5 Biggest Needs Washington Redskins Have Yet to Address This Offseason

The to-do list for fixing a team that limped to a 4-12 finish last season was always going to be a lengthy one for the Washington Redskins. So far, new general manager Scot McCloughan can cross over refreshing an ageing and tame defensive line, as well as adding pieces to a patchwork secondary.

But McCloughan and the decision-makers at Redskins Park will know they still have a lot to do. Head coach Jay Gruden has already been making it clear where he'd like to see the roster upgraded next.

Help for a feeble offensive line has so far been overlooked during free agency. But the issue has to be near the top of McCloughan's agenda, either during the rest of the veteran market, or via the 2015 NFL draft.

Gruden wants a revamped line to block for a new ball-carrier or two out of the backfield. That's smart considering the depth behind Alfred Morris isn't going to wow anybody.

McCloughan has already committed to retooling the defense, but he can't think it's job done. Not when that porous defensive backfield still needs more talent and options. Not when the front seven could still use a playmaker or two.

Find out exactly what needs the Redskins have left to address to help craft a more competitive roster for 2015.

Add a Running Back

Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

It has to make Gruden nervous to scan the depth chart and see only Silas Redd and Chris Thompson backing up Alfred Morris. That explains the coach declaring his wish to add more talent to the position, per Andrew Walker of the team's official site:

"

You can never have too many good running backs.

...

The thing about the running back position is there’s still great running backs on the streets that are free agents that we could go get – I think there will be even after the draft. I think this year’s draft at running backs is as good as it’s been in a long time. First round, second round, third round there are very good backs.

"

Walker's article referenced the two best remaining free agents at the position: Stevan Ridley and Pierre Thomas. Both are excellent choices, with the former seeming more like direct competition for Morris.

Ridley is a terrific inside runner. His initial acceleration is top-notch, as is his ability to make cuts in the hole. Ridley's used to running behind power-blocking concepts, the type Washington may use more often with new line guru Bill Callahan setting the tone.

Ball security and durability issues stand out as obvious warning signs with Ridley. He tore his ACL and MCL last season. He also lost six fumbles during the previous two years.

At his best though, Ridley is one of the more talented runners in football. This is a 1,000-yard back with tremendous power and speed between the tackles.

He perfectly suits the new direction Washington's ground schemes are likely to take in 2015. Ridley's presence would safeguard the team in the event Morris struggles once zone plays are scaled back.

At the very least, Ridley is used to running in a rotation from his time with the New England Patriots. Splitting the carries would keep two workhorse backs fresh and push the pair to try and outperform the other.

It would be the healthiest form of competition and make the Redskins rushing attack one of the league's most potent.

Of course, it's likely Gruden will want a little more versatility from those supporting Morris. If No. 46 is the groundhog, the Redskins really need a pass-catcher with some flair for attacking the outside.

Thomas possesses both skills. In particular, he has remained a fine receiver. The 30-year-old can line up at multiple spots and cause major headaches for underneath coverage.

As a reliable outlet out of the backfield, they don't come better than Thomas. He would certainly make life easier for the men under center and offset the loss of Roy Helu Jr.

One other option to consider is Joe McKnight. A ruptured Achilles killed his season after just three weeks, but the 26-year-old is an excellent receiver who could also answer this team's obvious need for help in the return game.

Gruden could justify getting both a deputy workhorse and a more explosive third-down option for this backfield. Given the bounty he referenced on both the veteran market and via the draft, finding at least one back to plug this hole should be easy.

Outside Pass-Rusher

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

The Redskins opted to overlook the top edge-rushers available in free agency. But the need for a capable bookend or situational ace to support outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan hasn't gone away.

Fortunately, there are still plenty of options for improving the pressure potential of a defense that notched just 36 sacks in 2014. The first would involve making a choice from a particularly deep draft class.

You should all know the names by now. It's become close to impossible to find a mock draft without one of Randy Gregory, Dante Fowler Jr., Shane Ray or Vic Beasley being sent to Washington.

NFL.com Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah believes Gregory is the best fit to replace departed rush linebacker Brian Orakpo. Meanwhile, CBS Sports columnist Pete Prisco believes Beasley makes more sense.

You get the picture. Selecting fifth overall means the Redskins will have their pick of the top young edge-rushers in the country.

But while that's an obvious need, it certainly isn't the only pressing concern. There's also safety and the offensive line to consider.

Both of those positions are wafer-thin in terms of options and quality. At least at outside linebacker, Washington can hope for improvement from the team's top draft pick a year ago: Trent Murphy.

Getting a situational rusher to spell Murphy in obvious passing situations may be a smart way to go. In that scenario, graybeard sack specialist Dwight Freeney makes a lot of sense.

ESPN 980 reporter Chris Russell has already endorsed the idea of Freeney landing in D.C. MMQB writer Peter King believes the 35-year-old still has tremendous value: "Dwight Freeney can give some team 15 smart pass-rush snaps per game. If I were Atlanta or Tampa Bay, I’d be sniffing around Freeney."

Given the way new coordinator Joe Barry apparently wants to play things on defense, along with McCloughan's new recruits up front, a Murphy and Freeney double act on the weak side could be just the ticket.

Recently signed defensive tackle Ricky Jean Francois dropped a major hint about the style of the new defense, shortly after his arrival, per CSN Washington reporter Tarik El-Bashir:

"

But at the same time, his one biggest thing is he wants his front four to get pressure. That was the biggest thing he emphasized. If he’s got DBs in the backend covering, he wants to be able to send that front four and drop seven. That’s every defensive coordinator’s dream to do. I want that dream to come true for him.

"

Apply that thinking to the base defense for a moment. Kerrigan and holdover 3-technique Jason Hatcher, along with new arrivals Stephen Paea, another talented interior pass-rusher, and nose tackle Terrance Knighton, will give Washington a strong front-four rush.

That could put the weak-side 'backer into coverage responsibilities more often. The San Francisco 49ers often take this approach, but flip the script to let Aldon Smith rush while fellow outside 'backer Ahmad Brooks plays coverage.

In the nickel sets, Knighton and Murphy would likely come out, allowing the Redskins to insert Freeney at one end to help bracket any two from Paea, Francois and Hatcher.

Of course, this scenario will depend on how much this regime, specifically McCloughan, who didn't draft him, believe in Murphy.

But just like at running back, Washington almost can't go wrong when it comes to adding to the pass-rushing options.

Inside Linebacker

Tim Sharp/Associated Press

At the heart of the linebacking corps, Keenan Robinson is a budding star, while Perry Riley Jr. is not. It doesn't help that depth is dubious in the form of Will Compton and Steve Beauharnais.

What this rotation really needs is another star-ready body to pressure Riley and support Robinson. The draft offers a number of very intriguing options in the form of Benardrick McKinney, Stephone Anthony, Denzel Perryman and Eric Kendricks.

But selecting any member of that quartet would require McCloughan having inside linebacker high on his list of priorities for draft day. Each prospect is projected to come off the board during the first three rounds, according to the CBS Sports position rankings.

McCloughan could certainly justify taking a mean thumper like Perryman in Round 3. But if it's a big-bodied bruiser he wants, perhaps he'll pluck Brandon Spikes off the veteran market.

A two-down run-stopping force, Spikes would add plenty of beef inside behind behemoth nose guard Knighton. McCloughan has already stated his belief football is a "big man's game."

Either way, he'll be smart if he adds another playmaker to the middle of this defense.

Offensive Line

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Will anyone really feel confident if the Redskins enter the new season with the same offensive line that so often proved their undoing in 2014? No, me neither. Fortunately, it seems Gruden won't either.

The coach made it clear how important he rates the need for more talent up front, per Andrew Walker of the team's official site: "Obviously, everyone talks about the offensive line. I’d love to get an offensive lineman."

Gruden emphasized the need to protect the quarterback, words that should be music to the ears of Robert Griffin III, Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy. The trio suffered through 58 sacks last season.

Gruden also stressed the team is optimistic 2014 third-round picks Spencer Long and Morgan Moses can still develop well. That's obviously a possibility, but why leave things to chance at a position that's been a mess for far too long?

Unlike linebacker and running back, the Redskins have as good as limited themselves to seeking reinforcements via the draft. That's not necessarily a bad thing. Not when there's a host of quality prospects waiting to enter the pros.

Tackles such as Brandon Scherff, La'el Collins, Andrus Peat and T.J. Clemmings should all be on Washington's radar. So should interior road graders Laken Tomlinson and Tre' Jackson.

McCloughan took a chance when he overlooked the O-line during free agency, even if the decision saved a few pennies. But he simply cannot ignore the problem on draft day.

Crossing fingers and hoping for the best with the same group that was routinely dominated in 2014 isn't going to get it done. It's a similar story at the next position on this list.

Find Another Safety

Rob Carr/Getty Images

Things have to change at safety. Specifically, the importance the front office attaches to getting better at the position has to change.

For too long, the Redskins have been content to plug in a series of stop gaps and hope for the best. It didn't work with questionable veterans such as Brandon Meriweather, Tanard Jackson and Ryan Clark.

Keith McMillan of The Washington Post has also noted how it didn't work with low-round draft picks:

"

And while selecting one seems like a logical plan, remember that Washington went this route in 2013, drafting Thomas in the fourth and Bacarri Rambo in the sixth. Rambo has since been cut, and Thomas has been beset by injury. Those who have been fans for longer will recall the promise and quick fades of 2011 fifth-rounder Dejon Gomes and 2008 seventh-rounder Chris Horton.

"

Washington has gotten what it paid for, or not paid for, when it comes to safety play. That worrying pattern has so far continued during this offseason.

McCloughan did add to the position when he signed former Seattle Seahawks backup Jeron Johnson. But the 26-year-old spent most of his time in the NFC West on special teams, making just one start at safety.

If Johnson is an ascending player ready to thrive in a bigger role, this signing will look like a masterstroke. But if he isn't, the Redskins defense will again be undermined by a weak last line.

Regardless of Johnson's prospects, the team still needs another safety. It's tough to believe Barry and new secondary coach Perry Fewell will really be content to choose from a pool containing Duke Ihenacho, Trenton Robinson and Phillip Thomas.

The latter was one of my favourite players in Washington's 2013 draft class. But untimely injuries and poor technique have stunted his development.

McCloughan chose to look past some of the more marquee names in free agency. But he didn't need to back up the Brink's Truck for Devin McCourty or Rahim Moore.

He could have opted for players such as Kendrick Lewis, Will Hill or Darian Stewart. The Redskins were obviously aware enough of the problem to explore a move for veteran Antrel Rolle, per NBCSN reporter Ross Tucker.

Instead, Washington is left to find a gem or two from a draft class considered paper-thin at the position.

Not doing enough at safety hurt this team a year ago. The mistake could well be repeated ahead of the 2015 campaign, unless McCloughan pulls something out of the hat.

Bar safety, every remaining need the Redskins have can be amply filled, either during the remaining stages of free agency, or on draft day. That's a positive position to be in for a franchise that simply has to get its latest rebuilding effort right.

All statistics via NFL.com.