be the focus of Scot McCloughan and Bruce Allen. If they do it right, winning will return to the Nation’s Capital in 2017.