2011 Redskins Offseason Overhaul

And so begins another offseason overhaul for our beloved team.  Like every other offseason since the Dan Snyder era began, the Redskins have a myriad of holes to fill on their team.  While we would love to fill all of those holes with long-term impact players, it simply cannot be done in one offseason so we have to prioritize those needs.

Here are a few of the most pressing needs the Redskins must address this offseason if they hope to improve in the 2011 season (assuming there is one).  These are not in order of importance, these are the positions that Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen simply must address and improve upon.

Quarterback - No big surprise here, we still need a QB.

• First Step:  Resign Rex Grossman - As painful as it may be, we should have at least 1 QB with some experience under the Shanahan's.
• Top Free Agent Targets:  Matt Hasselbeck (Seahawks), Matt Moore (Panthers)
• Watch List:  Carson Palmer (Bengals), Kyle Orton (Broncos) - Both may be released for various reasons.

Running Back - The Clinton Portis era is over.  The team has too many other big holes to fill to go all out for a star RB.  We should stick with the 2010 combination of Torain and Williams and let them develop.  Add a little depth to round out the position.

• First Step:  Resign Ryan Torain and Keiland Williams;  Say Goodbye to Clinton Portis
• Top Free Agent Targets:   Darren Sproles (Chargers) - Excellent receiving back with kick returning skills, Ronnie Brown (Dolphins)

Full Back - With a weak offensive line, the running game would greatly benefit from a dominant FB blocker who can also catch a few passes.

• First Step:  Say Fond Farewell to Redskins' fan favorite Mike Sellers.
• Top Free Agent Targets:  Le'Ron McClain (Ravens) - McClain is one of the best FB's in the league and has also played RB. He would add stability and versatility to the backfield.  The Redskins should be All-In on McClain.

Wide Receiver - The annual search for a 6'0"+ WR continues.  Anthony Armstrong was a great find last season and he should be rewarded for his efforts.  Imagine if we did not have him and Joey Galloway and Roydell Williams played even more!  In any case, with Moss and Armstrong, the team has one of the smaller WR corps yet again and we need to add a taller possession and touchdown catching receiver.

• First Step:  Must Resign Santana Moss and Anthony Armstrong
• Top Free Agent Target:  Vincent Jackson (Chargers), James Jones (Packers), Chad Johnson (Bengals), Braylon Edwards (Jets), Mark Clayton (Rams)

Offensive Line - The biggest need this year along the offensive line is both the Left and Right Guard positions. An upgrade at Center would be helpful if one becomes available as Casey Rabach appears to be on the decline.

• First Step:  Resign Jammal Brown
  
• Top Free Agent Targets:  Logan Mankins (Patriots), Carl Nicks (Saints), Ryan Kalil (Panthers)
  
• Update:  Mankins was franchise tagged by New England.  There is no chance to trade for him with our lack of draft picks.

Linebacker - The team needs to add depth to the linebacker corp and they need to add players who are already familiar with the 3-4 defense.  No more converting players to new positions!

• First Step:  Resign Rocky McIntosh
• Top Free Agent Targets:  Lamar Woodley (Steelers), Tamba Hali (Chiefs), Barrett Ruud (Bucs), Paul Posluszny (Bills)
• Update:  Both Woodley and Hali have been franchise tagged as expected.

Cornerback - The end of another era, the disappointing Carlos Rogers era.  He is not a bad corner, but he has not lived up to the First Round draft pick expectations that were expected of him to say the least.  And he simply cannot make interceptions.  If you cannot catch the football and make interceptions, you will never be a top CB.

• First Step:  Let Carlos Rogers depart as a free agent.
• Top Free Agent Targets:  Champ Bailey (Broncos) - A Reunion?, Johnathon Joseph (Bengals), Antonio Cromartie (Jets), Brent Grimes (Falcons), Richard Marshall (Panthers)

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JacksGhost
Washington Redskins Hog Blog