2011 NFL Predictions: 6 Smart Moves That Improve the Washington Redskins Defense

Washington Redskins defensive coordinator Jim Haslett must be delighted with the efforts of the front office so far this offseason.

Haslett struggled to match 4-3 personnel with a 3-4 scheme in 2010 and was hamstrung by the Albert Haynesworth saga.  The result was an abhorrent Redskins defensive effort yielding a 31st overall league ranking.

Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen have made it a priority to equip Haslett with more suitable pieces for 2011.  In both free agency and the draft, the two have done all they can to make sure Haslett has a better chance of fielding a much tougher unit this season.

Fresh personnel will allow Haslett the opportunity to develop his Pittsburgh Steelers-style attacking 3-4 defense.  The new pieces will be crucial in executing Haslett's fire zone blitz packages.

Here are the Redskins' six best defensive moves so far and their benefit for this season.

6. Jarvis Jenkins, Defensive Tackle

The Redskins used their second pick in the draft to snare hulking Clemson defensive tackle Jarvis Jenkins.

Jenkins was a smart pick who should immediately play a prominent role in the defensive line rotation.  The 6'4" 310-pounder is an imposing physical specimen with the potential to play defensive end or nose tackle.

At Clemson, Jenkins fulfilled a selfless role on the line, routinely tying up interior blocking schemes.  He absorbed double-teams to allow star defensive end Da'Quan Bowers more one-on-one opportunities on the outside.

Jenkins appears to have the suitable instincts and temperament for a 5-technique defensive end.  His size and power will serve as a perfect foil for the linebackers.

He is just what the Redskins now require for a defensive lineman.

5. O.J. Atogwe, Safety

Before the lockout was imposed, Bruce Allen moved quickly to secure the services of free safety O.J. Atogwe.

Atogwe played under Jim Haslett while Haslett coached the St. Louis Rams and enjoyed his finest seasons.

He is a natural ball hawk with excellent zone instincts.  Atogwe is a useful blitzer and brings the kind of versatility the Redskins defense needs.

Most importantly, Atogwe can man the free safety position and act as perfect cover for playmaking strong safety LaRon Landry.

With the added insurance of Atogwe patrolling the deep zones, Landry will be free to roam closer to the line of scrimmage and attack an offense.

4. Josh Wilson, Cornerback

The Baltimore Sun has reported that the Redskins have agreed a deal to sign solid young cover man Josh Wilson.

It's true that secondary responsibilities are probably the least affected by a change of defense.  But the fact remains that the Redskins fielded corners in 2011 who were career-long practitioners of man-to-man coverages.

Most 3-4 teams play a lot of zone and the Redskins' Steelers-style scheme is no exception.  At 5'9" 192 pounds, Wilson has decent size and speed and is a capable press corner in zone coverage.

Adding Wilson and Atogwe to the back end will allow the Redskins to comfortably assume a Cover 3 shell.

This will protect the deep zones but also enable the defense to routinely keep eight in the box and improve the run defense.

3. Ryan Kerrigan, Outside Linebacker

By selecting Ryan Kerrigan with their first pick in the draft, Shanahan and Allen showed how serious they were about getting better on defense.

A college defensive end, Kerrigan appears to have the tools necessary to make the switch to 3-4 outside linebacker.

The former Boilermaker is an outstanding pass-rusher, possessing strength, leverage and a high motor.  Kerrigan is also a playmaker.  He specialised in the strip sack in college and adds some much-needed big-play potential to Haslett's unit.

Experienced playing on the left side, Kerrigan will line up opposite Brian Orakpo and has the potential to form a lethal tandem with the Redskins' sack master.

Providing Haslett with bookend rushers only increases the potency of his schemes and gives him more flexibility with his blitz calls.

2. Barry Cofield, Defensive Tackle

Like Jarvis Jenkins, Barry Cofield is a lineman who has often excelled doing the unfashionable work that allows others to be successful.  This makes him a perfect fit for Washington's three-man line.

The former New York Giant was a wise acquisition.  He is excellent against the run, an area the Redskins need to improve.  Cofield has the bulk and power to be dominant playing over the center.

He also has the versatility to play defensive end in the 'Skins' system.  Cofield is a team player and he will likely be a breath of fresh air for Haslett after having dealt with Albert Haynesworth last season.

The 27-year-old joins Josh Wilson as smart, low-key signings by the Redskins.  The Redskins of years gone by would surely have wasted no time in going out and simply throwing money at the biggest name at each position.

Instead, there more measured approach this time round has yielded two up-and-coming, solid professionals.

1. Trading Albert Haynesworth

This morning's trade rumours mean that the biggest thing Jim Haslett could be thankful for is no more Albert Haynesworth.

By quickly dispensing of Haynesworth, the Redskins have removed the biggest cloud hanging over Haslett's efforts to build an effective 3-4.

Haynesworth never committed to the nose tackle role he could surely have excelled at.  He became a blight on the defense and further divided a group of players already torn about the change in system.

With Haynesworth gone and some better fits available, Haslett is free to work with a group of players receptive to his scheme and focused on the same goal.  The benefits could be huge.