Washington Redskins 2011 Offseason Priority List

As a collective bargaining agreement has finally been reached, it will result in a feeding frenzy of free-agent signings, trades and releases. 

The Washington Redskins will predictably do what they do best—spend money. 

At 24 years old, I thought I had seen it at all as a Redskins fan. However, I find myself stumped once again in which it appears that the senatorial yet unproven John Beck will be given the first opportunity to start as the Redskins quarterback, according to an interview he gave with The Sports Junkies on 106.7 The Fan in Washington (h/t CBS Washington).

We will enter to the post Donovan McNabb and Albert Haynesworth (hopefully) era and what I consider to be their attempt at rebuilding. 

What I love about Redskins fans is their undying loyalty.  This team has been atrocious for over a decade now, and yet, you can find some of the most prideful fans of the NFL. We are overly optimistic and brainwashed thinking that this year’s marquee free agent signing or trade is going to be the answer, and it has unfortunately led to nothing but disappointment year after year.

This may sound pessimistic, but given what the Redskins have accomplished since Daniel Snyder took over the team, I believe this is justifiable.  Redskins fans: this is going to hurt. 

This season has the potential to be one of the worst teams assembled (Yes, even worse than 2009, 4-12 campaign), with question marks at almost every position besides tight end and safety as there is less than a month until the preseason.

While I am trying to mentally prepare myself for another season of debauchery, heartbreak and unnecessary distractions, I believe this is the year that will define Mike Shanahan’s tenure in Washington. 

He has the potential to look like a genius if John Beck works out and relying on Ryan Torain to be the team’s primary running back. If he falters, he will probably be on the hot seat. I’m not saying the Redskins need to make the playoffs in order to save Mike Shanahan’s position as coach, but an overall improvement of the team needs to be made from last year. 

I have put together a priority list going into this short offseason and what I feel is vital to avoid having another season like the past two years. 

Washington Redskins fans deserve a team that they can enjoy watching, and this season will certainly be interesting.  As I will start to look at quarterback prospects such as, Andrew Luck, Landry Jones and Matt Barkley as the future face of the franchise.

Priority No. 1: Trade Donovan McNabb and Albert Haynesworth

Donovan McNabb and Albert Haynesworth need to be off the team. 

While Haynesworth will go down as arguably the biggest free-agent bust in NFL history, and the McNabb experiment turned out to be a disaster.  It doesn’t take an analyst on ESPN to know that the Redskins have a lot of holes entering the 2011 season, however, all distractions need to disappear.  

Although the Redskins didn’t do themselves any favors in their mismanagement of both players, I assume that they will receive something in a trade for Donovan McNabb.  (I envision a sixth-round pick) Despite Donovan’s poor performance last year, there are many teams out there that are looking for a quality and experienced starter.  (Minnesota, Tennessee, Arizona and Miami just to name a few)

Trading away Albert is going to be tricky.  He still has a large contract, even though the Redskins have paid the majority of it already; his character issues are a major concern and he is also injury-prone. 

That being said, Haynesworth still remains a very talented defensive tackle if in the proper scheme.  If Washington receives any trade offer for him, I feel that they are lucky.  He has been public enemy No. 1 for the past year (which is primarily on his own accord) and the organization and fans need to move on. 

The reason why I feel that this is the top priority is due to the commotion that has taken place at Redskins Park. There is more drama at headquarters than a reality show on the “E” network.  It’s not fair to the Redskins organization and players. 

Dan Snyder, Bruce Allen and Mike Shanahan need to face their mistakes and focus on building a winning team.  

Priority No. 2: Take Care of Their Unrestricted Free Agents

Before Washington delves into the melting pot of free agents in this brief offseason, they need to make a decision on their own unrestricted free agents.

Santana Moss had one of the best seasons of his career last year, while catching over 90-plus balls and racking up over 1,000 receiving yards. 

His age may cause a concern and he may not have the same burst he once had, but Santana has found his place in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.

He should serve as the leader of what will be a very young receiving corps, and he wants to end his career in Washington.

Priority No. 2: Take Care of Their Unrestricted Free Agents (Continued)

When Jammal Brown was initially acquired last offseason, I admit I was ecstatic.  I figured a former All-Pro offensive tackle would mesh well with the offense. 

Unfortunately, he was never fully healthy, and I believe rotating him and Stephon Heyer was one of the dumbest schemes the team had last year. 

It has been said that the Redskins would like to re-sign Brown with the expectation of him improving after an injury-plagued 2010 campaign, which I prefer.

There has rarely been any consistency on the offensive line for the Redskins for many years. 

If Washington re-signs Jammal Brown to a moderate contract, it will hopefully solidify the bookends of the team for years to come. 

Priority No. 2: Take Care of Their Unrestricted Free Agents (Continued)

Carlos Rogers’ days as a Redskin appear to be numbered, which seems to be a mutual assumption. 

The Redskins have never entirely trusted Carlos as the team’s No. 1 cornerback, and he will mostly be remembered for his dropped interceptions.

That being said, I feel that Rogers is the best cover corner on the team (DeAngelo Hall is not the best cover corner on the defense, he’s the best playmaker), and I would like to see him re-sign with the team, although I consider it to be unlikely.

Priority No. 2: Take Care of Their Unrestricted Free Agents (Continued)

Rocky McIntosh has been solid player since he was selected in the second round of the 2006 draft, but with the change to a 3-4 defense last year, McIntosh seemed out of place.

I don’t think he had a poor season, but I would like to see the Redskins promote from within to play alongside London Fletcher. 

There are two young linebackers who seem eager for the opportunity Robert Henson and Perry Riley as well as Mr. Versatile Lorenzo Alexander learning the position as well. 

Priority No. 3: Address Defensive Line in Free Agency

This is where the Redskins typically shine—free agency. 

The defensive line needs to be addressed first.  While last year’s defense went down as one of the worst in Redskins history, changes need to be made. 

So far, they have started on the right foot, by signing free safety O.J. Atogwe and drafting linebacker Ryan Kerrigan and defensive lineman Jarvis Jenkins. 

As far as the defensive line is concerned, the only player who seems to have a starting role is Adam Carriker.  Free-agent defensive end Cullen Jenkins out of Green Bay had a good season and has been mentioned on the Redskins wish list. 

Nose tackle will need to be emphasized as well.  While Anthony Bryant played well at the end of the season, you can’t depend on him and seventh-round pick Chris Neild to contribute immediately. 

The top nose tackle available appears to be Aubrayo Franklin out of San Francisco, who apparently wants a hefty contract, and I’m sure the Skins are willing to oblige.

Priority No. 3: Address Defensive Line in Free Agency (Continued)

My thought on a 3-4 base defense is that you need six starting defensive linemen. 

The two defensive ends and nose tackle take a beating throughout the game, facing double teams on almost every play while giving linebackers a chance to make to a play.

By rotating the line, it will wear down the opposing offense, and I expect rookie Jarvis Jenkins to produce as well as Jeremy Jarmon if he can remain healthy. 

While I think Phillip Daniels and Kedric Golston have been great teammates and leaders, it’s time for Washington to go with a youthful team.

Priority No. 4: Address Offensive Line in Free Agency

Has the offensive line ever been good?

Only second-year player Trent Williams is guaranteed to be a starter next season.  It appears that Kory Lichtensteiger is in position to earn a starting role on the offensive line.

Given their lack of depth and overall talent on the line, it is probable that the Redskins will upgrade those positions via free agency. 

Priority No. 4: Address Offensive Line in Free Agency (Continued)

Offensive guards Marshal Yanda from Baltimore or Davin Joseph from Tampa Bay appear to be the highest rated free agents, and I expect an improvement on that particular position, as well as center, which Casey Rabach’s performance has diminished.

It has been reported that Kory Lichtensteiger and Will Montgomery would fit in better at center and will help with much needed competition.

I was disappointed to not see an interior lineman selected in the early rounds of this year’s draft.  (They drafted offensive guard Maurice Hurt out of Florida in the seventh round.)

After witnessing years of Daniel Snyder’s method of buying all your players to put a good product on the field, I am strongly against having an aggressive free-agent offseason, but this is an exception.

The Redskins have no choice but to go out and sign free agents due to the lack of talent on the team currently.  It is unrealistic to believe that late-round draft picks can immediately step on the field and become reliable starters. 

I expect Washington officials to pay top dollar for a defensive and offensive lineman. 

Priority No. 5: Address Cornerback Position

Let’s assume that Carlos Rogers has signed elsewhere.  DeAngelo Hall is the No. 1 corner on the team, which leaves Kevin Barnes, Bryant Westbrook and rookie Brandyn Thompson out of Boise State.

Westbrook is vital to the special teams unit, but he doesn’t have a future as a starting cornerback or playing in the nickel formation.  Kevin Barnes is entering his third season and will be competing to start opposite of Hall.  Thompson was a sixth-round selection, so there’s not a lot to expect from him. 

Given Barnes’ lack of experience, Washington will need to find a starter in the free-agent market.  Nnamdi Asomugha is the biggest free agent of the league and is expecting a lucrative contract.  Anytime there is a free agent of Asomugha’s caliber, the Redskins will always be rumored to him.  It wouldn’t shock me to see the Redskins try to attain him, and I wouldn’t be against it either. 

He is obviously one of the best cornerbacks in the league and is well respected around the locker room.  However, I think Nnamdi will want to play for a contender, and Washington is done spending Haynesworth-type money. 

Jonathan Joseph from Cincinnati, Ike Taylor from Pittsburgh and Antonio Cromartie from the Jets are free agents as well, and I could foresee one of them in a Redskins' uniform next season. 

The NFL has evolved into a passing league, thus a priority on having talented cornerback’s is essential.

Even though it appears that a free agent will probably start across DeAngelo Hall, I would like to see Kevin Barnes emerge himself as a solid nickel corner.  He has shown a willingness to learn any position and has received high praise from his coaches. 

This is a make or break year for Barnes.

Priority No. 6: Develop Roles for Rookies

The Redskins needed to get younger and by drafting 12 rookies certainly helped that factor. 

While it is doubtful that all 12 of those players will make the team, roles will need to be established for those that make the roster.

Everyone is expecting first-round pick Ryan Kerrigan to start opposite of Brian Orakpo, and second-round pick Jarvis Jenkins should provide much-needed depth on the defensive line and could possibly start.

Third-round pick Leonard Hankerson has been considered a steal.  He’s a big, possession type of receiver that the Skins have been searching for for years.

I would love to see Hankerson become a threat in his rookie season, however, there was a reason why he slipped down to the third round, and it could be impractical for him to produce initially.

Priority No. 6: Develop Roles for Rookies (Continued)

Rookies Roy Helu and Evan Royster can have an important role on the team as well. 

Ryan Torain will enter training camp as the starting running back, but he hasn’t played a full season due to injury, and his running style does not help that.

If the Redskins choose not to upgrade that position in free agency, the depth at running back will feature a list of unproven players.  (Roy Helu, Evan Royster, Keiland Williams, James Davis)

If for some miraculous reason Torain stays healthy, one of the previous mentioned backs will be the complement to him, which should be a very competitive position battle.

Priority No. 6: Develop Roles for Rookies (Continued)

I would consider Hankerson a lock to make the team given his potential, but I expect fellow rookie receivers Niles Paul and Aldrick Robinson to compete for a roster spot or possibly on the practice squad.

Even though Robinson was picked later than Paul, he was highly rated by draft guru Mel Kiper as he is known for his big-play ability and as a return specialist. 

The wide receiver position is another that is up in the air, and I would prefer to see our draft picks be given a shot versus paying for more free agents.

Other rookies such as defensive backs DeJon Gomes and Brandyn Thompson can establish themselves as special teams players. 

Special teams coach Danny Smith is considered one of the best in football, and he will depend on some of those rookies to treat it as they would any other position.

Effective special teams play can easily determind the outcome of a game, and by performing well, this gives the late-round draft picks their best chance to have an impact. 

Priority No. 6: Develop Roles for Rookies (Continued)

Developing these rookies is a major priority to the future of the team. 

The first couple years of someone’s career can easily dictate their success as a professional football player. Mike Shanahan drafted 12 rookies for what is a long overdue youth movement, as he is attempting to change the culture of the franchise.

On a side note, half of the players selected this past year were team captains on their respective college teams (Ryan Kerrigan, Jarvis Jenkins, Leonard Hankerson, Roy Helu, Markus White, Chris Neild). 

After the Albert Haynesworth debacle, high character athletes can bring a team back to respectability.