Washington Redskins Free Agency: 4 Sub-Package Defenders the 'Skins Can Target

Sub-package defenders have always been a vital component of defensive football. Nickel and dime package defensive backs, coverage linebackers and specialist pass-rushers add valuable skills and scheme flexibility to a coordinator's game-plan.

The Washington Redskins have a shortage of players who can be useful in sub-package situations. They lack a quality nickel back to supplement coverage schemes and have no pass-rusher to bring onto the field to generate pressure in obvious passing situations.

During the last 10 years, defenses have become more specialized. Hybrid systems and versatile personnel are the vogue in modern NFL defense.

The proliferation of the heavy pass offense and staples of college football such as the option, require schemes and players flexible enough to adapt when needed.

Adding this kind of system versatility to the Redskins defense, can help turn a solid group into an elite unit. With this is mind, here are four sub-package defenders the Redskins can target in free agency.

4. Wallace Gilberry, DL Kansas City Chiefs

Former New York Giants practice squad member Wallace Gilberry has quietly developed a niche as a productive pass rusher in nickel situations for the Kansas City Chiefs.

The 6'2" 268 pounder has the versatility to attack from an end or tackle position. His quick first step and straight ahead power make Gilberry a useful weapon for the execution of multiple line stunts and twists.

The 27-year old would give the Redskins a versatile and active presence along the line in nickel and dime fronts. His wealth of 3-4 experience could also prove useful as a member of the base line rotation in certain circumstances.

He would be an effective interior rusher for Washington's defense. Aligning Gilberry in a front already containing Brian Orakpo, Ryan Kerrigan and Stephen Bowen would give the Redskins a ferocious pressure package whenever they switch to the nickel package..

3. William Gay, CB Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers reserve cornerback William Gay would be a useful acquisition for the Redskins. Ever since they switched to a 3-4 and hired Jim Haslett, the Redskins have been trying to emulate the Steelers style of defense.

Gay has a good understanding of the fire zone concepts that are at the heart of this system. He is an opportunistic cover man and is decent at blitzing.

The 5'10" 190 pound corner would make an excellent nickel back for the Skins and increase the range of blitz calls available to Haslett in passing situations.

2. Terrell Thomas, CB New York Giants

Terrell Thomas is an interesting potential free agent target for the Redskins. He missed the entire 2011 season as he continues to try and come back from a serious ACL injury.

But when healthy, the 27-year old is an outstanding defensive back. At 6'0" and 191 pounds, Thomas has the size and range to be extremely physical in man-to-man and bump-and-run coverage schemes.

This skill would be very useful to Haslett, who often likes to dial up heavy blitzes on third down and trust his corners in man coverage.

Thomas can also be a useful pass-rusher in blitz situations. He is a sure tackler with good instincts for the ball. 

His injury history makes Thomas a big risk. But on a short-term deal, his talent could be worth the Redskins taking a chance.

1. Marcus Bernard, DE/LB Cleveland Browns

Injury cut short Marcus Bernard's 2011 season after just four games. But before that the 26-year old had shown some potential as a pass-rusher during his first two pro seasons. He tallied 11 sacks in his first 21 appearances in a part-time role.

At 6'2" and 256 pounds Bernard has the speed and strength to collapse the edge and consistently threaten the pocket. He possesses the versatility to play attack effectively from both a standing position or aligned with his hand on the ground.

Bernard has 3-4 experience having played the scheme under Rob Ryan for two years. He may no longer fit the requirements of the Browns current 4-3 front.

He is unlikely to ever be an every down player and is more in the mold of former New England Patriot Chris Slade, or Antwan Barnes of the San Diego Chargers.

Bernard would be a low key pickup but could reward the Redskins by producing a lot of pressure on third downs.

With Bernard in the fold, the Redskins would have the option of resting one of Orakpo or Kerrigan for a snap, or they could construct a package to feature the rush talents of all three.