Taking a look at the defense now that the big moves are done through free agency. Other moves might follow in the draft or after some players are cut by other teams. For now, this is where things stand. Today, I'll take a quick look at the Washington Redskins' outside linebackers.
In: Ricky Sapp
Out: Brian Orakpo
Still around: Ryan Kerrigan, Trent Murphy, Jackson Jeffcoat, Gabe Miller, Trevardo Williams
Better or worse: Same as they were at the end of the season, worse than they were at the beginning of 2014. However, I doubt they’re done at this position, so check back in a couple months for a definitive answer. One change I know some players did not like: Getting rid of outside linebackers coach Brian Baker. It was somewhat understandable considering new coordinator Joe Barry has coached linebackers for a long time. They also retained Kirk Olivadotti. But Kerrigan in particular really liked Baker and felt he helped develop his pass-rush skills. That’s not to say Barry won’t do the same, but it is to say Kerrigan liked Baker. A big key will be Murphy’s development. He did not win to the outside at all, even during camp. But he did show pass-rush moves. Even if they add another rusher, Murphy will rush quite a bit -- both from a standup position and with his hand down. There is definite room for improvement in his game. The other players showed flashes, but they need more depth. Oh, and Sapp is the only real addition thus far and he's a former fifth-round pick in 2010 by Philadelphia with zero career sacks and 17 career games.
Should they address in the draft: Absolutely. It’s a matter of where they should pick another outside linebacker. The fifth pick would be a good spot considering there are good options available. But, say, if the guy they want is Dante Fowler Jr. and he’s gone then they could look at another position (receivers project well here; or though offensive linemen don't project this high, they might have a different take on them) or look to trade back. There is depth at edge rusher and they could find one with their second-round pick quite easily. But the top-10 pass rushers all have flaws or issues; those in the second round have more -- or in some cases flashed more skills than production in college (Eli Harold). They would need to be developed more, of course, but they would have talent that could be used immediately as well. Regardless, there’s good depth among the edge rushers, and the Redskins need more help on the outside. To have three potentially good rushers at outside linebacker would prove a major edge.
