Washington Redskins: A Summer To Improve

The Washington Redskins have a lot to work to do if they want to be an elite team next year.

The Redskins first need to improve in many areas on the field—starting with the offensive line. John Jansen, Pete Kendall, Casey Rabach and Cris Samuels have been together for a long time, but it's time to rebuild the offensive line with new, younger talent.

The Redskins' offensive line has failed to protect quarterback Jason Campbell in the second half of the season, and every game it seemed that Campbell was running for his life.

The Redskins have four picks in the 2009 draft. I think the 'Skins will try to trade back to get more picks in the draft, because they surely need some younger talent.

The defensive line also struggled to acquire sacks and was not able to get to the quarterback the whole season.

Redskins defensive end Jason Taylor was brought in to put pressure on the quarterback, but he stayed hurt the whole season and turned out to be a bust—like all the other big-name free agents the Redskins have brought in the past.

Andre Carter was a guy that did not have the same season he had a year ago, acquiring only four sacks. Carter also was not much of a threat on the line.

Cornelius Griffin was also hurt and was not productive, and the 'Skins may have to release him for contract reasons.

Kedric Golston and Anthony Montgomery had decent seasons, and played well on run situations for the team.

The only real bright spot was Defensive End Demetric Evans, who made big plays for the 'Skins and brought a lot of enthusiasm to the football field.

The Redskins could also use another big, physical receiver for Campbell. Even though they brought in Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly, both of those guys are still young and need some time and experience.

Guys like Marcus Washington, Shawn Springs, John Jansen ,and Griffin may not return next season, due to large contracts.

Though they may not release all these players, they will likely have to release some of them to save money and acquire a free agent or two.

A few offensive lineman that might be available to the 'Skins in 2009 are Andre Smith from Alabama, Michael Oher of Ole Miss, Jason Smith from Baylor, and Eben Britton.

As far as the defensive line goes, players like Brian Orakpo of Texas, Everette from Florida State, Michael Johnson of Georgia Tech, and Peria Jerry from Ole Miss would all make good picks.

All of those players will be available in 2009 draft, and the Redskins would surely like to acquire at least one of those great players.

With free agency approaching, the Redskins will probably make a run at Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth.

Haynesworth is a beast inside, and the reason why the Titans are in the playoffs. He stops the run and knows how to put pressure on the quarterback.

Another guy the Redskins should look at is Julius Peppers, a defensive end for the Carolina Panthers. Peppers is possibly the best defensive end in the league right now, and will be paid a lot of cash wherever he goes this offseason.

Some free agent offensive lineman are Matt Birk of the Vikings, Mike Golf of the Chargers, and Jordan Gross. All three are players the Redskins would love to have.

A receiver that would fit well with Santana Moss is TJ Houshmandzadeh. He is a great second receiver, and would be perfect for Campbell.

Like every season, the 'Skins will have a lot of work to do, starting with free agent DeAngelo Hall.

Acquired mid-season, Hall is a guy that was terrific for the 'Skins in the secondary and made interceptions—something that Carlos Rogers and Fred Smoot had trouble doing all season.

Rogers had his best season ever as a Redskin, but struggled at the end of the season, while Smoot struggled all year and was picked on by quarterbacks.

Towards the end of the season Hall and Springs started, while Rogers and Smoot were on the sideline.

Maybe that's who the Redskins have in their future plans, because right now those are the team's best cornerbacks. But, you never know with this group—they are always unpredictable, especially now that Vinny Cerrato is calling the shots.

The last concern that the Redskins should have is the relationship between Jim Zorn and Clinton Portis. The two definitely have some issues that need to be worked out so they can be on the same page.

If the two do not work out their issues, the team may be in the same situation they were this year—home for the holidays.

And if the Redskins do not make the playoffs next year, Zorn's job will be in jeopardy, so we will see what happens.