Washington Redskins' Top Needs, Fits for 2015 NFL Draft to Build for the Future

Seven wins in two seasons has made the 2015 NFL draft hugely significant for a Washington Redskins franchise embarking on yet another rebuild.

As has often been the case in previous offseasons, the NFC East club is promising to finally do things the supposed "right way." Central to that pledge has been the arrival of new general manager Scot McCloughan.

He's a reputed team builder and talent evaluator who believes the draft is a "lifeline." The former San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks executive should use his first in Washington to continue retooling a porous defense.

He added playmakers to the trenches and secondary during free agency. But McCloughan still needs a quality pass-rusher to replace Brian Orakpo, as well as another option at safety.

Away from the defense, Washington could also use some beefier blockers along the offensive front. A speedy third-down back would help complete a strong contingent of talent at the skill positions, too.

Find out which prospects in this year's class can be building blocks for the Redskins at these key areas.

Outside Pass-Rusher

Finding a bookend pass-rusher for Ryan Kerrigan may be the top priority for the Redskins come draft day. The depth of quality pressure specialists at the top of this draft could make as many as four prospects the "best player available" when Washington picks fifth overall.

With so many to choose from, McCloughan won't be able to miss. Here are the top options he might consider:

Dante Fowler Jr., Florida

The dream scenario for this team has to be still seeing Dante Fowler Jr. on the board at No. 5. The former Florida ace has the size and speed combination the edge of a hybrid 3-4 scheme needs.

At 6'3" and 261 pounds, he's got the thick frame to set the edge and overpower blockers. Fowler also boasts the initial quickness to beat protection around the corner.

Just as important, Fowler is big enough to routinely line up with his hand down. That's a key element of versatility for new coordinator Joe Barry, who apparently wants to show 4-3 looks often in the new season.

Real Redskins blogger Rich Tandler indicated Barry's D' will line up in a 4-3 "a significant percentage of the time." That thought is echoed by U-T San Diego reporter Michael Gehlken.

As an "Elephant-style" hybrid edge-rusher, Fowler can be the key to that type of scheme. B/R's draft analyst Matt Miller compares the ex-Gators star to New England Patriots pass-rusher Chandler Jones, another player who flips between end and linebacker, depending on the call and front.

The problem is Fowler is unlikely to still be on the board at No. 5 overall. At least, that's according to the latest mock draft landscape.

A quartet of analysts for NFL.com send Fowler to the Jacksonville Jaguars third overall. So does Walter Football's Walter Cherepinsky, as well as CBS Sports' Will Brinson.

But it isn't easy to believe the Jags will pass on USC defensive tackle Leonard Williams. Not when the AFC South club is so weak along the interior of the D-line.

Alternatively, Fowler may not be Jacksonville's edge-rusher of choice. CBS Sports' Dane Brugler sends Vic Beasley to the Jags and has Fowler arriving in D.C.

If Fowler is still there at No. 5, he'll be impossible to pass up.

Vic Beasley, Clemson

If most mock drafts believe Fowler will stay in Florida, many of the same are convinced Vic Beasley will make his way to D.C. NFL.com analysts Bucky Brooks and Lance Zierlein share that view. So do Cherepinsky and Brinson.

It's an intriguing call. Beasley is a slightly built edge-rusher who's faster than a sneeze. He certainly has the athletic gifts to terrorize the pocket and draw some focus away from Kerrigan's side of the field.

But is Beasley big enough to effectively and consistently man the edge of a 3-4 front? He's currently listed at 246 pounds, according to his CBS Sports draft profile, but he played far below that during most of his final season at Clemson.

Beasley certainly doesn't have the bulk to stand up to plays run right at him. It's also not unreasonable to worry he'll be swallowed up by house-sized left tackles.

Yet it's not as if some pass-rushers haven't dominated the pros at Beasley's current playing weight. If you want to delve into history, Leslie O'Neal and Charles Haley both managed triple figures in sacks despite barely ever tipping the scales at more than 250 pounds during their playing days.

For present-day examples, consider Denver Broncos star Von Miller or Indianapolis Colts graybeard ace Robert Mathis. Beasley certainly has the core skills of a natural pass-rusher to offset any limitations with his size.

His best chance of making an early impact may come in a situational role. Beasley would work well splitting time with 2014 second-rounder Trent Murphy.

The latter is stout against the run, but doesn't offer the explosiveness a player such as Beasley can bring to the defense. ESPN's John Keim has endorsed this scenario as a good option for improving the variety and pressure from the front seven.

Owamagbe Odighizuwa, UCLA

One prospect possibly falling outside of the first round who should interest the Redskins is Owamagbe Odighizuwa. Like Fowler, he has innate hybrid skills and the physical dimensions to thrive in a multiple-front defense.

The 6'3", 267-pounder is certainly scheme-versatile and has plenty of room to grow as a pass-rusher. He logged six sacks for the Bruins last season, according to CFBStats.com. But that number will improve as he adds nuance to his game.

Few prospects in this class offer more enticing athletic dynamism. If the Redskins really believe Murphy can make significant progress in Year 2, they may feel comfortable tabbing Odighizuwa in the second round to work in the rotation at both sides of the formation.

Nate Orchard, Utah

If Odighizuwa offers physicality, few prospects offer more potential as a pure pass-rusher than Nate Orchard. The converted wide receiver logged 18.5 sacks during his final season at Utah. Imagine what he might do with more schooling.

Orchard's currently a bit one-track as a pass-rusher. He relies mostly on his takeoff speed and relentless hustle to close on quarterbacks. In truth though, even the game's top pass-rushers usually lean on only a few core moves.

Orchard is a projected as a second-rounder by CBS Sports' Dane Brugler. He would have value there for Washington as a situational pass-rusher who'd split time with Murphy and be a major asset in the nickel schemes.

What's clear is this is a draft loaded with talented pass-rushers. That's great news for the team that logged just 36 sacks in 2014.

McCloughan added more pressure potential to the D-line when he signed one-gap tackles Stephen Paea and Ricky Jean Francois during free agency. However, he still needs to find a game-changing presence on the edge.

Guard

This team may be content to stick to a party line that says the current offensive line can get better without major additions, but most fans will likely remain unconvinced.

You can't blame the doubters. Last season's front five has returned intact, despite surrendering 58 sacks in 2014.

If they're smart, McCloughan and Gruden will already have a talented prospect or two for the trenches in prominent positions on their board. Here are two of the best options to help out at guard.

Brandon Scherff, Iowa

A left tackle in college, Brandon Scherff projects best on the inside at the pro level. B/R's Matt Miller compares him favorably to Dallas Cowboys' Pro Bowler Zack Martin, a rookie sensation last season.

New Washington O-line coach Bill Callahan coached Martin in Texas in 2014 and may see Scherff as another quick study able to make a similar transition. Miller believes the former Iowa standout has "All-Pro potential at guard."

It makes sense considering the 6'5", 319-pound behemoth packs a punch in the running game. But his short arms make him limited in pass protection, particularly against wide-angled edge-rushers.

NFL Media draft expert Mike Mayock (h/t Dan Parr) also made the Martin comparison for Scherff, a player he believes will ultimately kick inside in the pros.

What's great about the Martin comparison is how the ex-Notre Dame star transitioned from left tackle to right guard once he was drafted. Right guard is the ideal fit for Scherff in Washington.

In terms of talent and the potential to instantly upgrade a problem position, Scherff is the safest pick McCloughan could make in this draft. He won't find better value for this team.

Laken Tomlinson, Duke

Speaking of value, few could have any complaints if McCloughan uses a second-round pick on Laken Tomlinson. The ex-Duke beast offers the size and power this season's blocking scheme will need.

Callahan will want "bigger guys who can move" for a more physical approach up front, per ESPN's John Keim. Tomlinson fits the bill as a 6'3", 323-pound man mountain who delivers a thump, particularly when knocking open holes for the run.

CBS Sports' Dane Brugler detailed Tomlinson's power and mean streak on the ground: "rolls his hips to generate pop and move bodies at the point of attack, using his lower body strength to drive block in the run game."

Those are qualities ideal for a scheme likely to be more power-based in 2015. Gruden prefers "gap-blocking plays," while McCloughan believes a team needs "big guys up front," per CSN Washington's Rich Tandler.

Tomlinson fits the mold for the type of line this team wants. He certainly makes more sense than 303-pound veteran Chris Chester. The 32-year-old carries a $4.8 million cap hit this year, per Spotrac.com, after struggling mightily since he arrived in D.C. in 2011.

Still, Gruden has talked up Chester, as well as 2014 third-rounder Spencer Long, according to another ESPN report from Keim. But standing pat at this position will be the quickest way to erode some of the enthusiasm created by McCloughan's arrival and many of his subsequent moves.

Offensive Tackle

Brynn Anderson/Associated Press

Guard isn't the only spot along the current O-line needing attention. A quality offensive tackle to finally and effectively bookend Pro Bowler Trent Williams would also be a welcome addition.

Fortunately, this class features a few top-notch blockers on the edge. Here are the best for Washington to consider:

La'el Collins, LSU

Similar to Scherff, La'el Collins may ultimately fit best inside in the NFL. He does have a wider wingspan and the broader dimensions to stay at tackle, but may be best suited to the right side, where his lack of elite athleticism won't show up as often.

The ex-LSU force certainly takes a malevolent approach to clearing out traffic in the running game. He stands 6'4" and carries his 305 pounds on a beefy frame.

Collins is also not intimidated by quality competition. Fowler may be considered the top pass-rusher in this class, but he's not shy about admitting how easily Collins dominated him.

Fowler told MMQB's Jenny Vrentas: "My sophomore year, we went to Baton Rouge and played against LSU, and I’m not going to lie, I got my butt whooped. That was one of my worst games just because of how I got tossed around."

Collins makes sense for this team as a more physical presence on the right side. That's been a problem position since 2010. Jammal Brown, Tyler Polumbus, Tom Compton and Morgan Moses have all tried, and ultimately failed, to convince at the troubling spot.

Using a first-round pick to finally put the problem to bed could certainly be justified.

Andrus Peat, Stanford

Andrus Peat is another formidable-looking tackle prospect who isn't quite nimble enough for the left side. But the former Stanford man would fit nicely on the right.

As Sports Illustrated's Chris Burke noted, Peat may produce "some ugly pass-blocking against speed guys off the edge." But he also described how Peat's "run-blocking prowess would be ideal" at right tackle.

At 6'7" and 314 pounds, Peat definitely fits with the mantra of wanting to get bigger up front. He'd make sense as a power-blocking starter from Day 1.

Of course, both of these players would be deemed reaches at fifth overall. Although it's strange to call any touted blocker a reach for a team needing this much line help, perhaps Collins and Peat would be more acceptable as part of trade deals.

NFL.com Media Insider Ian Rapoport (h/t College Football 24/7's Bryan Fischer) indicated Washington is willing to deal the fifth pick as McCloughan targets volume for his first draft.

Moving back to near the middle of the first round and still selecting one of these top tackles would represent excellent business.

Daryl Williams, Oklahoma

If McCloughan chooses to wait before adding to the edges of the O-line, he might tab Daryl Williams in Round 3. The pick would be a signal the team is intent on making power a defining characteristic up front.

Williams is a pure power-based blocker. At his best, that means the 6'5", 327-pound ex-Oklahoma linchpin splatters opponents along the line of scrimmage. At his worst, Williams is a non-factor at the second level and in space.

Yet those limitations needn't deter the Redskins, who need more size at right tackle. Sports Illustrated's Doug Farrar feels Williams is perfect for the position and projects him as a third-rounder:

"

At 6'5" and 327 pounds, Williams looks and plays like the right tackle you'd find if you looked the term up in the dictionary—he's got a wide and powerful base, he's quicker off the snap than you may think, and he's got decent technique. What will most likely prevent him from becoming the sixth Sooners offensive lineman taken in the first round in the Bob Stoops era is his occasional bouts with balance (he lunges at speed rushers too often) and footwork that doesn't always line up with his power. With more coaching and a clearly defined role, he does have exciting potential as a power blocker in the NFL.

"

Williams offers excellent value for Washington in the middle of this draft.

There is a competition "brewing" between Compton and Moses at right tackle, according to 247Sports.com's Jamie Oakes. But faith in the incumbents is on a par with Gruden's view Chester and Long make right guard a position to "feel good about."

In other words, few, if any, will be convinced by this line unless McCloughan adds some quality reinforcements from the collegiate ranks.

Running Back

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

About the only thing missing from the skill positions in Washington is a natural third-down back. Letting Roy Helu Jr. walk in free agency has created a need for dual-threat back, equally capable lugging the rock as he is catching passes out of the backfield.

Here are three prospects who best fit the bill:

Ty Montgomery, Stanford

Ty Montgomery was ostensibly a wide receiver for the Cardinal, but that was really just a name-only distinction. He also boasts plenty of experience at running back, along with a bulky enough frame to handle some rushing chores.

NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein detailed just how many roles the 6'0", 221-pounder played at Palo Alto: "played outside, from slot, as a tailback and as a wildcat quarterback. "

Writing for Walter Football, NFLDraftInsider.net's Tony Pauline noted how Montgomery "ran solid routes and caught the ball better than expected."

This is a highly versatile player who certainly possesses the traits to be lethal as a specialist weapon in situational offensive schemes. Snagging Montgomery late on would only add to the ways Gruden and coordinator Sean McVay can get creative this season.

It would also give Washington's quarterbacks a simple checkdown target, one who could turn short throws into big gains on a variety of routes from multiple positions.

As an added bonus, Montgomery would bring much-needed talent in the return game. Special teams is still lacking in this department.

This is an outside-of-the-box pick definitely worth strong consideration.

John Crockett, North Dakota State

Identified by B/R's Mike Tanier as a small-program star to watch, there's a lot to like about North Dakota State's John Crockett. He's got all the skills a team needs for third-down work, as well as the ability to be a factor on conventional running plays.

Crockett utilized his 6'0", 217-pound frame in a "pro-style attack" in 2014, according to Zierlein, who also describes him as a "creative runner." That's a sentiment is echoed by Tanier, who dubbed him "an old-fashioned, I-formation, one-cut runner."

It's a description the Redskins should find appealing. Gruden used I-formation sets more often in 2014, particularly during the second half of the season. It's a great excuse to get talented fullback Darrel Young on the field more often.

But Crockett is also a highly capable receiver. Tanier endorsed his potential to strike on a variety of routes, both short and long-ranged.

Crockett is an under-the-radar gem who seems like a natural fit as a rotational back in the pros.

Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska

Ameer Abdullah is a quick-witted, zone-style ball-carrier who also offers big-play potential as a receiver. He caught just 22 passes during his final season at Nebraska but averaged 12.23 yards per reception and scored three touchdowns, per CFBStats.com.

Running with a low center of gravity and a sudden burst, Abdullah is tough to track in space. He also makes smart decisions at the line.

He wouldn't just be a niche player for third downs. Abdullah would be a true change-of-pace complement for more physical workhorse Alfred Morris.

Gruden hasn't been shy about expressing his desire to add to this position during the draft, according to ESPN's John Keim:

"

It's very deep running back draft in my opinion, and we're excited to add another piece at some point, hopefully. We have seven picks. Hopefully one of them will be a running back, or a free agent to compete. There are some good free agents that haven't been signed yet.

"

Keim's also credited Washington with interest in veteran Pierre Thomas. Meanwhile, Gruden will also give Chris Thompson the chance to prove he merits extended action, per Mike Jones of The Washington Post.

Keeping their options open at this position is a smart move for the Redskins. Given the ample options available in the draft, McCloughan should be able to snag an invaluable piece currently missing from the offense.

Inside Linebacker

Inside linebacker is one of the least talked about needs on this team, but the issue deserves a lot more press.

The group contains just one genuine talent, in the form of Keenan Robinson. He was exceptional last season, but remains worryingly brittle, having missed 24 games in three years.

It doesn't help that fellow starter Perry Riley Jr. regressed significantly during 2014. He still has a troubling habit of failing to make plays he's in a position to make and has become a liability in coverage.

Depth is currently comprised of limited hitters Steve Beauharnais and Will Compton. These factors should be all the motivation the Redskins need to hunt for another man in the middle.

Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi State

A true chunky sledgehammer in the middle, Benardrick McKinney looks like he's been made to operate in a 3-4 scheme. He's a natural playmaker who combines heavy hitting and sharp instincts with useful blitz skills.

Speaking of useful, that's just what McKinney's ability to play in the middle or on the edge can be to a creative coordinator. The 6'4", 246-pounder is a malevolent chess piece who can attack offenses in a variety of ways from multiple positions.

B/R's Matt Miller favorably compares McKinney to budding New England Patriots' star Jamie Collins, another roving, "Joker-style" weapon for a defense.

Walter Football's Walter Cherepinsky projects McKinney to come off the board toward the end of the second round. But the Redskins could justify taking him earlier at the same stage.

Stephone Anthony, Clemson

Clemson hitting-machine Stephone Anthony would add an intimidation factor to Washington's front seven. He delivers a thump whenever he gets around the ball and is a real force when attacking offenses downhill.

That also extends to rushing the passer, according to U-T San Diego's Eddie Brown: "Anthony has the desired size and speed for the position. Skill-set leads me to believe he could be an effective blitzer in the pros."

He also offers sound instincts as a zone defender, particularly in short-area coverage. But a lack of range could hold Anthony back on draft day. Matt Miller sees him as a "two-down" 'backer.

Yet as an aggressive, attack-minded player, Anthony makes sense for Washington's defense in 2015. He's certainly worth a second-round pick.

A.J. Tarpley, Stanford

McCloughan can find excellent late-round value if he takes A.J. Tarpley off the board. The ex-Stanford man has a wealth of experience plying his trade in a hybrid-style, linebacker-led defense.

He's smart and savvy, using good recognition skills and solid instincts to compensate for athletic deficiencies. NFL.com draft pundit Lance Zierlein detailed how Tarpley is a technically efficient player who can handle the nuances of a multiple-front scheme:

"

Good football intelligence. Instructional-video quality tackling when he locks on. Stays square and slides from gap to gap stalking runner. Takes good angles chasing wide and is adequate space tackler. Efficient mover with decent hips and feet. Used to spy UCLA QB Brett Hundley. Can cover backs and tight ends. Zone aware.

"

There's also obvious interest between Washington and the player. Reporting for Walter Football, NFLDraftInsider.net's Tony Pauline noted how the Redskins pulled Tarpley "aside" after Stanford's pro day.

This is a late-round gem McCloughan shouldn't avoid.

Safety

Safety is no longer the pressing need it was—not since McCloughan pulled off a trade for Dashon Goldson, per Tampa Bay Times writer Rick Stroud. NFL Media Insider Albert Breer later confirmed the trade and provided details.

The smart deal has given Washington a natural free safety.

Along with Jeron Johnson, recruited in free agency, Goldson can be an "integral" piece in a new-look secondary, according to B/R analyst Chris Simms in the above video.

Yet even after adding a veteran presence, McCloughan's work retooling the last line of defense shouldn't be done. At least one more safety can be added to a position group short of true impact players.

Here are two intriguing options, each offering different value:

Gerod Holliman, Louisville

If Goldson can also flex down into the box, Gerod Holliman is a pure center fielder. His core skill is getting his hands on the ball, a trait which led to a whopping 14 interceptions during his final year at Louisville, per CFBStats.com.

The obvious drawback to Holliman's game is a struggle to tackle. A wiry frame routinely leads to Holliman being overpowered at the point of initial contact.

But in terms of his opportunism alone, Holliman is that one thing the Redskins have really lacked defensively in recent seasons—a true playmaker.

It's a quality which makes him more than worth a third- or fourth-round pick.

Jaquiski Tartt, Samford

A true bargain awaits any team willing to roll the dice on Jaquiski Tartt. He's a strong safety who didn't face elite competition during his time in the FCS.

Yet NFL Media Analyst Charles Davis told NFL Network's NFL AM Tartt has "SEC skills," per NFL.com College Football 24/7 writer Mike Huguenin. The former Samford star is certainly an ultra-physical defensive back.

Tartt is a big hitter who can rotate down to the linebacker level in nickel and dime packages. Standing 6'1" and weighing 221 pounds, he has the bulk to operate as a "Lurch-style" player in the box who can stuff the run and blitz the passer.

B/R analyst Matt Bowen has described how scouts have been impressed with Tartt's blend of pro-ready size and speed:

"

Scouts I've spoken to see that, too. They talk about his pro size at the position, his length (32.375" arms), his athletic ability and his ball skills. A safety with good range, Tartt plays fast on film, and he followed that up with a 4.53 40-yard-dash time at the combine. That's a very good time for a safety who goes 220-plus.

"

It helps that Tartt has already displayed a good temperament for football, per National Football Post writer Greg Gabriel: "He is a top character guy and the game is important to him."

There are a lot of strong safeties on the current roster. Johnson is joined by Duke Ihenacho, Phillip Thomas and Akeem Davis.

But no member of that group boasts the intriguing skill set Tartt offers.

McCloughan has taken some useful first steps toward finally fixing what has been a longstanding problem position. But that work isn't finished. One more talented safety would turn a perennial weakness into a potential strength. 

Cornerback

Stephen Lam/Getty Images

Washington's need for help at cornerback was almost as strong as the necessity for improved safety play. Fortunately, McCloughan partly answered the former need by signing Chris Culliver in free agency.

Yet like the state of things a little further back, the picture is far from complete. McCloughan helped build a physically imposing secondary during his time with the Seattle Seahawks, but he's now inherited a cornerback rotation generally lacking intimidating size.

Culliver and Bashaud Breeland won't be afraid to press receivers, but others might struggle. Returning veteran DeAngelo Hall is 5'10", 198 pounds, while Tracy Porter is 5'11" and 188 pounds.

Here are two beefy cover men McCloughan should target for the type of secondary he favors:

Marcus Peters, Washington

Marcus Peters is a first-round-worthy talent likely to slip beyond that stage due to concerns regarding his temperament. He was kicked off the program at Washington following repeated arguments with coaches, per Adam Jude of The Seattle Times.

Peters took a positive step toward making amends with some "genuine" Mea culpas at the combine, as well as the Huskies' pro day, per Sports Illustrated's Doug Farrar.

But not every NFL team has been left impressed by Peters' efforts at redemption. Walter Football's Charlie Campbell reported Peters didn't "interview well" and failed to convince teams "he's really changed," during the combine.

Campbell also noted how several teams believe Peters will tumble down boards the way St. Louis Rams ace Janoris Jenkins and Arizona Cardinals star Tyrann Mathieu did in recent years.

If Peters does slip past the opening round, it's hard to believe McCloughan will be able to look past him in the second. Washington's new GM believes in the "best player available" strategy, and Peters is perhaps the most capable bump-and-run cover man in this class.

He's been favorably compared to Denver Broncos rough-and-rowdy ace Aqib Talib, per CBS Sports' Rob Rang. Peters is the type of physical presence the Redskins need at the edges of their secondary.

Craig Mager, Texas State

If McCloughan really wants to add a mean streak to the secondary, he'll make Craig Mager a late-round bargain. The ex-Texas State standout has an appetite for destruction out on the edge, although his lack of top-notch speed probably makes him a more natural fit for the slot.

That's handy considering Washington's D' is missing a true slot-based corner. Mager's 5'11", 201-pound frame lends itself well to the role.

So does his willingness to tackle and punish receivers. NFL.com's Lance Zierlein highlighted how Mager loves to set a tone for brutality:

"

Plays with excellent fire and motor throughout the game. Loves to hit. Quick-twitch athlete with plus play strength and sudden change of direction. Desired closing burst and drives through receivers, attempting to jar ball free. Feet rarely stall and has NFL ability to click and close on throws. Adequate mirror and match in man coverage. Explosive leaper who climbs ladder and has timing to attack the ball at high-point. Able to return punts. Was one of the standouts among cornerbacks at East-West Shrine Game practices.

"

The return skills Zierlein also noted would be useful for a special teams unit lacking standout players in that key area. But Mager's true value would be the physical force he'd bring to a revamped secondary.

The numbers are bloated at cornerback, but so are the issues. Hall is coming off tearing the same Achilles twice in one season. Meanwhile, Porter missed 13 games during his first year in D.C.

There's also David Amerson's struggles to consider. He didn't just flounder during his second pro campaign, he took a major step back. The team's top pick in 2013, Amerson is just a whisker away from bust status.

It doesn't help that Culliver has arrived with plenty of off-field baggage.

McCloughan would be smart to add another talented cover man to this key position.

Washington Poised to Fill Remaining Holes

Nick Wass/Associated Press

Some smart moves so far this offseason have left Washington well-placed to plug the remaining gaps on the roster. In fact, McCloughan reduced the needs he had to answer during his first draft in charge.

Successfully fortifying the D-line has left the Redskins free to target playmakers for the edge. At the same time, adding a trio of new faces to what was a wafer-thin secondary means McCloughan's strategy won't be tied to solving that particular bane.

Freedom is actually the key word for Washington entering the 2015 NFL draft.

With core needs already met, McCloughan is free to adhere, almost exclusively, to taking the "best available player" in each round. Of course, that approach should involve keeping one eye on the holes still evident on the roster.

Improving the offensive line remains the most obvious. Fans will likely breathe a collective sigh of relief if one or two marquee blockers arrive to bolster last season's dismal group.

Elsewhere, a few more impact playmakers can create even greater enthusiasm about a defense that could be one of the highlights of the new season.

Speaking of the forthcoming campaign, the Redskins appear one strong and smart draft away from fielding a team capable of taking a big step forward from last season's dire 4-12 finish.

Much of the apparent promise will depend on McCloughan's skill on draft day. He arrived in D.C. with a major reputation as a talent evaluator of the highest quality.

After earning a solid grade from free agency, McCloughan finally gets the chance to prove all the hype is merited. Fortunately, he's already made that job easier.