Washington Redskins Must Retain Adam Carriker and O.J. Atogwe

Much of the attention regarding the Washington Redskins pending defensive free agents will be paid to the futures of London Fletcher and LaRon Landry.

But the Redskins cannot overlook the need to retain the services of low key duo Adam Carriker and O.J. Atogwe.

Both players can become key members of the Redskins 3-4 defense and deserve more time in D.C. The former St. Louis Rams duo have proven that they can contribute impact plays for Washington's defense in 2012.

Redskins.com reports that Carriker is keen to remain with the Redskins and is ready to build on the strides he has made during the last two seasons.

The Redskins traded for Carriker in 2010 and began the process of converting him from a 4-3 defensive tackle to a five-technique, 3-4 end.

Carriker immediately cracked the starting lineup and is one of the few Redskins defenders who has relished the switch in schemes.

The 6'6" 315 pounder has the ideal size and strength for the two gap responsibilities in the Redskins Pittsburgh Steelers style 3-4.

Carriker is one of the Redskins better players against the run. Most of the problems repelling the run come on the other side of the defense where Brian Orakpo often finds it difficult to set a hard edge.

The 27-year-old has also shown a useful penchant for getting to the quarterback. Carriker notched 5.5 sacks this season, second to Stephen Bowen's six amongst Redskins defensive linemen.

Carriker's pass-rush ability is invaluable on a three-man line. His pocket collapsing skills ably supplement the rush efforts of Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan.

Knowing that Carriker and fellow end Bowen are capable of generating pressure gives the Redskins the flexibility to occasionally drop eight into coverage.

Carriker's power and technique at the point of attack also makes him a useful weapon whenever the Redskins choose to switch to a four-man front.

Many point to the return of promising youngster Jarvis Jenkins as a direct threat to Carriker's place in the starting unit.

But Jenkins is coming back from a serious injury and despite his tremendous potential, has still not played a pro down.

It is dangerous to expect too much right away from Jenkins, and the Redskins need a strong rotation up front.

Persistent injuries took their toll on Atogwe and made his debut campaign in the NFC East a disappointing one.

Even though he only arrived last season, questions are already being asked about whether or not the Redskins will bring Atogwe back for 2012.

But the cerebral safety is a natural ball hawk. The former Stanford star has the playmaking skills that make him invaluable on a Redskins defense that still struggles to create takeaways and big plays.

In only eight starts Atogwe did enough to show that he can be a major contributor in Jim Haslett's schemes.

The 30-year-old free safety recorded 35 solo stops, 0.5 sacks, six pass breakups and three interceptions.

Washington's defense needs a player with Atogwe's knack for taking the ball away. He has played his best football for Haslett and despite the concerns about his durability, Atogwe is no more of a risk than the oft-injured Landry.

Most of the big decisions the Redskins will face this offseason concern a woeful offense. But the front office also needs to make smart choices to protect and sustain the progress made on defense.