Washington Redskins: Final Player Evaluations (Defense)

As the Washington Redskins completed their second season under Mike Shanahan, there were many improvements made, especially on the defensive side of the ball. However, there are still some areas for concern.

Ryan Kerrigan proved why he was the 16th-overall pick in the 2011 draft. After waiting one-and-a-half years to get opportunity to start, Perry Riley showed promise. DeJon Gomes appears to have established a role in the secondary.

Free-agent signees Barry Cofield, Josh Wilson, Stephen Bowen and Adam Carriker also had productive seasons. Of course, London Fletcher played spectacularly, yet again leading the NFC in tackles.

On the contrary, I believe Brian Orakpo, DeAngelo Hall, LaRon Landry and OJ Atogwe all have regressed. The worst part about that is that prior to this season, I figured these four players were some of our biggest playmakers on the defensive side of the ball.

All pros and cons aside, the defense definitely got better. Once year three kicks in and the players have adapted even more to this defense scheme, I expect more improvements to be made.

Below you will find evaluations of each defensive player on the roster and whether they should be retained by the Redskins staff or not.

Defensive End: Adam Carriker

Job Status: Retained (Starter)

I know Carriker is due to become a free agent this offseason, and I am aware that second-round pick Jarvis Jenkins should be fully recovered from his knee injury, but here’s what the Redskins officials need to consider: Does he fit the system? Yes. Does he deserve a contract extension? Based off his performance this season, yes. Any health concerns? I don’t think so.

Of course, this is all circumstantial. If Carriker demands a hefty contract, then I understand the Redskins' reluctance in bringing him back, but he showed a tremendous amount of progress in his second year in this system.

I have stated before in previous articles that the three down linemen in the 3-4 scheme take a beating, as they face double teams frequently while opening up zones for the linebackers to make plays. Given the abuse the linemen take, I see no issue as to why Stephen Bowen, Adam Carriker and Jarvis Jenkins can’t coexist rotationally. In fact, I prefer it. The fresher the legs, the more pressure they can put on opposing offenses.

Defensive End: Stephen Bowen

Job Status: Retained (Starter)

When Stephen Bowen signed his contract with the Skins last offseason, I really didn’t know much about him except that he didn’t start in Dallas, but he’s getting paid like a starter here.

Obviously, there was something that the Redskins saw in him that others didn’t, and Bowen ended up having a very good season.

I don’t think there are any Pro Bowls in Bowen’s future, but he’s a solid and young starter who fits well in the system.

Defensive End: Kedric Golston

Job Status: Retained (Depth)

One of my favorite Redskins, and proved to be much better suited as a rotational player versus being an every-down lineman the year before.

Even though his injury cut the season short, I would still prefer to bring back Kedric for a variety of reasons. He’s a great locker room guy and will be the veteran of the unit. He can play special teams and fill in if there are injuries just like there was this year.

Defensive End: Jarvis Jenkins

I remember reading all the reports from training camp this summer. Not only was Jarvis Jenkins the best rookie, but he might have been the best defensive player. Not bad for a second-round pick who many scouts questioned Shanahan’s selection.

His torn ACL was devastating in the preseason, but he’s going to have almost a year to be fully recovered. The Redskins are going to have a big decision to make in regards to their defensive line this offseason.

Are they ready to give an unproven second year player coming off a major knee injury the starting nod? Or will they will re-sign Adam Carriker and rotate their personnel, which is obviously my preference.

Nose Tackle: Barry Cofield

Job Status: Retained (Starter)

What a surprise, but I was once again puzzled by this signing, and I still think the jury is out on Barry Cofield.

Prior to his arrival in Washington, Cofield played defensive tackle in a 4-3 defensive scheme with the Giants. Nothing against Barry, but I found it odd that an average-sized former defensive tackle was worth such a large contract.

Typically, nose tackles are enormous as they become the quintessential stopgap on the defense, where Cofield doesn’t seem to fit the description. Anyway, the Redskins took a gamble on him and paid him to be the nose tackle for the considerable future.

All in all, Cofield was a solid pickup, which is expected since he transitioned to a different position and team. Given more of a familiarity with his role on the defense, I would expect him to improve in his second season.

Nose Tackle: Chris Neild

Job Status: Retained (Second String)

Even though Chris Neild isn’t going to have a substantial role with the team, the last pick of the Redskins' draft has exceeded expectations just like many of his other rookies, in which I feel he has shown the Redskins enough to assure himself a roster spot for next year.

Once again, we have to assume that the former West Virginia product will improve in his second season, which will hopefully include an expanded role, thus giving Barry Cofield more opportunities to rest.

Outside Linebacker: Brian Orakpo

Job Status: Retained (Starter)

This may stir a bit of a debate, but after his third season, I’m comfortable saying that Brian Orakpo is overrated. He had eight sacks last season and finished the season with nine this year. That’s simply not good enough for a player of his caliber.

When the Redskins made the move to the 3-4 last season, I felt this was going to be Orakpo’s calling. He would have less coverage assignments when he was a linebacker in the 4-3 and could freely attack the quarterback.

Even though I will say he gets held by offensive tackles more than any other player I’ve ever seen, he still needs to be more effective. I’m not saying he needs to get a couple sacks per game, but sometimes, quarterback pressures are just as good as a sack, as this gets the secondary a chance to make a play.

Orakpo definitely has the talent to become an elite pass rusher, but he needs to record double digit sacks year after year if he wants to be relevant.

Enough of my Brian Orakpo rant, I’m only critical of him because I know what he’s capable of. He’s not going anywhere and will be the starter for the remainder of his contract.

Outside Linebacker: Ryan Kerrigan

Job Status: Retained (Starter)

Any fan of the Redskins had to love what they saw out of Ryan Kerrigan this year. After adjusting to a new position, Kerrigan is already better than Orakpo.

He didn’t miss a snap all season, pressured the quarterback and is effective against the run. Overall, I thought Kerrigan had a very impressive year; however, he’s going to be outshined by other rookie pass rushers like Von Miller in Denver or Aldon Smith in San Francisco.

His teammates and coaching staff have raved about his work ethic and his ability to soak it up like a sponge. Of course, I would like see him finish with double-digit sacks, but I believe the best has yet to come. Him and Brian Orakpo have all but solidified the outside linebacker roles on the team for years.

Outside Linebacker: Lorenzo Alexander

Job Status: Retained (Depth)

You have to love a player like Lorenzo Alexander; he has done whatever has been asked as well as being one of the leaders of the locker room.

Even though Alexander doesn’t have the talent to be a starter on this defense, he’s one of the best special teamers in the NFL and is a great backup to have in case there are injuries.

Lorenzo absolutely has to be retained for his contributions on and off the field.

Outside Linebacker: Rob Jackson

Job Status: Retained (Depth)

The only other holdover besides Fred Davis from the debacle known as the 2008 NFL Draft, Rob Jackson hasn’t produced a lot; however, I feel he is a valuable second stringer that can be used rotationally and on special teams.

Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan have solidified their role as the starting outside linebackers for this defense, but quality depth needs to be provided for every position.

Outside Linebacker: Markus White

Job Status: Indifferent (Tryout Basis)

For the sake of being technical, I guess I need to provide insight on the former seventh-round pick from Florida State, Markus White.

From what I recall, he had a relatively impressive training camp and preseason. Even though he wasn’t able to crack the lineup, I see no reason to bring him back to training camp and compete.

Not only are the starting positions set, but I assume that Lorenzo Alexander and Rob Jackson have earned their role on the team as well. All of that considered, Markus White has some improbable odds to make the team, but we’ll see.

Inside Linebacker: London Fletcher

Job Status: Retained (Starter)

Re-signing London Fletcher should be priority No. 1 this offseason; however, I admit that I am being selfish. London Fletcher deserves much better than to play for the Redskins. He’s the consummate professional, leader and still one of the best inside linebackers in the NFL. He should get another Super Bowl ring.

That being said, I would still love for London to come back to Washington, and it appears that Mike Shanahan feels this should be their top priority as well.

London Fletcher is an anomaly, a player like him, you need to avoid his age. The NFL has become a young man’s game, but Fletcher still plays like it’s his rookie season. He remains arguably the best tackler in the league and is the heart and soul of the team.

Pay the man, please, whatever he wants. Let him retire a Redskin. On a side note, when he retires, can we make him a coach too? Thank you.

Inside Linebacker: Perry Riley

Job Status: Retained (Starter)

Halfway through the season, Mike Shanahan made the switch to the second year linebacker out of LSU. During his eight-game stint as the starter next to London Fletcher, he was very impressive at times, but struggled in pass coverage.

Despite those struggles, I still feel comfortable with Perry Riley being the starting inside linebacker next year. He has all the physical traits to become a dependable starter for the defense, and hopefully, he can improve at reading offenses for years to come.

I feel there’s a direct correlation between successful teams utilizing their draft picks versus putting an emphasis on free agency.

A mid-round draft pick like Perry Riley is the example I was looking for. Respectable franchises find ways to use their draft picks other than their first rounders. I have big expectations for Riley next season.

Inside Linebacker: Rocky McIntosh

Job Status: Released

What happened to Rocky McIntosh? First, I thought he started the season off strong, then tailed off and eventually got replaced by Perry Riley in the starting lineup. Then, the story came out that he stuffed pillows in his hotel bed while he missed curfew. No, I’m not making that up.

Regardless of that utterly ridiculous act from the six-year pro, McIntosh’s future was most likely very grim with the emergence of Riley.

I would expect the Redskins to look for another veteran inside linebacker for depth purposes. Obviously, McIntosh isn’t committed to being a Redskin.

Inside Linebacker: Keyaron Fox

Job Status: Released

There’s not much to say about Keyaron Fox, who was signed this past offseason for his contributions on special teams and his familiarity with the 3-4 defense.

Fox didn’t get a lot of playing time this year, and I would be surprised if he is retained. Even though I expect and certainly hope London Fletcher is re-signed, he’s not going to be signing a long-term deal. Therefore, I would like to see an inside linebacker drafted this year and fill Fox’s role on the team as well as groom him, similar to what they did with Perry Riley.

Cornerback: DeAngelo Hall

Job Status: Retained (Starter)

Congratulations, DeAngelo Hall; I yelled at you more than any other player on the team this year (He replaced years with Carlos Rogers for those who were wondering.).

Hall had a really bad season. He’s been known to surrender some big plays throughout a season, but he also singlehandedly made game changing plays frequently until this season. Well, he was the cause of some really poor plays, but never made any.

For some reason I haven’t found, DeAngelo is one of the team captains. A captain does not get beaten by Dez Bryant on two straight 3rd-and-longs, which lead to two losses and then blame the defensive coordinator for the play call. A captain doesn’t run his mouth all game regardless of the score.

I’m fully aware that I’m not rational; I just suffered another pathetic season from the Redskins, but part of me wants to part ways with the very talented cornerback. However, that’s not going to happen. He’s owed a lot of money, and there’s no one on the roster to replace him, not to mention their first-round pick this year will not be used on a corner.

In sickness and in health, we’re stuck with DeAngelo Hall. The NFC East has some of the best receivers in the NFL. It is imperative for DeAngelo Hall to return back to his Pro-Bowl form if the secondary wants to succeed.

Cornerback: Josh Wilson

Job Status: Retained (Starter)

He was brought in as the replacement to the now-Pro Bowler Carlos Rogers (Incredible, right? As soon as he leaves Washington, he can now miraculously catch the ball.). After his first season in Washington, Wilson has become the best cover corner on the team.

The former Maryland Terrapin returned to his native D.C. this past offseason and appeared to improve throughout the season. Unlike his counterpart in DeAngelo Hall, Wilson is a moderately paid starting corner and doesn’t give up huge plays.

He’s never going to wow you with statistics or highlight interceptions, but Josh is a solid defender and should be for years to come.

Cornerback: Kevin Barnes

Job Status: Released

Kevin Barnes was finally given a lot of playing time at his natural position. Another local product, Barnes struggled, as he was eventually replaced by Byron Westbrook as the nickel corner for the final games of the season.

Although nickel corners are technically not starters, their role on the defense is key. Three receiver sets have become a staple of pro offenses nowadays, thus the reason for a quality third cornerback on the roster.

Despite his up and down season, I was surprised to see Barnes benched. He is due to become a free agent this offseason, and I expect the Redskins to find a veteran in free agency to take on his responsibilities.

Cornerback: Byron Westbrook

Job Status: Retained (Depth)

Quietly, Byron Westbrook has made a good career in Washington after coming from the division three ranks in college. He’s established himself on special teams and proved this season that he can fill in for the defense if called upon.

Overall, Westbrook had a good season, but he’s not going to be the team’s nickel corner next year. He’s one of the veterans of the team now; he’ll continue to be effective on special teams and will help the defense in case of injuries. Fully expect him to be back.

Free Safety: OJ Atogwe

Job Status: Retained (Starter)

I was going back and forth with this one. Based on his play alone, Atogwe should be out of a job entering into next season.

I know I hate bringing this up, but the Redskins haven’t found an answer at free safety since Sean Taylor’s death. Chris Horton, Kareem Moore, Reed Doughty and LaRon Landry all tried that position, and none of them panned out.

Well, once again, I was fooled by what I considered to be a valuable free agent acquisition. OJ Atogwe could never get 100 percent healthy, and when he was able to play, he definitely struggled. It appeared that the final two games were a tryout for OJ and whether or not he has a future on the team.

He looked OK, and all things considered, Atogwe should be given another shot. DeJon Gomes is too young, and Reed Doughty is a natural strong safety. I don’t think Shanahan wants to gamble on another veteran again.

I’m going to give him a mulligan and see if OJ can fully recover from his lingering injuries and become the free safety he was in St. Louis.

Strong Safety: LaRon Landry

Job Status: Retained (Starter)

I know there’s a lot of skeptics out there in regards to LaRon Landry. He hasn’t recovered from his Achilles injury, he hasn’t progressed into the leader that he should be and he hasn’t made the Pro Bowl yet.

When he’s healthy, Landry can be one of the best safeties in the league; we all saw that last season before he got hurt.

So here’s what we should do this coming offseason: franchise him. Let him fully recover and give him another year and finally become the star player he’s capable of.

If he suffers through another injury-riddled season, then let him test free agency next year. I mentioned this in my offensive evaluations, but this team lacks a few playmakers, which is something that every good team has. LaRon Landry is a playmaker, intimidator and a future star if he plays up to his potential. He’s getting a mulligan too.

Free/Strong Safety: DeJon Gomes

Job Status: Retained (Second String)

I’m not entirely sure what position Gomes is more efficient at, free safety or strong safety, but considering he was a late-round draft pick and placed in a starting role, I felt he performed impressively.

I don’t feel he’s a starting-caliber player. He’s going to need a few years to develop, but he will definitely have a role in Washington for the future.

Despite my want of him remaining as a second string, there’s a good possibility that Mike Shanahan decides to move on from the OJ Atogwe experiment and pencils Gomes as the starter.

Free/Strong Safety: Reed Doughty

Job Status: Retained (Second String)

Another one of my favorite Redskins, Doughty is a versatile and intelligent football player who rarely makes mistakes. Unfortunately, his limited athleticism has prevented him from being a consistent starter in this league.

Whether Doughty is a starter or not, he will still have a prominent role on both special teams and defense. He’s one of the most unappreciated players on the roster year after year, and I’m sure that won’t change.