Redskins Free Agency Preview: 6 Players Mike Shanahan Must Sign

Following his blockbuster deal to move up and land the No. 2-overall pick, Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan must now focus heavily on the pieces he'll need in free agency. 

Assuming that Shanahan has his sights on Robert Griffin III with the second pick, here's a list of guys on the open market that the Redskins could greatly benefit from. 

Pierre Garcon

I've preached since the beginning that the free agent wide receiver class this offseason is very deceiving. But if there's a diamond in the rough, I think I'd have to go with Pierre Garcon. 

Of all the free agents wideouts, Garcon is ripe—at just 26 years old. He proved last season that he wasn't just a product of Peyton Manning's system after posting career-highs on the receiving end of Curtis Painter's passes. And, injuries aren't necessarily a part of Garcon's resume or track record.

Although his hands are inconsistent and will need to improve, I think Garcon is the Redskins' best option in terms of team need and moving forward. 

Brandon Carr

There's no denying the Redskins' obvious need for help in their secondary, and upgrading the defense will certainly make things better for Robert Griffin III. 

After four solid seasons in Kansas City, Carr has put his name atop the cornerback free-agent market. Set to turn 26 in May, Carr would fit the mold of Shanahan's youth movement in Washington, and defensive coordinator Jim Haslett would love Carr's ability in press-coverage. 

Ben Grubbs

The last thing I'd want for Robert Griffin in Washington is to undergo the beating that Sam Bradford has taken in St. Louis thanks to the offensive line—or lack there of. 

Despite Kory Lichtensteiger's positive play last season before blowing out his knee, his future durability is a big concern. Unfortunately for 'Steiger, the Redskins can't afford to take a risk on him as a starter at this point. 

Ben Grubbs is probably a better fit in the zone-scheme than top-guard Carl Nicks and he fits Shanahan's desired youth movement mold. 

This one would be absolutely huge. But will Shanny spend big money on an interior lineman? One would have to guess that he wouldn't. 

Curtis Lofton

We often talk about how the Redskins should be on the lookout for London Fletcher's predecessor, yet we never talk about the fact that London isn't even signed himself. 

Whether or not the Redskins lock on Fletcher for a reasonable three-year deal or not, inside linebacker Curtis Lofton would be a great pickup. 

Once again, this helps the opposite side of Griffin, but it's major. Griffin has never had a decent defense to work with, and I believe that it could improve his game even more. 

Chris Myers

Any and all offensive line free agent move will depend largely on Kory Lichtensteiger's future. However, given the current situation, the Redskins have a need at center. 

Chris Myers is a former Shanahan draftee (2005) with valuable experience in the zone-blocking scheme. 

Myers may be 31, but he'd be an immediate starter in Washington, and he'd be a great security blanket for Robert Griffin. 

Also, Scott Wells will likely demand top-dollar for being this offseason's best free agent center--perhaps the Redskins get Myers at a bargain. 

Kyle Orton

This isn't necessarily a "must," but I think a veteran quarterback that is capable of managing the game should be Griffin's running mate in DC. 

Considering the deal that could potentially land Griffin and what went into it, I would imagine that Shanahan plans on starting him Week 1. If that's the case, Kyle Orton would be a decent manager if things go awry.