2011 Washington Redskins: Free Agency, Draft, and Roster Options

If there is one thing Redskins fans have grown fond of, it's the offseason. Each year, the Redskins make a big splash signing big names to big contracts.

Unfortunately, nine times out of 10 these big deals never quite work out. Many fans are split as to whether the team, under the leadership of Mike Shanahan, is headed in the right direction.  

Whether they are or not, they still have quite a bit of work ahead of them this offseason before they can emerge contenders. There are so many needs at so many positions that it seems impossible to address every need in one offseason. 

However, the team could make big strides this year if they make wise decisions in both the NFL Draft and Free Agency. 

Here are some ideas that could possibly improve multiple positions on the roster:

1. Ryan Kerrigan (10th Overall Pick)

The Redskins have had only a few success stories in the past few drafts, but one these successful picks was 2008 with the addition of Brian Orakpo.

Orakpo was born to thrive in a 3-4 system. With his second trip to the NFL Pro Bowl ending with outstanding stats, he is a lock at his position of OLB.  

Also, with the likely departure of Andre Carter, who struggled in the 3-4, Orakpo needs help on the other side to complete the bookends at LB.

Kerrigan has shown dominance at this position and could provide the key to a lethal pressure attack. He showed up to the Senior Bowl in shape and ready to compete at the next level.

Although many might believe the right road for Washington would be to take a QB with the 10th pick, there are many other more pressing needs, starting with a pass rush.

2. Mike Pouncey (Round 2 Pick)

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TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Wide receiver Omarius Hines #82 of the Florida Gators celebrates a touchdown catch with center Mike Pouncey #55 against the Penn State Nittany Lions January 1, 2010 in the 25th Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florid

Although there is a good possibility that Mike Pouncey is gone by the second round, there is still a chance he could be around for the Redskins. If he is, that is a steal for Mike Shanahan.  

There is no doubt that Washington needs help protecting their QBs (whoever they may be). Last year's choice of Trent Williams, though still raw, appears it will be a good investment on the left side. However their aged center (I won't mention names) needs to go as he constantly got beat up the middle.  

Whether or not Jammal Brown will be back for another season at right guard is yet to be determined, but heaven forbid Stephon Heyer is placed at that spot.  

Heyer might do well to transition to guard, as his size is far more suitable for the position.  Kory Lichtensteiger would also do well to transition to center, his natural position in Denver.

3. Mike Sims-Walker (Free Agency)

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 31: Wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker #11 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the first quarter at Cowboys Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty

Even with the emergence of Anthony Armstrong as a potential deep threat, the Redskins need help at wide receiver. Armstrong still needs to develop into a more consistent option. He has the speed and build of a Mike Wallace, but there is still some learning to do.  

Santana Moss would serve much better as a No. 2 slot receiver than a No. 1 wide-out.

Mike Sims-Walker is most likely cutting ties with Jacksonville and possesses both the size and speed to fit the Redskins' need. He also comes at a much cheaper price than some other possibilities at wide out.

Both Sidney Rice and Vincent Jackson are available free agents, but demand either a heavy salary or a player-friendly environment (Jackson). Mike Sims-Walker is a young receiver with a lot of potential, and could turn into a quality addition to the receiving corps in Washington.  

With Sims-Walker as a No. 1 to stretch the field, Moss in the No. 2 slot, Armstrong and Kelly sharing the No. 3 spot, and some spread plays including Banks and Austin, the Redskins could field both a fast and effective receiving corps.

4. Christian Ponder (Middle Round Pick)

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RALEIGH, NC - OCTOBER 28: Christian Ponder #7 of the Florida State Seminoles celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during their game at Carter-Finley Stadium on October 28, 2010 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo

Obviously, I wouldn't be allowed to finish this slideshow without mention something about Washington's QB situation. Everyone knows the Redskins need help at QB, but there are far more pressing needs that include both offensive linemen and 3-4 personnel.

Christian Ponder has been one of the surprise stories so far in the NFL offseason, with an impressive weigh-in and performance in the 2011 Senior Bowl. He is also fairly mobile, and is similar to Jake Plummer, Shanahan's pride in Denver.

However, drafting a rookie like Ponder doesn't answer the pressing and immediate problem at QB for 2011. The Redskins would do well to retain Donovan McNabb as the starter for next year. This would give them time to groom a QB such as Ponder in the Shanahan system as well as gain valuable tutoring from McNabb.  

If Donovan became more familiar with the offense, this would allow the Redskins to have a ready and young replacement for McNabb's departure.  Seems like a better plan than a Rex Grossman band-aid.

5. Champ Bailey (Free Agency)

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LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 8: Amani Toomer #81 of the New York Giants catches the ball in the end zone in front of the Champ Bailey #24 of the Washington Redskins to give the Giants a 16-0 lead on December 8, 2002 at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. (Pho

Unfortunately this would seem like another big name contract for Washington that would require Snyder to crack open his wallet, but as a former Redskin, Bailey would be welcomed back with open arms. 

Champ Bailey lining up at corner alongside DeAngelo Hall with Carlos Rodgers in reserve would make for one of the best corner combinations in the League, possibly even better than that of Revis/Cromartie in New York.

Although, it isn't a long term solution for the Redskins' 3-4 defense, it would be a talent boost for the secondary. Maybe it's just me wanting to see Champ come home.

6. Move Kevin Barnes To Free Safety

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BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 13: Kevin Barnes #25 of the Washington Redskins prepares for a play during a NFL preseason football game against the Baltimore Ravens on August 13, 2009 at M & T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Gett

Kevin Barnes is a player that stood out last year filling in for the injured Kareem Moore. Although, Barnes is a natural cornerback, he played fairly well at free safety.

The free safety position is one that every Redskins fan wishes was filled by No. 21 Sean Taylor, and the loss set the franchise back a few years at the position.

Kareem Moore was terrible last year at free safety, constantly getting beat and missing tackle after tackle. When he was placed on IR, Kevin Barnes and Macho Harris shared the safety spots and did a decent (not good) but decent job.

Barnes can be associated with three plays during his stint at free safety. His first, was a pass rush where he stopped Dallas' RB Tashard Choice dead in his tracks for a three-yard loss. His second, and probably best, was an overtime interception against Jacksonville that set up the game-winning field goal. His last was a shoe-string tackle of Brandon Jacobs that prevented a touchdown on the play and eventually the drive.  

He is hard worker and another young talent on the Redskins roster. Although not for a starting job, Kevin Barnes deserves a chance to continue at safety.  

He couldn't be any worse than Kareem Moore.

7. Clinton Portis

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LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 19: Clinton Portis #26 of the Washington Redskins celebrates a touchdown during the game against the Houston Texans at FedExField on September 19, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Texans defeated the Redskins in overtime 30-27. (P

Finally: What to do with Clinton Portis?  

Many might argue that Portis is washed up and needs to go while he still holds some trade value. Portis still has one or two seasons left in him, not as a starter, but as a quality backup. Ryan Torain has proven that he can be explosive when given the chance and he deserves the starting job at back.

Portis is one of the captains on this team has single-handedly carried the team on his back into the playoffs. When healthy, he can still produce some results, and it would be hard to fill his position as a pass protector as he is one of the best in the league.  

Portis is a symbol of the past in Washington, but was still a great running back for this city and deserves to be treated as one.  

Washington can't afford to watch him turn into a Ladainian Tomlinson in another city.  

Keep him home.