Five Options for Nose Tackle Already on the Washington Redskins Roster
As the Washington Redskins enter year two of their great 34 experiment, their developing defense still has its biggest hole to fill. The single most important position in the 30 front is the man in the middle, the nose tackle.
If the nose tackle is good enough to dominate the center, then all the advantages of the 34 become possible. A nose tackle who commands double teams can keep offensive guards off the inside linebackers and give a defensive end a one on one matchup with the offensive tackle. This creates huge advantages for the defense against the run and in pass rush.
When Bruce Allen and Mike Shanahan spent their second round draft choice on Clemson defensive tackle Jarvis Jenkins, they spoke of his ability to play the five technique, defensive end spot. A smart trade last year acquired Adam Carriker, who finally started to show signs of fulfilling his potential. So the Redskins seem set at end. But who is capable of manning the middle?
A marquee free agent in the shape of the 49ers">San Francisco 49er's Aubrayo Franklin seems to be the popular choice. This kind of big money solution would certainly be in keeping with the way Redskins owner Dan Snyder is expected to operate. But Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen seem to be working hard to change the quick fix culture in D.C.
With this in mind, it's worth consulting the Redskins roster to examine five incumbent candidates who could fill the role and help shape the kind of 34 defense Washington wants in 2011.
Ma'ake Kemoeatu
1 of 5
When the Redskins signed Kemoeatu, he seemed like a perfect fit for their new 34 defense. He had experience playing in a similar defense under Rex Ryan in Baltimore, and at 6'5", 350 pounds he possessed the ideal build to withstand consistent double teaming.
Instead, Kemoeatu struggled mightily all season. Finding it difficult to successfully rebound from achilles surgery, Kemoeatu was often manhandled in the pocket and couldn't generate consistent push.
Still, it may be too soon to give up on Kemoeatu. The question is whether or not nose tackle is his best position with the Redskins. As a member of the Carolina Panthers in 2008, Kemoeatu enjoyed his breakout season earning Pro Bowl recognition. He was played as an active tackle in John Fox's aggressive 40 front. Kemoeatu could have some use in this role for the Redskins. Many 30 fronts are tweaked to include a pocket collapsing inside penetrator along the line, and Kemoeatu could be more at home if deployed in a manner similar to Darnell Dockett of the Arizona Cardinals or San Francisco's Justin Smith.
Kemoeatu's 6'5" height may stand against him being a truly effective nose man. Nose tackles often rely on leverage and quick take offs. Both of these attributes are reliant on a low center of gravity. The more disruptive nose tackles tend to be in the 6'1" to 6'4" range, such as Baltimore's Kelly Gregg and the Dallas Cowboy's Jay Ratliff.
Kedric Golston
2 of 5
Weighing in at 300 pounds, Golston may appear too small for the nose tackle position with its two gap responsibilities. But one of the greatest proponents of the 30 front, Bill Parcells, often achieved great success with the undersized but quicker nose guard. Players like Erik Howard and Jason Ferguson were able to utilise their speed and still flourish in Parcells' traditional style 34.
Golston also brings experience as an interior rusher, having played the position for Greg Blache in the Redskins 43 defense from 2008-2010. While his sack totals were never eye popping, Golston does at least possess a decent repertoire of pass rush moves. One of the most important requirements of any defense is to generate consistent pressure up the middle.
The presence of a nose tackle who could pose more of a threat to opposition quarterbacks would lend the Redskins defense greater flexibility. A credible pass rush from a three man line allows a 34 signal caller to more comfortably drop eight into coverage and pack the zones.
Golston has established a reputation as a relentless, high energy player. He would need both of these attributes to prove he could cope with the increased physical demands.
Anthony Bryant
3 of 5
Signed off the New York Giants practice squad last season, Bryant could become a steal for the Redskins.
Standing 6'3" and weighing somewhere in the region of 370-380 pounds, Bryant seems to have the perfect blend of leverage and size to amply fill the nose tackle role. Bryant impressed at times during 2010, particularly towards the end of the season. Handed an opportunity due to injuries, Bryant demonstrated flashes of a capable nose man, most notably in the Redskins overtime win on the road in Jacksonville.
His size would hinder him in a more active scheme but makes him ideally suited to the two gap, Pittsburgh style system Redskins Defensive guru Jim Haslett wants to emulate. Many of the more aggressive, one gap hybrid versions of the 34, like those employed by the Cowboys and Ravens, rely on speedy lineman to gain quick penetration. In the more traditional two gap style, a larger space eater can be crucial.
In particular, the Redskins could take advantage of Bryant's large frame to keep blockers off London Fletcher and Rocky McIntosh. Both are in the 240 pound range, which is slightly smaller than the classic 34 inside linebacker.
If he can stay healthy and motivated, Bryant could use his physical presence and aggressive streak to surprise many in 2011.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Jarvis Jenkins
4 of 5
Although Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen both indicated that Jenkins was selected with defensive end in mind, the former Clemson standout remains an intriguing possibility for the Nose Tackle role.
Often overshadowed in college by the explosive playmaking of Da'Quan Bowers, Jenkin's importance cannot be underestimated. Look at any outstanding edge rusher, and you will almost always find a dominant interior presence lining up somewhere near him. When Michael Strahan first emerged as a standout sack artist with 14 takedowns in 1997, it was no coincidence that he played alongside hulking tackles Keith Hamilton and Robert Harris.
Moving Jenkins inside would create room to position Kemoeatu at end, creating a monster line with genuine pocket collapsing capability.
Jenkins experience as the unsung contributor on a defense provides good experience for the more sacrificial aspects of playing Nose Guard in the 34. If Jenkins can translate his college skills to the 30 front, he could become the immovable force essential in allowing the Redskins linebackers to attack downhill.
Chris Neild
5 of 5
Despite his low draft selection, seventh round choice Chris Neild shouldn't be overlooked in the Redskins' search for a Nose tackle.
Seventh round draftees don't usually come with much fanfare, but Neild enjoyed a highly productive stint with West Virginia. During Neild's time at West Virginia, the Mountaineers managed to rank second nationally against the run.
At 6'2", 319 pounds, Neild offers good leverage and a stout frame to hold up at the point of attack. Relatively small for a nose man, Neild would have to compensate by becoming more of a force as a pass rusher.
It's also worth noting that Jason Ferguson was a seventh round selection by Bill Parcells and the New York Jets in 1997. Ferguson wasted no time in becoming a valuable contributor on the Jets defense and carved out a successful career as a 34 anchor.
Whatever direction the Redskins go, nose tackle remains the biggest question mark for their revamped defense. The decision the organisation makes, will go a long way to determining exactly what type of 34 defense will be on display at Redskins Park in 2011.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Post-June 1 Trade Candidates ☎️")
.JPG?w=600 "TO Talks Cowboys Relationship")
.jpg?w=600 "Taylor Heinicke Retiring")
.jpg?w=600 "49ers OC Hypes Mike Evans 🤩")