Washington Redskins: 7 2012 NFL Draft Fits for Washington's Defense

The Washington Redskins defense needs an infusion of natural playmaking talent. The unit has been solid for most of the season.

But despite its improvements, the defense has often failed to make a stand when needed the most. A lack of big plays continues to plague the unit.

The Redskins hierarchy should list playmaker as the chief characteristic of their defensive prospects for the 2012 draft.

Here are six dynamic draft hopefuls who could help turn the Redskins capable defense into a dominant one.

7. Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

When motivated, Jerel Worthy is as disruptive as any defensive lineman in this year's draft class. The 6'3" 310 pounder is blessed with extraordinary quickness off the ball for a defensive lineman.

He excels at penetrating the line of scrimmage and making tackles in the backfield. His brute force and speed off the ball make Worthy difficult to handle for interior blockers.

His wide ranging technique and ability to quickly shift his weight down the line of scrimmage would allow the Redskins to employ more slants and stunts with their defensive front.

Worthy has been guilty of inconsistent effort and this could see him fall to a round below his natural talent level.

If he is available beyond the first round, a playmaking lineman like Worthy would represent a steal for the Redskins.

6. Brandon Lindsey, DE/OLB, Pittsburgh

The Redskins lack a legitimate situational pass rusher. San Francisco 49ers rookie Aldon Smith has shown the value of this kind of defensive weapon in today's NFL.

Pittsburgh's Brandon Lindsey could perform a similar function for Washington's defense in 2012. Lindsey is a versatile edge rusher who has the frame to play outside linebacker in a 3-4, but also has plenty of experience lining up with his hand on the ground.

The 6'2" 245 pounder does not possess elite straight line speed. But he is a crafty and tenacious player, with the aggression and commitment to win one on one matchups.

Lindsey has a knack for creating big plays and could be a valuable nickel package pass rusher for the Redskins.

One concern is Lindsey's poor performances against some of the more elite blockers in college football. But if used correctly he could be an effective weapon in the pros.

5. Kevin Reddick, ILB, North Carolina

If North Carolina junior Kevin Reddick declares for the draft, the Redskins should do all they can to select him.

The extremely athletic, sideline to sideline playmaker has the versatile skill set to be a productive every down player for the Redskins.

Reddick possesses true hybrid skills. He has great tackling instincts and sound technique. The 6'2" 240 pounder is also agile enough to be a threat as pass rusher.

Reddick displays good ability to read the game and his fluid movement enables him to be effective in coverage.

The Redskins need a more physically dynamic player for their inside linebacker rotation. As well as improving depth in a key area, selecting Reddick would give Washington's defense a potential successor to the great London Fletcher.

4. Markelle Martin, S, Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State's Markelle Martin is perhaps the most complete safety in the 2012 draft class. Thanks to his exceptional zone instincts, Martin is capable of playing like a free safety.

But he packs enough aggression and force into his 198 pound frame to demonstrate the ability to also operate as a box defender.

Martin has playmaking potential and would bring some valuable versatility to the Redskins defensive backfield.

Many defenses like to rely on athletes who can easily interchange at the safety positions. Martin would pair with O.J. Atogwe and keep offenses guessing about which safety is going to attack the line of scrimmage, or supplement the coverage schemes.

After multiple injuries, LaRon Landry's future is far from certain and the Redskins need to retain some big play capability at such an important position on the defense.

Even if Landry stays, Martin would add quality depth to a position that is thin behind the recognised starters.

If Marin slips behind some of the more renowned safeties on draft day, the Redskins should move quickly and snap him up. 

3. Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia

Cornerback could be one of the biggest needs heading into the draft, after the position group has struggled badly to adapt to the free agency loss of the underrated Carlos Rogers this season.

Josh Wilson has been steady but unspectacular, while DeAngelo Hall has been wildly inconsistent. This should encourage the Redskins to take a long look at Virginia's Chase Minnifield.

The 6'0" 185 pound cover ace is just the kind of steady and consistent presence the Redskins need at corner.

An aggressive defensive back with keen instincts and an intelligent understanding of pass patterns, Minnifield is a solid and efficient competitor.

He would give the Redskins a dependable cornerback who would not have been guilty of the kind of lapses in concentration that have led to numerous big plays against the defense this season.

Minnifield could be a coveted prospect as he has some first-round potential, but he most likely lasts until the middle second round. If he does, the Redskins may find him too good to resist.

2. Alameda Ta'amu, DT, Washington

As well as the Redskins line has played at times this season, the defense is still weak against the run. Mammoth interior presence Alameda Ta'amu could be the answer to the problem.

A natural run stuffer, Ta'amu plugs the middle of the line and possesses the strength, leverage and ferocity to attract and split double teams.

At 6'3" and 330 pounds, Ta'amu would provide the Redskins with a focal point for their run defense. He is also a constant threat to move and collapse the pocket, thanks to a deceptively quick first step and a rugged, aggressive demeanour.

Nominally listed as a nose tackle, Ta'amu has the skills to be moved around the line and be a hybrid playmaker up front.

The Redskins need better talent for their defensive line depth. Pairing Ta'amu with the returning Jarvis Jenkins would make 2012's rotation truly frightening.

1. Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech

If the Redskins wait to acquire a corner, they should look no further than Virginia Tech's Jayron Hosley. The 5'10" 172 pounder is a natural ball hawk.

His numbers have dropped this season, but in 2010 he led college football in interceptions. Hosley has an innate ability to steal passes. His speed and elusiveness make him a legitimate threat to score once he gets his hands on the ball.

Injury concerns and a lack of ideal size could see Hosley slip into the third round or beyond. But he would make an ideal nickelback for the Redskins. 

More Big Plays Will Push the Defense to Elite Level

The Redskins must produce more big plays on defense. Increasing the number of turnovers is the priority. Giving the offense a short field is key to the Redskins' chances of success.

But the playmaking ambitions of the defense shouldn't be limited to taking the ball away more often. Rising to the occasion in clutch situations is just as important.

A sack, broken up pass or tackle for loss at the right time, can be the difference between victory and defeat.

Stocking the unit with athletes who possess the knack for the big play is the best way to ensure that the defense becomes a game winning unit.