2012 NFL Draft: 3 OLBs Washington Redskins Could Add in Middle Rounds

Since re-signing London Fletcher, the Washington Redskins now appear well stocked at inside linebacker and could actually afford to use a draft pick to address depth at the outside linebacker position.

Starters Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan are bookend playmakers who are key to the success of Washington's 3-4 defense. Both are dynamic young pass-rushers on the rise in the NFL.

Yet the options behind them are limited. Converted defensive Rob Jackson offers some pressure threat, but 2011 sixth-rounder Markus White has done little to push for playing time.

CSNWashington.com reported that the Redskins signed ex-St. Louis Ram Bryan Kehl as a backup at inside linebacker and also indicated Lorenzo Alexander will move inside to do the same.

So the Redskins could use another outside 'backer to supplement Orakpo and Kerrigan and also act as a pass-rusher in nickel packages. Here are the three best mid-round options:

Jonathan Massaquoi, DE, Troy

Troy defensive end Jonathan Massaquoi is an ideal candidate to convert to 3-4 outside linebacker at the pro level. The 6'2", 264 pounder has the frame and range to be an effective edge rusher from a two- or four-point stance.

Massaquoi is an active player who excels at running twists and games from a variety of positions. He plays with good leverage and above-average upper-body strength and possesses nice movement skills.

Massaquoi is a raw prospect who would struggle with recognition responsibilities and the need to make plays in space as a linebacker. However, during two years at the collegiate level, Massaquoi posted some impressive numbers as a pass-rusher, notching 19.5 sacks.

As a fourth-round pick, Massaquoi could help out as a third-down pass-rusher and help keep Orakpo and Kerrigan fresh.

Jacquies Smith, DE, Missouri

Jacquies Smith is the kind of 'tweener prospect who often finds a home on the edge in a 3-4. At 6'3" and 253 pounds, Smith has decent size for the outside linebacker position and has the raw skills of a fine pass-rusher.

He is a relentless player who gives maximum effort each snap. If taught the right technique, Smith could become a productive situational rusher.

Having demonstrated the ability to drop and be effective in underneath coverage, Smith would also give the Redskins a credible reserve for the base packages. This flexibility makes Smith well worth a fifth- or sixth-round pick.

Kourtnei Brown, DE, Clemson

Kourtnei Brown could be a sixth- or even seventh-round steal for the Redskins. The 6'5", 256 pounder has the build and length of a natural 3-4 outside pass-rusher.

Brown possesses underrated athleticism and recorded a 4.69 40-yard dash time during his school's pro day. He offers a quick first step and excellent hip movement off the edge.

Brown would be ideally suited to supplement the pass rush in certain blitz packages. His age may make some shy away from the 24-year-old, but he could be a useful third-down weapon in Jim Haslett's schemes.

Conclusion

Adding another outside pass-rusher is something this author has advocated for a long time. At the moment, both Kerrigan and Orakpo are required to be on the field for almost every snap.

A player who can come in and act as a stand-up hybrid rusher in the nickel and dime fronts would ease the burden on the Redskins' talented young duo. It would also mean that the defense would have more options and more weapons to attack the quarterback with on third down.

Packages could be designed to include Kerrigan, Orakpo and a rookie outside linebacker in a variety of alignments. After two seasons of coming to terms with the nuances of the 3-4, it's time the Redskins expanded the playbook in year three. Adding a third outside playmaker is the best way to do that.