Grading Strength of Every Washington Redskins Positional Unit, Pre-Draft Edition

Since the Redskins have gone quiet in free agency, an already pivotal draft is set to take on even greater significance. The team is certain to grab its franchise quarterback and must also work hard to surround that youthful passer with a strong enough supporting cast.

That doesn't mean that Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen can afford to overlook the defense. London Fletcher, the leader of the unit, remains unsigned, and the draft could be the best chance to identify his successor.

While free agents such as Brandon Meriweather and Cedric Griffin have been added to the secondary, it's still hard to feel entirely confident about the defensive backfield. A player like Montana's Trumaine Johnson would be a major boost.

Here are grades for each positional unit, along with the draft fit best suited to improving each group.

Quarterback

The one area of the team that requires the most attention, and will get it in this draft, is the quarterback position. Rex Grossman and John Beck combined for a comedy of errors last season, and in the process, derailed any hopes of success for the Redskins.

Both seemed unable to protect the football and play in a manner that would compliment the improving defense and running game. Beck was plagued by indecisiveness in the pocket, while Grossman just couldn't resist believing his arm strength can overcome any numbers disadvantage in coverage.

Mike Shanahan simply has to get this position right in year three, following consecutive disasters involving first Donovan McNabb and then 2011's dire duo. Shanahan and Allen have certainly shown how desperate they are to remedy the issue with the blockbuster trade with the St. Louis Rams for the second-overall pick.

Grade: E

Best Draft Fit: Robert Griffin III, Baylor

The Redskins made the trade for one reason, and that was to select their quarterback. They probably still take Griffin, but wouldn't be too broken-hearted if the Indianapolis beat them to it, leaving Andrew Luck.

Offensive Line

No matter who is under center, the Redskins offense will only be as successful as their line allows. The unit was again porous during 2011, with pass protection its biggest weakness.

Tackles Trent Williams and Jammal Brown both struggle to contain speedy edge rushers, while the interior of the line can be manhandled. Right tackle and left guard are the positions of biggest concern.

Brown has failed to acclimatise himself to right tackle, and his sluggish reactions and laboured technique continue to hinder the Redskins in both run and pass situations. Left guard Kory Lichtensteiger is a serviceable zone-blocker, but consistent injuries overshadow his scheme effectiveness.

Youngsters Maurice Hurt and Willie Smith filled in admirably towards the end of the season and raised the level of the line's run-blocking. They should push for more playing time in 2012.

Since the Redskins have so far rather bizarrely neglected to address the front five via free agency, they simply must find some quality options in the draft.

Grade: D

Best Draft Fit: Andrew Datko, Florida State

Datko has been plagued by shoulder injuries during his college years, but when healthy, he is an immense talent. A natural athlete with excellent size, Datko would fit Washington's zone system well.

He has the versatility to operate at guard or tackle on either side of the line.

Tight End

Fred Davis was the one true playmaker on the Redskins offense last season and is one of the most dynamic young players at his position in the game.

Davis has tremendous speed and runs excellent routes. He is able to attack zones deep and stretch a defense vertically.

His off-the-field issues, including last season's four-game suspension for drug abuse, remain a concern. However, it's up to Shanahan to keep Davis focused and make him realise his potential.

He is a prolific weapon in the Redskins schemes, and utilising Davis is the best thing that Kyle Shanahan does as offensive coordinator.

Chris Cooley could return to the fold in 2012 if his cap value is not deemed too much. At this stage of his career, he is going to be most effective as a short-range, underneath target. However, that is the perfect compliment to the downfield threat offered by Davis.

Grade: A-

Best Draft Fit: Ladarius Green, Louisiana-Lafayette

At 6'6" and 238 pounds, Green offers similar size and speed to Davis. He is an athletic, downfield tight end who would share the burden with Davis and could even replace him if further disciplinary issues occur.

Running Back

Potential is the key word when grading the running back position for the Redskins. 2011 mid-round draftees Roy Helu and Evan Royster both showcased tremendous potential and could contribute to a dominant ground attack in 2012.

Helu in particular has the look of a featured back. He finished the season with 640 yards on 151 carries and also proved to be a fine receiver, catching 49 passes for 379 yards.

Royster chipped in with two straight 100-plus-yard efforts to end the season. The 6'1", 213-pounder seemed a little quicker to hit the hole than Helu, but lacked the former Nebraska star's speed and elusiveness in the open field.

The interesting question is whether or not veteran Tim Hightower will return. He is a free agent and suffered a serious ACL injury last season.

Yet Hightower is an excellent receiver and pass-blocker. His experience could provide invaluable insurance against either Helu or Royster falling victim to a sophomore slump.

Fullback seems set after a fine season from converted linebacker Darrel Young. His blocking improved tremendously, and he proved to be an effective weapon as a change of pace runner.

Grade: C+

Best Draft Fit: Bobby Rainey, Western Kentucky

Rainey's age may cause him to fall down draft boards, but the 24-year-old could surprise many in the Redskins offense. He is a one-cut runner with the quickness and vision to excel in Washington's zone-running scheme.

If Hightower is not brought back, Rainey would be a very good late-round pickup for the Redskins backfield.

Wide Receiver

It's quite remarkable when pundits and fans insist the Redskins don't have the receivers to support a young quarterback. The fact is, there are plenty of weaker receiving units in the league than the Redskins.

Despite the issues at quarterback and with pass protection, Washington's wideouts performed respectably in 2011. Veteran Jabar Gaffney led the way with a season of impressive contributions.

The 31-year-old finished just 53 yards shy of 1,000 and chipped in with five touchdowns. He has a great understanding of the offense and decent size at 6'2" and 200 pounds.

Santana Moss had his year interrupted by injury, but remains a speedy and crafty weapon out of the slot. The 32-year-old suddenly faces a lot of competition, but still has the talent to make the team.

Third-round rookie Leonard Hankerson disappointed thanks to early struggles to learn the offense and a series of injuries. He did eventually grasp the nuances of the scheme and showed great promise, by hauling in eight passes for 106 yards in a Week 10 defeat to the Miami Dolphins.

Another injury ended his year, but the Redskins will be looking for big things from Hankerson in 2012. The position received a lot of attention in free agency, with Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan joining the fold.

Both have a lot to prove after signing big contracts, but are talented enough to justify the investments and make this one position the Redskins can comfortably overlook in the draft.

Grade: B-

Best Draft Fit: DeVier Posey, Ohio State

At 6'2" and 211 pounds, Posey has the size that Shanahan likes in a receiver. He is a long-striding runner, effective vertically and could provide depth as deep threat.

Defensive Line

Washington's defensive line performed solidly in 2011 and has the potential to dominate this season. Free-agent pickups Stephen Bowen and Barry Cofield were key to the defensive improvement last season. Both could be set for breakout seasons in their second years in D.C.

Cofield steadily adapted to the pivotal role of nose tackle in the Redskins' 3-4 scheme, and by season's end, was showing signs that he is ready to join the ranks of the league's elite at the position.

Third starter Adam Carriker enjoyed a career-best season and has matured into a fine two-gap, five-technique defensive end. The Redskins can boast a starting group to rival any in the NFL, but depth remains a question mark.

Seventh-round rookie Chris Neild performed capably in the rotation with Cofield, and end Darrion Scott was retained. Much was expected of 2011 second-round choice Jarvis Jenkins, but a preseason ACL injury meant he sat out the entire year.

Grade: B

Best Draft Fit: Trevor Guyton, California

Guyton doesn't possess ideal 3-4 size, but the 6'3", 285-pounder plays in a style suited to the Redskins defense. He has good first-step quickness and utilises excellent leverage.

Guyton could be a useful inside pass-rusher for the Redskins and a more dynamic option in the defensive end rotation.

Linebackers

Like the defensive line, the starting group at linebacker is excellent, but the position as a whole is undermined by poor depth.

Of the starters, outside duo Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan steadily developed a dangerous pass-rush partnership. They combined for 16.5 sacks and seven forced fumbles and are a threat to any offense.

Yet behind them, there is only Rob Jackson, who is a decent pass-rusher but lacks the range for run support and pass coverage responsibility. He is joined by utility man Lorenzo Alexander, who offers little pressure and might be best suited for a role inside.

London Fletcher manned the middle in his usual stellar fashion. The savvy veteran logged 166 tackles and went to his third straight Pro Bowl. He played at such a high level that he was able to compensate for the poor performances of Rocky McIntosh and the inexperience of Perry Riley.

The problem is that Fletcher remains unsigned, and the soon to be 37-year-old would be a major loss if a new deal can't be agreed. McIntosh and fellow backup Keyaron Fox are both free agents and have yet to re-sign.

Neither is capable of stepping in for Fletcher, and while Riley has potential, he needs an experienced, capable player next to him.

Grade: B-

Best Draft Fit: James-Michael Johnson, Nevada

Johnson has the size at 6'1" and 241 pounds to fit the 3-4 defense. He is effective when attacking the line of scrimmage downhill and would develop well in Jim Haslett's system.

Secondary

The secondary failed to live up to expectations in 2011 thanks to injuries and below-par performances. LaRon Landry missed a large portion of the season, and the unit struggled without him.

Fellow safety O.J. Atogwe joined him on the injured list, while cornerback DeAngelo Hall struggled to cope in one-on-one coverage in clutch situations. Josh Wilson proved a decent signing from the Baltimore Ravens, but a quality third corner is a must.

The secondary often suffered as a result of being left isolated and exposed by Haslett's heavy blitz calls, but the unit simply has to perform better in 2012. New signings Brandon Meriweather and Cedric Griffin may make a difference, but both have plenty to prove after loss of form and injuries.

Youngster Dejon Gomes could see more time this season. The 5'11", 200-pounder looked lost in coverage, but was effective as a box player. He has good blitz instincts and timing and is also a competent tackler.

Grade: C-

Best Draft Fit: Trumaine Johnson, Montana

If the Redskins have the chance to select Trumaine Johnson, they shouldn't hesitate. At 6'3" and 210 pounds, Johnson has the length and physicality to be effective in press coverage.

He would answer the need for a dependable third corner and could even convert to free safety. The Montana standout would offer excellent depth all across the secondary.

Special Teams

The special teams had its share of ups and downs in 2011. Sav Rocca improved the punter position, but strong-legged kicker Graham Gano continued to be plagued by accuracy issues.

Granted Gano was not helped by feeble blocking that led to several blocked kicks and made every conversion an adventure.

Led by the consistently outstanding Lorenzo Alexander, the coverage units were above-average, but the return game lost its spark.

Grade: D

Best Draft Fit: Randy Bullock, Texas A&M

Bullock had an accuracy rate of 87.9 in 2011 and would provide much-needed competition for Gano. Of the players already listed, James-Michael Johnson and Bobby Rainey would provide a major boost for the special teams.

Johnson is the kind of active tackler who would excel on the coverage units, and Rainey possesses dangerous return skills.

A Strong Draft Will Prime the Redskins for NFC East Contention

Following 2011's productive draft with another successful class will make the Redskins credible contenders for the NFC East crown this season.

They have a useful running back rotation, deceptively capable receivers and a dangerous tight end to build an offense around. If projected top pick Griffin can quickly adapt to the pros and the offensive line is reinforced, this unit will light up scoreboards.

Defensively, the starting front seven seems ready to dominate. Additional quality in the secondary can increase the turnover ratio and could make Haslett's group feared.

Smart drafting can supplement this strong existing core and lead to a winning season.