2012 NFL Draft: 5 Defensive Players the Washington Redskins Could Take at No. 6

The Redskins defense leads the team and adding some quality young playmakers to Jim Haslett's burgeoning unit could be the best way to ensure a return to winning ways in 2012. Players like Alabama ball hawk Dre Kirkpatrick, or LSU pocket collapsing defensive tackle Michael Brockers would add some much needed big play capability to Washington's defense.

With the likes of LaRon Landry, Adam Carriker, Rocky McIntosh and London Fletcher ticketed for free agency, there are areas which need to be addressed on the Redskins defense. It's no secret that the team needs help on offense, but drafting to a strength is an approach that has paid off handsomely for teams like the New York Giants.

The same strategy could also offer the quickest route to making the Redskins genuine contenders in the NFC once again. Here are five stud defensive prospects the Redskins could consider targeting with the 2012 NFL draft's sixth overall pick.

Front 7 Depth and Quality in the Secondary Are the Key Areas

The Redskins have a worrying lack of quality depth along their front seven and lack truly elite players in the secondary. Addressing both these deficiencies should be the defensive priorities heading into the draft.

The defensive line is stout thanks to starters Stephen Bowen, Barry Cofield and Adam Carriker. But behind them the Redskins only have 2011 seventh rounder Chris Neild and journeymen or unknown defensive end backups like Doug Worthington and Darrion Scott.

Last year's second round pick Jarvis Jenkins should help improve matters. But he is making it back from a serious injury which may hinder how effective he can be.

The secondary surrenders too many big plays. DeAngelo Hall has failed to convince as a No. 1 corner and nickelback is an area of weakness. Finding a shutdown cover man would give Haslett more freedom to dial up the heavy blitz pressures he is fond of and also increase the Redskins turnover potential.

5. Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers is an interesting option for the Redskins to consider. Brockers has shot up draft boards at an alarming rate in recent months and it's easy to see why.

He is a quick inside penetrating tackle, who never gives up on a play and has the strength to consistently pressure the pocket. Brockers was a key figure for the Tigers outstanding defense and could be major asset in the Redskins schemes.

At 6'6" and 306 pounds, Brockers has ideal size to man the five technique, 2-gap defensive end position on Washington's three man line. He has the length and range to tie up blockers and allow the outside linebackers to scrape and make more plays in opposing backfields.

Brockers also has the strength to routinely draw and command double-teams, a key requirement for linemen in the 3-4. He is a hard working, high energy player who is scheme versatile and would increase the Redskins options on defense.

With Brockers in the lineup, the Redskins could mix in more four man looks and run more stunts and twists along the front. Brockers is a young player who would be an excellent alternative to Carriker if the veteran departs in free agency.

Brockers has the upside to eventually overtake both Carriker and Bowen. He would improve the quality of the entire line rotation.

4. Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

Dont'a Hightower is a unique prospect who would increase the playmaking ability of the Redskins linebacking corps. The Crimson Tide standout directed a complex and varied defensive scheme at the college level. He has the football intelligence to make a quick transition to the pro game.

At 6'4" and 260 pounds, Hightower has the size and speed to play both inside and outside linebacker. He is a fierce, yet technically sound tackler who reads the game well and quickly diagnoses the intentions of an offense.

Higtower also possesses excellent blitzing skills and timing that would help supplement the pass-rushing efforts of Redskins star duo Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan. The 3-4 works best with more moving pieces and Hightower would give the Redskins a sideline to sideline, hybrid playmaker who could be rushed from a variety of positions.

He could partner London Fletcher at the heart of the defense and be groomed to eventually replace the stellar veteran, whenever Fletcher decides to call it a day.

3. Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Despite character concerns, arising from his dismissal from Florida due to drug-related arrests, Janoris Jenkins remains a legitimate first round prospect with shutdown potential at the next level. He would give the Redskins an elite corner capable of matching up one on one with an offense's primary receiver.

Jenkins has the natural fluidity and transition skills to be equally effective in man or zone coverage. His presence would increase the flexibility of Washington's coverage schemes. As an excellent proponent of bump and run techniques, Jenkins can interfere with a receiver's intended pattern and has the speed and instincts to stay with him across the field.

He would offer better protection to a Redskins pass defense often left exposed by the all-out blitz calls from Haslett. Most importantly, Jenkins is an opportunistic cover man who excels at stealing passes. Generating more turnovers has to be the priority for the Redskins defense heading into next season. Jenkins is the kind of player who would do just that.

For those who will inevitably point to Jenkins' off the field issues, it's worth noting that Shanahan drafted Trent Williams. The young left tackle has had his share of problems and has also received a suspension for drug abuse.

It is the responsibility of a coach to get players on the right track and maximise their talents. If Shanahan could do with that Jenkins, the Redskins would be rewarded with a true playmaker in their secondary.

2. Devon Still, DL, Penn State

Penn State defensive linchpin Devon Still would have a huge impact for the Redskins and give them a hybrid lineman who could dominate in the trenches. Still would increase the scheme versatility of the Redskins system.

He has the power, tenacity and first step quickness to create havoc as an interior rusher and also be a stout force against the run out on the edge. The 6'4" 310 pounder is an explosive lineman with a knack for the big play.

Still made 17 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and notched 4.5 sacks during 2011. He is a destructive force who routinely collapses the pocket and commands double-team attention.

He transitions quickly along the line of scrimmage and regularly penetrates the line of scrimmage and stuffs the running game. Still would immediately make the Redskins more stout against the run and become a focal point for the rush defense.

For the Redskins Still could become an elite lineman in the mold of Richard Seymour. He would be a player the Redskins could use in multiple ways and various alignments. Washington's defensive schemes need to contain more variety next season and Still would deliver that.

1. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Dre Kirkpatrick would give the Redskins a big, physical press corner who would answer a major need. Kirkpatrick has the skill set which suits the zone coverage concepts many 3-4 schemes favour.

At 6'2" and 192 pounds, Kirkpatrick has the size to match up well with the big wide receivers proliferating today's NFL. With Kirkpatrick able to rough up receivers at the line, the Redskins would have the option of playing their safeties deeper and adopting cover-2 concepts on a more regular basis.

He is excellent in run support and would be an asset as a force player at the perimeter of the rush defense. Kirkpatrick's skill set would let the Redskins adopt a safer, loose zone shell in their base defense and reduce the number of big plays they give up.  

Kirkpatrick harmed his draft stock with an arrest for marijuana possession at the start of the year. But the charges were subsequently dropped and on a talent level, Kirkpatrick is still widely considered to be the draft's second-best cornerback behind LSU star Morris Claiborne.

He has the ideal attributes to be a success in the Redskins aggressive 3-4 scheme. Kirkpatrick played in a pro ready defense at Alabama and would instantly give the Redskins defense a true No. 1 corner.