With the draft three weeks away, it’s time to look closer at team needs for every NFL club.
We’ve already looked at the Cardinals, Rams, 49ers, Giants, Eagles, and Cowboys. The Redskins will round out the NFC East.
QB: Donovan McNabb is as good as gone. Rex Grossman is a free agent, but will probably come back. If the Shanahans are in it for the long haul in Washington, they almost have to go with a quarterback in the first two picks. If not, they’ll overpay for one after the CBA is reached.
CB: Focusing on needs for the Redskins is almost beside the point. Other than tight end and safety, this team needs everything. Washington was 29th in net yards-per-attempt allowed, and two of their two guys (Carlos Rogers, Philip Buchanon) are free agents. Beyond DeAngelo Hall, there just isn’t enough NFL-caliber cornerback talent here to survive.
DL: Every defensive lineman on the team is aging, “just a guy” or both. A nose tackle would be a fantastic addition, but there’s no need to get choosy if a good 3-4 defensive end presents value early in the draft.
WR: Since running backs are easier to find late in the draft or free agency, we’ll list wideout as a more pressing need. The team’s top receivers on the roster right now: Malcolm Kelly, Anthony Armstrong, and Roydell Williams. Yikes.
Overview: The Redskins have only two picks in the first four rounds. This is nothing new: They have only averaged 2.25 picks in the first four rounds since 2003. It’s no wonder they are averaging one starter per draft over the last four years.
This is a vicious cycle that has left the team with ton of needs and few good young players. We didn’t even list outside linebacker or offensive line above, which are both big issues. Few squads are more desperate to enjoy a great draft day.