Washington Redskins Roster 2018 Redskins Roster

Improving on Defense

Competition for supremacy in the NFC East has been a tough feat for any team not named the Cowboys or Eagles. The past few seasons have been particularly difficult for the Washington Redskins. Each time they find their groove, or the player mold they like, their hopes collapse. The team finished the 2017-18 season with a 7-9 record, opening the discussion for major changes to their roster. That major change came at the beginning of the off-season when Kirk Cousins signed with the Minnesota Vikings. Prior to this signing, the team traded for Alex Smith from the Chiefs in a move that had the league up in arms. This surprising addition was something the team had in their back pocket all along, influencing the idea that change is among us.

The offense still has more holes than they'd like to admit, but each day represents a chance for improvement. The offensive line remains stout and tough to penetrate, a factor that is key to run-blocking and pass protection schemes. Veteran talents Trent Williams and Brandon Scherff headline the combination of players extending from the offensive line depth. This is an important factor for the team in hopes of rebuilding protection increases and differing scheme options. The health of the offense is also reliant on the running back position. Samaje Perine was the team's bright acquisition last season, but he would have his campaign cut short due to injury. Capable backs in Robert Kelley and Chris Thompson helped fill the void, but their efforts were easily matched by opposing teams. Finding a rotation that best suits individual skill sets will be a selling point heading into this season.

Through the draft, the team acquired a few talents to fill needed positions. One was defensive lineman Daron Payne. Payne brings size and physicality to a defense that is in desperate need of a motivator. His sound plays, and effortless movements allow for the team to stuff the run and ball up opposing offensive lines. Marion Grice was the running back the team chose in the second round. Grice is a speedster that has little holes in his game. Adding a receiving element to his repertoire could create a nice 1-2 punch between Perine and Grice. Smith was in need of a deeper receiving core, allowing the team to bring in Paul Richardson. Richardson will factor into a younger slew of wide receivers. Smith will also have a reliable option in Jordan Reed, a red zone nightmare for opposing defenses.

The defensive line and the secondary are the two most improved areas of the defense. The line portion was already mentioned with the draft selections, but these picks relieve some of the pressures on Ziggy Hood and Jonathan Allen. Their combined usage rate was extremely high for their positions, leaving them gassed at crucial moments of competition. Providing relief to the corner back position is carried out by the addition of Orlando Scandrick. Scandrick fills a leadership void with the outspoken voice of Josh Norman. Partnering these two on opposite ends of the field will keep opposing threats at bay. The outlook for the team is promising heading into this season. Consistencies will need to be found within the receiving core and at the linebacker spots, but these are minimal concerns when looking at the complete picture.