NFL Free Agents 2011: Ravens Cap Casualty Kelly Gregg Would Fit with Washington Redskins

NFL.com is reporting that the Baltimore Ravens are preparing to offload four big name veterans on Thursday.  Amongst them is experienced nose tackle Kelly Gregg.

The 34-year old Gregg could offer some value to the Redskins as a proven commodity at the most pivotal position for a 3-4 front.

Washington currently has youngsters Anthony Bryant and Chris Neild and veteran Ma'ake Kemoeatu as the only viable options at nose tackle.

Kemoeatu struggled last season while still attempting to bounce back from serious injury.  The former Carolina Panther is a pending free agent and it is uncertain how much effort the Redskins will make to keep him.

Bryant played well towards the end of the 2010 campaign and displayed the potential to perhaps develop into an effective 3-4 anchor.  But Bryant is still largely inexperienced in the role and has so far failed to merit a permanent position on six different teams.

Neild is a seventh round rookie who Redskins coaches were high on due to his contribution to West Virginia's tough rush defense.  But Neild still faces an uphill battle to make the team and an immediate starting berth appears unlikely.

A 12-year veteran, Gregg would offer ample 3-4 experience and competence to the Redskins' line rotation. Standing 6'0" and weighing 320 pounds, Gregg has the ideal size and leverage to disrupt interior blocking schemes.

Gregg possesses the tremendous strength and sound technique of a perfect 2-gap plugger. He has made a valuable contribution to the Ravens' defensive schemes.

Gregg's presence has allowed gap penetrating defensive tackles Haloti Ngata and Cory Redding the freedom to attack the backfield in Baltimore's hybrid schemes.

His ability to occupy the center and draw the attention of a guard creates space for the linebackers to flow unhindered to the ball. He would immediately upgrade the run defense.

With Gregg in place, the Redskins could even shift Kemoeatu to defensive end, positioning the 350 pounder on the side the opposition most often runs to. This could help Kemoeatu become more active and productive in D.C.

Gregg's leadership and sacrificial style of play would be a great example to the Redskins' younger nose tackles, especially after the team experienced the direct contrast of Albert Haynesworth in 2010.

Gregg is an excellent linchpin for a three man line who would probably give the Redskins two fine seasons. He is just the kind of selfless player coordinator Jim Haslett needs to make his system work.