NFL Free Agency: 2 Linemen Are Best Undrafted Free Agents for Redskins

With the lockout thankfully consigned to memory, Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen can begin scouring the rookie free agent pool in an attempt to find the next James Harrison.

The 'Skins have many needs to fill on the roster. But the top priority has to be getting better along the lines.

Cedric Thornton and Willie Smith are two undrafted prospects who should be given strong consideration by the Redskins' talent evaluators.

Both players would meet the requirements for the Redskins' developing systems on offense and defense. The two rookie free agents would provide strong competition and contribute to intriguing positional battles in camp.

Southern Arkansas defensive linemen Cedric Thornton dominated at a small school level and has the potential to become a contributing member of the Redskins' front three rotation.

Thornton has good pro size at 6'3" 309 pounds. He is blessed with excellent initial quickness and decent lateral movement. These attributes allow Thornton to shed blockers and be a disruptive force across the line of scrimmage.

Capable of collapsing the pocket with straight ahead power, Thornton uses his strength and takeoff to penetrate gaps and sabotage the running game.

He may have played at a Division II level but Thornton's talent and potential earned him Senior Bowl acceptance where gave a creditable performance.

Thornton has the makings of a solid 5-technique and he could provide excellent depth and even see playing time at right defensive end.

East Carolina offensive tackle Willie Smith would be a smart choice for the Redskins. Smith is a cerebral player who combines savvy with a long reach to be highly proficient in pass protection.

The 6'5" 310 pounder has good mobility and could be developed into a fine zone blocker by Mike Shanahan and his staff. Smith's high degree of athleticism makes him a nice fit for Shanahan's zone blocking schemes.

Shanahan and offensive line coach Chris Foerster would need to work on Smith's footwork and stance. Improvement in these areas would enable Smith to stand up better to bull rushers and become more effective out in space, a crucial requirement for Shanahan's zone stretch plays.

Smith would challenge Stephon Heyer for a backup tackle spot and could provide quality depth. 

There are more high profile names amongst the rookie free agent class. But Smith and Thornton are both solid, hard working players who fit nicely into the Redskins' current schemes.