The Biggest Hole Every NFL Team Still Must Fill After the Draft
This may be the classic case of semantics.
While free agency is basically over (although not officially) and the 2015 NFL draft has come and gone, teams will be busy adding rookie free agents to their rosters in the coming days.
Try as every franchise might, the chance of putting together the perfect team is nearly impossible, and every club still has its issue, shortcoming, weakness, etc.
See what we mean? It all depends on what your definition of a hole is. Here, it’s all of the above, and how a team tries to fill it could be very interesting or extremely difficult.
In some instances, the problem could be Grand Canyon-esque. In others, it may be less a chasm and more like a pin prick.
So here’s a look at what area each of the 32 NFL teams must still address before September rolls around. In some instances, the answer may currently be on the roster. For some of the other clubs, the search for help may still be on.
Arizona Cardinals: Inside Linebacker
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This offseason, Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim was busy retooling a defensive unit that basically ran out of productive bodies by the end of 2014.
The issues began prior to the start of the season, with inside linebackers Karlos Dansby and Daryl Washington gone—one via free agency (Cleveland Browns) and the other to a season-long suspension.
This past season, and including the playoff loss to the Carolina Panthers, the Cardinals gave up 160.3 yards per game in their final seven outings, basically twice as much per game (80.5) as they did during the club’s 9-1 start.
Last month, Kent Somers of The Arizona Republic speculated on when Washington would apply to the league for reinstatement. We are all still waiting. The team signed Larry Foote to play last season, but he’s now a member of the Arizona coaching staff.
For now, the answers lie in Kevin Minter (44) and Kenny Demens (nine), who combined for 53 tackles in 2014. Free-agent pickup Sean Weatherspoon is in the mix as well, but Keim still has some tinkering to do.
Atlanta Falcons: Offensive Line
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In 2014, the Atlanta Falcons finished with a losing season for the second straight year, this after a run of five consecutive years with winning marks—four of those resulting in playoff appearances.
Enter new head coach Dan Quinn as well as new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and new offensive line coach Chris Morgan, who spent 2014 with Quinn in Seattle.
It’s safe to say the latter has his work cut out for him after what the Falcons dealt with last season. No offensive lineman started all 16 games in the same spot, and the team went through three starting centers and right tackles.
We are still waiting to see what the future holds for former starting left tackle Sam Baker, who missed all of last season and who will settle in at left guard following the offseason release of Justin Blalock. Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com had the latest on this unit, which certainly has its share of question marks.
Baltimore Ravens: Safety
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Per usual, the Baltimore Ravens were not active during free agency. But general manager Ozzie Newsome was certainly busy during the three days of the draft.
The team used six of its nine selections on the offensive side of the ball, and fourth-round pick/cornerback Tray Walker was the only player added to the secondary. Meanwhile, free agency did bring free safety Kendrick Lewis to town after he led the Houston Texans in tackles in 2014.
The veteran defender will team with former first-rounder Matt Elam at the safety spots, but Elam has yet to distinguish himself in two seasons and is coming off a year in which he totaled 50 tackles, four passes defensed and zero interceptions.
Could we see more playing time from Will Hill?
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Buffalo Bills: Linebacker
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Yes, there’s a new head coach in town, which is not exactly news when it comes to the Buffalo Bills.
Since Pro Football Hall of Fame sideline leader Marv Levy stepped down following the 1997 season, the franchise has gone through seven head coaches. And you can make that eight with this year’s arrival of Rex Ryan, late of the New York Jets the previous six seasons.
There’s little doubt about the talent level on the defensive side of the football. The Bills have totaled a combined 111 sacks the last two seasons thanks to defensive ends Mario Williams and Jerry Hughes and defensive tackles Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams.
For now, the team has not opted to bring back inside linebacker Brandon Spikes, who signed a one-year deal with the team last offseason. So where does that leave the interior of the defense? According to Pro Football Focus, Spikes was one of the better run-stopping inside linebackers in the league this past season, lining up for 519 plays.
So who among Preston Brown, Ty Powell and Jimmy Gaines will man the inside spot(s) for Ryan and Co? It will be interesting to see if Spikes is actually still in the mix, perhaps at a reduced price.
Carolina Panthers: Tackle
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We will be addressing the issues from left to right.
Unfortunately, there’s no other way to put it: It was a disastrous year for Carolina Panthers left tackle Byron Bell in 2014.
According to Pro Football Focus, which rated 142 offensive tackles this past season, only Atlanta Falcons rookie Jake Matthews graded out worse, and no player at Bell’s position was rated worse at pass protection. Hence why the Panthers opted not to bring him back and he subsequently signed with the Tennessee Titans.
Depending on your source, it’s hard to tell what the exact story is. Up until May 1, the fine folks at Ourlads (whose depth charts are fluid) had Nate Chandler, the team’s starter at right tackle who missed the final five games of 2014, lining up on the left side while free-agent pickup Michael Oher would open up at right tackle.
However, the latest conventional wisdom seems to suggest that Oher is slated for the left side, although the team did add San Francisco 49ers’ castoff Jonathan Martin this offseason. Both he and Oher have started at both tackle spots during their short careers.
“You don’t want any position to be a revolving door,” said Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman to Richard Walker of the Gaston Gazette last week just before the draft. “A lot was made of us looking for our third left tackle in three years. You don’t want that. That was one of the reasons we insisted on a two-year deal with Michael.”
“We don’t want a revolving door anywhere,” added Gettleman. “You’re always looking for long-term solutions.”
So what about the other side? Chandler started 11 games this past season before going down due to injury. He was replaced by Mike Remmers for the final five game and playoffs but could 2015 fourth-round pick Daryl Williams from the University of Oklahoma be in the mix at right tackle as well?
When it is all said and done (at least for now), there are too many questions indeed when it comes to both positions. The answers could lie in some very competitive battles in training camp.
Chicago Bears: Outside Linebacker
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There’s cause for excitement in the Windy City if you are a Chicago Bears fan.
After two miserable seasons on the defensive side of the ball, new coordinator Vic Fangio arrives in Chicago (along with new head coach John Fox) and brings his 3-4 scheme to a club that has allowed a combined 93 offensive touchdowns and 920 points (28.8 points per game) in its last 32 games.
The team gave former Baltimore Ravens reserve outside linebacker Pernell McPhee big bucks to man the left outside spot. But how do veterans like former defensive ends Jared Allen, Willie Young and Lamarr Houston figure into the right side? Three-year pro Shea McClellin saw action at outside linebacker this past season but, according to Pro Football Focus, struggled mightily in pass coverage.
It will be interesting to see who emerges with the full-time job, but it was somewhat surprising that new general manager Ryan Pace didn’t select a 3-4 outside pass-rusher with any of the team’s six picks.
Cincinnati Bengals: Center
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The Cincinnati Bengals have reached the NFL playoffs a franchise-record four consecutive seasons. This is a franchise that's managed to do a lot right in recent years...with the exception of that winning a postseason game thing.
The Bengals also have one of the more talented rosters in the league and a very talented offensive line led by arguably the most underrated guard tandem around in Clint Boling and Kevin Zeitler. Veteran tackle Andrew Whitworth and Andre Smith, the latter limited to nine games in 2014, have basically been very effective. Still, the Bengals invested their first two picks in this year’s draft on tackles Cedric Ogbuehi (Round 1, Texas A&M) and Jake Fisher (Round 2, Oregon).
Center is another matter. This past season, Russell Bodine struggled during his rookie season (as documented by Pro Football Focus), and it will be interesting to see what the team does going forward. There’s 2013 seventh-round pick T.J. Johnson, but it still wouldn’t be a shock to see the Bengals bring in a veteran pivot as an insurance policy.
Cleveland Browns: Quarterback
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The current quarterback depth chart for the Cleveland Browns is four deep. That means there are four names on the list. It’s safe to say that "deep" is a matter of opinion.
With Brian Hoyer leaving in free agency, the team added journeyman Josh McCown this offseason. After an eye-opening year in Chicago in 2013, he struggled mightily for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this past season and was cut loose.
The remaining three quarterbacks on the roster have combined for an 0-4 record as starters for the Browns the past three seasons. Johnny Manziel (0-2) and his issues have been well-documented, while Connor Shaw (0-1) returns and Thaddeus Lewis (0-1), a starter for Cleveland back in 2012, was signed as well.
No team added more players (12) during the recent draft than the Browns. But it’s hard to believe they feel pretty good about their quarterback situation...as usual. If McCown starts this year, he’ll be the team’s 23rd different starter at quarterback dating back to 1999.
Dallas Cowboys: Running Back
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Only the Seattle Seahawks totaled more yards on the ground than the Dallas Cowboys this past season. Meanwhile, no player gained more yards rushing in 2014 than Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray.
Uh, make that Philadelphia Eagles running back DeMarco Murray.
So, is Jason Garrett’s club actually set in the backfield? The team added free agent Darren McFadden, who played in all 16 games this past season for the first time in his seven-year career and ran for only 534 yards and two touchdowns on just 155 carries. There’s also Lance Dunbar, Ryan Williams and Joseph Randle, with the latter running for 343 yards and three scores in 2014 in limited duties.
There are those who think Dallas’ offensive line can turn any running back into a star. That theory may be tested this season, as the team failed to draft a running back with any of its eight selections in the draft.
Denver Broncos: Offensive Line
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This past season, Orlando Franklin, Manny Ramirez and Will Montgomery were all key contributors on the offensive line for the Denver Broncos.
This offseason, Franklin and Montgomery left as free agents, and last Thursday night in Chicago, the team dealt Ramirez to the Detroit Lions so it could move up and draft pass-rusher Shane Ray.
But what about the group that must protect veteran quarterback Peyton Manning? The team signed veteran guard Shelley Smith this offseason and also traded for center Gino Gradkowski. But that seemed to prompt more questions than answers when it came to this unit.
Stay tuned.
Detroit Lions: Defensive Tackle
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Yes, the Detroit Lions lost a very big part of their defensive unit when four-time Pro Bowler Ndamukong Suh took his talents (and signed a very lucrative contract) to South Florida and the Miami Dolphins. However, we seem to forget that he wasn’t the only key departure at defensive tackle. Former first-rounder Nick Fairley inked a deal with the St. Louis Rams, and veteran C.J. Mosley remains an unsigned free agent.
In the trio’s place are five-time Pro Bowler Haloti Ngata, acquired via a trade form the Baltimore Ravens, and free-agent pickup Tyrunn Walker from the New Orleans Saints. General manager Martin Mayhew added University of Auburn defensive tackle Gabe Wright in the fourth round Saturday afternoon.
Ngata’s presence is a big plus, but there are still too many other question marks for a group that helped the Lions rank first in the league in rushing defense in 2014.
Green Bay Packers: Defensive Line
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You get the sense that the Green Bay Packers considered the offseason releases of inside linebackers Brad Jones and A.J. Hawk addition by subtraction when it came to their struggles against the run.
That may be so, but there were other factors that led to the team’s dismal league ranking (23rd) when it came to that department.
The key here is the healthy return of B.J. Raji, who was supposed to be the team’s starting nose tackle in 2014 after a few years at defensive end. But he missed the season with a torn biceps, and we will have to see how he looks in his return.
The Packers also brought back Letroy Guion, who, according to Pro Football Focus, struggled against the run replacing Raji. Defensive ends Datone Jones and Josh Boyd also had their issues in this area, while defensive end Mike Daniels was the saving grace when it came to run defense up front.
This could all be a moot point if Dom Capers' defensive front ups its game in this area. But for now, it remains a viable concern.
Houston Texans: Tight End
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It wasn’t long ago that the Houston Texans had one of the better tight ends on the league on their roster. A fourth-round draft choice in 2006, Owen Daniels totaled 385 receptions for 4,617 yards and 29 touchdowns in eight seasons with the franchise and was also named to a pair of Pro Bowls.
This past year, the team got minimal production from the positon in terms of the passing game. Garrett Graham led all tight ends on the team with 18 catches, while the club’s most effective weapon at the position was defensive end J.J. Watt, who hauled in three touchdown receptions.
It's an area that the Texans did not address during free agency or the draft. Do they know something we don’t?
Indianapolis Colts: Center
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Under head coach Chuck Pagano, the Indianapolis Colts have reached the playoffs three consecutive years and have gotten closer to the Super Bowl each season.
While quarterback Andrew Luck has gotten plenty of credit for being a one-man show at times, the fact is that he has to do too much, and that often leads to his own mistakes. The 2012 first overall pick threw a league-high 40 touchdown passes in 2014 but also turned over the football 22 times—with five of those miscues returned for touchdowns.
The team’s defense has been an issue, as has the play of the offensive line. The Colts have had no real running game to speak of, and the three-time Pro Bowl signal-caller has been sacked 100 times in three seasons.
The Colts went through three starting centers this past season in A.Q. Shipley, Jonotthan Harrison and Khaled Holmes, and only Shipley distinguished himself. Unfortunately for Luck, Shipley is now a member of the Arizona Cardinals, while numbers from Pro Football Focus shed some light on Harrison and Holmes' disappointing play.
Add Indianapolis to the list of teams that could be looking for a veteran pivot sooner than later.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Wide Receiver
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It seems like we are beating a dead horse, because we have made this point several times in other pieces.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have scored the fewest points in the league each of the past two seasons. A year ago, they invested the third overall pick in the NFL draft on quarterback Blake Bortles. The original plan was to sit the Central Florida standout during his rookie campaign, a notion that lasted all of 10 quarters.
Bortles wasn’t the only rookie on offense last season for the Jaguars. Wide receivers Marqise Lee, Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns made their NFL debuts in 2014, as youth was served in Jacksonville. General manager David Caldwell added two more wideouts in this year’s draft in Rashad Greene (Round 5 out of Florida State) and Neal Sterling (Round 7 out of Monmouth).
So where is the veteran receiver to lead this group as guys continue to learn? Cecil Shorts signed with the Houston Texans this offseason, making wide receiver still a bit of an uncertainty when it comes to experience.
Kansas City Chiefs: Inside Linebacker
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The only team in the NFL to give up fewer points than the Kansas City Chiefs (281) this past season was the Seattle Seahawks (254). Defensive coordinator Bob Sutton featured a unit that ranked seventh in the league in fewest yards allowed, while only the aforementioned Seahawks gave up fewer passing yards per game.
So what’s the problem? Only four teams in the league gave up more yards on the ground than Kansas City. While former Pro Bowler Derrick Johnson was lost in the season opener, inside linebackers James-Michael Johnson and Josh Mauga were horrendous against the run, as the numbers from Pro Football Focus clearly show.
Both performers are back this season, but the Chiefs added Georgia linebacker Ramik Wilson in the fourth round Saturday. He could figure in as a starter based on necessity.
Miami Dolphins: Offensive Line
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The offseason addition of free-agent defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh breathed life into a Miami Dolphins program that hasn’t seen a winning season or playoff appearance since 2008. Joe Philbin’s team finished 24th in the NFL in run defense a year ago, while the four-time Pro Bowl defender was the anchor of the league’s top-ranked unit against the run in 2014.
The story when it comes to the trenches on the other side of scrimmage is not as promising. Left tackle Branden Albert, off to a terrific start in 2014, is coming off an injury-shortened season and is still on the road to recovery, while right tackle Ja’Wuan James had his issues as a rookie. The play of Mike Pouncey at guard and the rest of his cohorts on this unit left a lot of room for improvement. This offseason, center J.D. Walton and guard Jeff Linkenbach were added in free agency.
Miami must find a workable combination if the team is to continue to progress on offense.
Minnesota Vikings: Middle Linebacker
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It appears that general manager Rick Spielman and head coach Mike Zimmer are putting their faith in rookie Eric Kendricks, this year’s second-round pick from UCLA, to man the middle for the Minnesota Vikings defense.
The young defender will be playing alongside former Bruins teammate Anthony Barr, granted Kendrick can hold onto the job and fend off the possible charges of Audie Cole and free-agent addition Casey Matthews.
Regardless of who gets the job, run defense was a problem for the Vikings this past season. Minnesota ranked 25th in the league in rushing yards allowed in 2014 and must improve in this area in one of the most explosive offensive divisions in the league.
New England Patriots: Running Back
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We have learned to never count out the New England Patriots. But when it comes to their current running back situation, let’s do a quick count.
Former lead running back Stevan Ridley, who missed a large part of the 2014 season due to injury, signed with the New York Jets. He’s liable to bump into former teammate Shane Vereen, who inked a deal with the New York Giants.
Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reminds us that starter LeGarrette Blount will be suspended for the 2015 season opener due to his violation of the league’s substance abuse policy. Of course, he is the expected workhorse for the club.
Jonas Gray and Brandon Bolden are still with the club, and the Pats did add free agent Travaris Cadet, late of the New Orleans Saints.
We won’t venture to say how it will all play out. However, we are fairly confident that Bill Belichick will figure this problem out.
New Orleans Saints: Tight End
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You simply can’t trade away a three-time Pro Bowler and replace him easily. And considering the way New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has leaned on tight end Jimmy Graham in the past, replacing him looks like a herculean task.
Last season alone, Graham totaled 85 catches for 889 yards and 10 scores. Veteran Benjamin Watson and former undrafted free agent Josh Hill combined for 34 receptions, although seven went for scores. The Saints also have Orson Charles on the roster and, surprisingly, did not add a tight end in this year’s draft.
When it comes to scoring points this season, things may not be a breeze for Sean Payton and Co.
New York Giants: Linebacker
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Is it any wonder that the New York Giants were looking to their recent past to recapture some of that defensive magic?
Steve Spagnuolo returns to the team as its defensive coordinator, a role he held with the club for two years (2007-2008), the first resulting in a win in Super Bowl XLII.
The Giants defense fell upon hard times this past season, ranking 29th in total yards allowed and 20th versus the run. While the pass rush bounced back in 2014, there are issues elsewhere, particularly at linebacker.
Jon Beason, who continues to have his issues remaining healthy, and fill-in Jameel McClain both had their issues when it came to stopping the run. On the outside, Jacquian Williams struggled as well and was not re-signed. One bright spot was rookie Devon Kennard, who played well in all facets and added 4.5 sacks as a pass-rusher.
The Giants did not draft a linebacker this year but did add free agent J.T. Thomas from the Jacksonville Jaguars. We will see if he figures in this mix as well, but this is an area in dire need of improvement.
New York Jets: Quarterback
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Face it. It remains the biggest quandary when it comes to the New York Jets.
Regardless of how many players new general manager Mike Maccagnan has added to the team this offseason, the quarterback position still has an empty feel to it.
In two seasons, Geno Smith has committed 41 turnovers. Journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick has played for a bunch of teams, and his play has been erratic at best. Matt Simms remains on the roster, but Maccagnan did add Bryce Perry in the fourth round last Saturday afternoon.
So what’s the over/under for Jets starting quarterbacks in 2015?
Oakland Raiders: Cornerback
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In 2013, the Oakland Raiders made Houston cornerback D.J. Hayden the 11th overall pick in the draft. There were health concerns for the talented performer, and he’s played just 18 games in his first two seasons.
Hayden will man the left side all season (we hope), but what about the other spot? Will it be 2014 seventh-round pick Travis Carrie or free-agent pickup James Dockery or 2014 fourth-round pick Keith McGill?
Stay tuned.
Philadelphia Eagles: Quarterback
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Let’s be honest: If Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly truly felt good about his team’s quarterback position, why would he make those reported inquiries about moving up in the draft to take his prized pupil from the University of Oregon?
Quarterback Marcus Mariota went second overall to the Tennessee Titans despite Kelly’s best efforts. That means the Birds currently have five quarterbacks on their roster, including the inexperienced G.J. Kinne.
As for the others, Mark Sanchez started eight games in 2014, and his touchdown pass total equaled his number of turnovers (14). Meanwhile, Sam Bradford has missed 25 straight games, Tim Tebow hasn’t played in the NFL since 2012 and Matt Barkley attempted one pass this past season.
Mull all of that over for a bit.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Secondary
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Eight-time Pro Bowl strong safety Troy Polamalu has retired, as has 12-year veteran cornerback Ike Taylor. Brice McCain, a free-agent addition from a year ago, signed with the Miami Dolphins.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' once-formidable defense certainly hasn’t been what it used to be. Now there will be wholesale changes in a secondary that gave up its share of big plays in 2014, as the AFC North champions ranked 27th in the league in pass defense.
While the Steelers re-signed veteran Will Allen, third-year pro Shamarko Thomas is expected to take over for Polamalu. Cornerback Cortez Allen mans the left cornerback spot, but could rookies Senquez Golson and Doran Grant push for the starting job opposite the four-year pro?
St. Louis Rams: Right Tackle
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This past season, Joe Barksdale manned the right tackle position for the St. Louis Rams and started all 16 games. While he earned good marks for his run-blocking, his ability to protect the quarterback left a lot to be desired. He remains on the free-agent market as we type.
Late last week, the Rams added nine players in the draft, four of those performers on the offensive line. That included a pair of tackles in Rob Havenstein and Jamon Brown, whom the team added in the second and third round, respectively.
Head coach Jeff Fisher is hoping this is the year that a lot of things finally come together for a franchise that hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2004. It’s safe to say that securing that other tackle spot opposite 2014 first-round left tackle Greg Robinson would be a big step.
San Diego Chargers: Outside Linebacker
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While only eight teams in the NFL allowed fewer total yards than the San Diego Chargers in 2014, defensive coordinator John Pagano’s unit lacked the big-play ability often displayed by the better teams in the league these days.
Former first-rounder Melvin Ingram has been limited to 13 games the past two seasons, although he did manage to total four sacks in nine contests in 2014. The starter at left outside linebacker could be Tourek Williams, who totaled 21 stops in 15 games this past season. Former second-rounder Jeremiah Attaochu totaled 10 tackles and two sacks in his rookie campaign in 2014.
The Bolts ranked 26th in the NFL in run defense while totaling only 26 sacks and forcing just 18 turnovers this past season. General manager Tom Telesco has to hope this group steps up in a big way.
San Francisco 49ers: Left Guard
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Lost in the team’s dismal finish of a year ago was the inconsistency and poor play by the San Francisco 49ers offensive line.
Fast forward to 2015 and there’s still some uncertainty when it comes to the interior of this unit.
To make matters worse, three-time Pro Bowl left guard Mike Iupati not only left via free agency, but joined the division rival Arizona Cardinals this offseason.
Is second-year guard Brandon Thomas, a third-round pick last year from Clemson, ready to step in? He saw no playing time in 2014 and now must take over for one of the best players at the position in the league. Veteran free-agent pickup Erik Pears could easily figure into the equation as well.
It’s just one of many issues that new head coach Jim Tomsula will be dealing with in his NFL head coaching debut.
Seattle Seahawks: Center
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This past season, the Seattle Seahawks became the first team since the 2003 and 2004 New England Patriots to make consecutive Super Bowl appearance.
They also managed to pull off that feat despite a little adversity. Specifically, Pete Carroll’s club went through more centers than an intramural basketball team.
Max Unger, Patrick Lewis, Lemuel Jeanpierre and Steve Schilling all took their turns as starters this past season, but only Unger distinguished himself, according to Pro Football Focus. Of course, the former Pro Bowler was also dealt to the New Orleans Saints in March as part of the Jimmy Graham deal.
Do Carroll and general manager John Schneider have plans to sign a veteran? We may find out sooner than later.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Safety
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After two disappointing seasons with the club, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers opted to deal free safety Dashon Goldson to the Washington Redskins this offseason. In 27 games with the team, the one-time San Francisco 49ers Pro Bowler totaled 153 tackles and one interception.
Through free agency this offseason, the Bucs added free safety Chris Conte, late of the Chicago Bears and a player head coach Lovie Smith is very familiar with. But he’s been ineffective in recent years and is hoping to revive his career in Tampa. At strong safety, Bradley McDougald could be the answer at the position, with Major Wright returning as well.
Still, this last line of defense bears serious watching.
Tennessee Titans: Defensive Line
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In 2014, Derrick Morgan made a very successful transition from defensive end to outside linebacker in Ray Horton’s version of the 3-4. He totaled 63 tackles, a team-high 6.5 sacks and two forced fumbles while knocking down seven passes. This season, he will pair with three-time Pro Bowler Brian Orakpo to hopefully give the team a potent pass rush.
But what about the three-man front of the Tennessee Titans? Is the team secure with Sammie Hill at nose tackle and Ropati Pitoitua at left defensive end? Jurrell Casey moved from 4-3 defensive tackle to one of the outside spots up front and still managed to total five sacks. Still, this is a unit that allowed the second-most rushing yards in the league in 2014 and an area with a few too many question marks.
Washington Redskins: Left Cornerback
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No team in the league allowed more touchdown passes in 2014 than the Washington Redskins. It’s just one reason that Jim Haslett is no longer defensive coordinator, hence the arrival of former San Diego Chargers linebackers coach Joe Barry.
It’s hard to blame the issues in the secondary on veteran cornerback DeAngelo Hall, who lasted only three games last season and now hopes to bounce back from not only one but two Achilles surgeries last year. Even so, the 11-year pro has had his ups and downs in recent seasons.
While the Redskins appear set with free-agent pickup Chris Culliver on the right side, second-year performer Bashaud Breeland could be the main starter if Hall isn’t up to standards. Tracy Porter and David Amerson could be in the mix as well, but this still looks like it could be a big problem area.
All free-agent information and player signings/transactions are courtesy of Spotrac. Depth chart information comes via Ourlads. Unless otherwise noted, all player and team statistics come from Pro Football Reference and ESPN.com.
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