2012 NFL Draft: Ranking the Washington Redskins' Areas of Need

So far, the Redskins have been busy in free agency. Although they haven't added a large number of new faces, the Redskins are keeping up with quality acquisitions and strategic moves. 

As the draft draws closer, the Redskins' areas of need are shifting. How important is the offensive line? Is the receiver position addressed? What happens to the linebacker position? 

Despite the Redskins' areas of need, the last thing anyone wants to see is poor draft value. Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen could really hit a home run this offseason with a valuable draft class to cap a solid approach to free agency. 

5. Wide Receiver

Before free agency began, the Redskins seemingly had their guy on radar and they wasted no time landing him. 

Although Pierre Garcon's new contract appears hefty on the surface, it comes as an investment for the Redskins. The fact that Garcon is just 25 years old likely played a huge role in his attractiveness to the Redskins' front office. 

In addition to adding Garcon, the Redskins have also nabbed hometown star Josh Morgan. With numerous opportunities amongst a crowded position, Morgan is a big target that can make plays after the catch. 

I'm not about to call the wide receiver position a surefire thing going into next season, but I think the additions of Garcon and Morgan—with the anticipation of a healthy Leonard Hankerson—keeps the Redskins from drafting a receiver until at least the later rounds. 

4. Quarterback

The move has been made, but the selection has not. 

Until NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell approaches that podium and announces Robert Griffin III as the newest member of the Washington Redskins, the quarterback position will remain on this list. 

ShanAllen went against my wishes (and I'm sure umpteen others) and re-signed Rex Grossman to a one-year deal. As much as I didn't want him back, I'm not losing any sleep at night knowing that Grossman will be the guy backing up our rookie. As long as he keeps his mouth shut. 

Assuming Griffin is the guy, he will be the biggest thing to hit this city in a very long time. And for all the doubters that don't think he'll be any good, I encourage you to ride the wave while you can and at least join in on the excitement. 

3. Linebacker

It's not a sure thing until it happens, but Redskins fans (myself included) seem to have taken London Fletcher and his future with the team for granted. As of late Sunday night, the Redskins have a gaping hole in the middle of their defense and the team is nowhere closer to re-signing the ageless inside linebacker. 

Perhaps the Redskins are concerned with Fletcher's 37-year-old body and question how much longer he'll be able to perform, but there's no doubting a need at the position. 

Although names like Stephen Tulloch and Curtis Lofton remain attainable, it doesn't seem like many people thought about addressing the linebacker position until lately—when Fletcher still remains unsigned. 

2. Secondary

After releasing one-and-done safety OJ Atogwe and anticipating LaRon Landry's departure, the Redskins have a huge hole at the safety position. And to make things worse, last year's cornerbacks were pretty awful anyway—making the current secondary a pretty big mess. 

The Redskins tried to patch their wounds with the signing of Brandon Meriweather, but the former Patriots and Bears safety is almost looking for a career revival after his recent struggles. 

With their first real picks coming in the third round this April, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Redskins draft secondary prospects first. 

1. Offensive Line

As I've mentioned before, I believe that the Redskins' offensive line next season relies heavily on the future of Kory Lichtensteiger. 

Lichtensteiger was lost last season to a torn ACL and he happens to be one of the team's unsigned free agents this offseason. If 'Steiger returns, does he play his position from last season at left guard? Or does he play his more natural center position?

The Redskins lost out on former Ravens left guard Ben Grubbs, but it was proof that the team was looking for an interior lineman. Could it also be a sign that the Redskins aren't comfortable with Will Montgomery playing guard? Because they shouldn't be. 

I think the biggest and most obvious hole along the offensive front (assuming 'Steiger returns to left guard) is the right tackle position. After re-signing Jammal Brown last offseason, Redskins fans were disappointed to see just how injury-ridden he really was. I'd like to think that former undrafted free agent Willie Smith can play right tackle, but coaches likely don't think he's ready quite yet. 

Assuming such, offensive line has to be the Redskins' top priority going into the draft. Although the Redskins don't pick until the third round (assuming the obvious), Shanahan has made a living getting more out of less.