Washington Redskins: Could Barry Cofield Be a Useful Addition?

The Washington Redskins seem determined to improve the talent level of their defensive line this offseason.  The answer could lie close to home in the shape of New York Giants defensive tackle Barry Cofield.  More than poaching a prime talent to weaken a division rival, a move for Cofield could be a smart choice by the Redskins to bolster their ailing defense.

Having already used a second-round draft pick to select Clemson defensive tackle Jarvis Jenkins, the Redskins have also been heavily tipped to make a push in free agency to secure a big-name lineman such as Cullen Jenkins or Aubrayo Franklin.

Cofield's situation in the Big Apple makes a move possible.  With five years of experience, he could become eligible for free agency within the sphere of a new labor agreement.  Cofield was rumoured to want a trade last offseason.  The Giants seem to have prepared for his departure, using second-round selections in consecutive drafts to take defensive tackles Linval Joseph and Marvin Austin respectively.

Cofield's tenure as a 4-3 player would make the move a risk for a Redskins franchise no doubt anxious to avoid the same mistake they made with Albert Haynesworth.  But Cofield is a different player altogether.  Haynesworth made his name as a gap-penetrating pass-rusher.  Cofield is one of the league's better run defenders.  His greatest assets are his tremendous strength and leverage, which allow him to hold blockers at the point of attack and spill runners to the outside.

His proficiency versus the run makes Cofield an attractive prospect for the Redskins.  The defense struggled against the run all year.  Cofield would prove especially useful against his old club.  Giants running backs have routinely thundered through overmatched Redskins defenders during the last three seasons.

Listed as a nose tackle in the Giants 4-3, Cofield has regularly lined up over the center and played a 0- or 1-technique.  He would provide the Redskins with a more dynamic athlete at the position than they currently posses.  The former Northwestern standout could generate some decent pocket pressure from the middle.  Last season's tally of four sacks shows that Cofield has some credible pass-rush capability.

Cofield could even offer the flexibility to line up at defensive end.  At 6'4" and 306 pounds, Cofield has a stout enough frame to handle the two-gap responsibilities of playing end in the Redskins 3-4 scheme.

If Cofield does enter free agency. he would represent an interesting option for the Redskins.  He would bring valuable NFC East knowledge as well as the experience of winning a Super Bowl.  At 27, his best years as a pro are still ahead of him.