2011 NFL Free Agents: Did Redskins Acquire Enough Firepower To Contend?

Although the shortened and frenzied NFL free-agency period got a lot of press, it didn't receive much team-by-team analysis because of its brevity (unless we're talking about the Philadelphia Eagles).

But with the season a little over a week away, let's look back. Did the Washington Redskins fill all the holes they needed to fill?

The answer is tough. The Redskins obviously don't have the firepower of the Eagles. But they acquired some much needed talent, and are in better position to be a Super Bowl contender next season.

Even with 2011 viewed as a rebuilding season, I think the Redskins got enough good players that they contend, at least for a Wild Card spot. Here's why.

Barry Cofield Bolsters the Defensive Line

The Washington Redskins filled an important hole at nose tackle with the signing of Barry Cofield from the division rival New York Giants.

Cofield, along with Anthony Bryant, should provide the solid anchor to the defensive front that was missing last season when Albert Haynesworth was hurt. Or tired. Or hungry. Or mad.

Cofield is in his prime, and had career bests in tackles (54) and sacks (four) a season ago.

The Redskins also added former Dallas Cowboy Stephen Bowen to the defensive end spot. Bowen and Cofield are both set to start, and should greatly improve the Washington defensive front.

Oshiomogho Atogwe Strengthens the Secondary

The Washington Redskins made two key additions in the secondary this season, adding safety Oshiomogho Atogwe from the St. Louis Rams and cornerback Josh Wilson from the Baltimore Ravens.

While it remains to be seen if Wilson will be a step up from Carlos Rogers (who, despite his brick hands was a solid cover corner), Atogwe is a talented safety.

He led the NFC in interceptions in 2007, and will present a nice counter to LaRon Landry. With Pro Bowler DeAngelo Hall in the secondary as well, the Redskins should have a solid secondary as long as Wilson is up to snuff.

Tim Hightower Looks Like a Pro Bowler

Former Arizona Cardinal Tim Hightower has looked phenomenal so far for the Washington Redskins in the preseason.

Hightower had a 58-yard run against the Indianapolis Colts, and a 37-yard touchdown run this week against the Baltimore Ravens.

Most importantly, he has avoided fumbling. If he can continue to hold onto the ball, he will be a huge asset to the Redskins. Hightower is a solid receiver and blocker, and at this point looks like a brilliant pickup for Mike Shanahan.

Jabar Gaffney Will Aid Santana Moss

It looks like the Washington Redskins picked up Jabar Gaffney at the right time. Gaffney had the two most productive years of his career his last two seasons with the Denver Broncos, and that was in a crowded receiving corps.

It appears that Gaffney will win the starting receiver spot opposite Santana Moss. He will provide another precise target for the short-yardage passing game that Shanahan is likely to employ with John Beck, and he will provide solid depth along with Anthony Armstrong and draft pick Leonard Hankerson.

The Redskins will definitely have better targets in the passing game this season.

Chris Chester Solidifies the Offensive Line

With Mike Shanahan's zone-blocking scheme, the Washington Redskins offensive line will need to mesh well to succeed in 2011. The pieces seem to be in place.

Will Montgomery should be a step up from the aging Casey Rabach at center. Kory Lichtensteiger and Jammal Brown are solid returners.

As such, the addition of Chris Chester could solidify the offensive line. Chester started for the Baltimore Ravens the last three seasons and, as a former center, is valuable as a potential fill-in at that position.

The one question mark on the line is Trent Williams. Williams started 13 games last season for the Redskins as a rookie, and had his struggles. However, he was a high draft pick and he has a lot of talent. If he can get quicker and improve his footwork he could be great. And if he plays well, the line should too.