The Washington Redskins topics of the week focused on two areas -- tight ends and defense. A third topic involves linebacker Su'a Cravens -- and why he's just at linebacker. Thanks to @stew_PDM, @Gcarmi21, @jcstavish, @reggreene21 and @fofotyfo.
On how the tight end position will look: My sense now is that Washington will keep four tight ends, and the easy prediction would include Jordan Reed, Vernon Davis, Niles Paul and Logan Paulsen. In that scenario, I can see them wanting Marcel Jensen on the practice squad another season. But a lot of this depends on what Paulsen shows in training camp. There were split opinions on him last summer, but at 268 pounds he’d be the heaviest of the group, and they could use some bulk. Keeping four likely means no fullback, and perhaps only three running backs (with others on the practice squad), but it’s too early for that. But that’s where Paul’s versatility enters. He can line up at fullback in a pinch. Last season, Darrel Young played just 107 snaps, so, in theory, Paul might line up at fullback for about seven plays a game. Blocking must be a central consideration for what they do at tight end; it was a primary factor in the downfall of the run game last season. (Note: I wanted to add that I don't think Derek Carrier will be ready to start the season, though he's pushing hard to do so, after tearing multiple ligaments in December. So that's why I didn't include him here.).
On why Cravens is at linebacker: He’s at linebacker for a simple reason, it’s where he fits best. Though he’s listed as a safety, there is little about him that suggests he will spend a lot of time as a traditional safety. Rather, he might enter in a situation typically reserved for a safety -- but aligned in a linebacker spot. He was never someone who should be dropping into the deep middle of the field -- one NFL defensive back coach who scouted him said he should not play safety, but would excel as a linebacker in nickel/dime coverages. If you play safety here, depending on formation and motion, a strong safety will have to rotate from being up closer to the line to deep middle on occasion. In college, he primarily was up near the line on the wide side of the field. Cravens (potentially) gives them an edge in their nickel/dime alignments. At 222 pounds, he adds more size in this role than another safety would, so it helps against the run. But he will offer more speed than a typical linebacker. It’s a smart place for him; even if he doesn’t start he could end up playing 75 percent of the defensive snaps. He'll be better facing running backs and tight ends than others, or that's the hope for them at least.
On possible defensive improvements and if the D-line can play better than last year: These topics are tied together. The Redskins do not have an All-Pro along the front, but what they hope they have is a lot of depth. That, too, is a necessity. A lot of that depth, though, will be dependent on Trent Murphy making a quick transition from linebacker to end, and rookie Matt Ioannidis showing he can contribute early. Oh, and Stephen Paea being healthy and playing better. If those happen, then yeah the line can do probably improve. It certainly wasn't a dominating bunch last season, but they also didn't add a top talent. But that leads into the question of whether the defense can improve with players changing positions. And that’s a tough one to fully answer without seeing how the new parts work (though the only starter who switched is safety DeAngelo Hall, and he did so last season). A lot of that will depend on how linebacker Junior Galette plays. But the improvement also can come from Preston Smith's progression, too, and cornerback Josh Norman's arrival, and an offseason at new positions for Quinton Dunbar (cornerback) and Hall. If Galette is back to his old ways, then he and Norman give the Redskins two potential impact additions. Plus, it’s the second year in coordinator Joe Barry’s system. One thing I like about this defense: There’s more of an attitude and more energy. Is that enough to make them a top-10 defense? That’s stretching it, but it can definitely help them improve. The question I can’t answer now: Will it be enough?
