Rebuilding the Redskins

[Drift Reality]

I'm going to avoid getting emotional because of the last several games and try to share some more rational thoughts on what I believe this organization needs to do to get moving in the right direction.

1. Figure out who is going to be responsible for managing personnel. The Skins brought A.J. Smith, who has a solid track record, to help in this area. I'm not sure if he is the right guy but they need to decide whether its going to be home or whether they need to acquire a first-rate personnel guy who believes in building through the draft and developing younger players.

2. This coaching regime just seems like they are on their way out, which at this point seems like the right move. As much as I hate the instability that comes with coaching turnover, it just feels like it isn't going to happen with this group of coaches. I'd like to see the Redskins bring in a young, sharp coordinator with NFL experience and work with him to get a talented veteran staff in place with a clearly articulated vision and principles.

3. As for the team:

Offense

Quarterback - I think they are basically set here. Unless there is an opportunity to acquire a 2nd or more for Cousins, this unit is set. I'd assume that whatever regime comes in will replace Grossman with someone else.

Receivers - They have one solid player (Garcon); two marginal players (Hank & Aldrick) and two guys (Moss and Morgan) who are done at the end of this season. Finding a legitimate starter is a need.

Running backs - They are set here.

Tightends - Set.

Offensive line - This is the one unit on offense that needs significant work. Other than Williams, you have four marginal starters (regardless of how well Polumbus is playing according to PFF this year). They are going to need to figure out how to get two starters to add to this unit. I haven't really done much analysis of individual performance but I'd say it certainly seems as though Chris Chester and Kory need to go. Will and Tyler are marginal (both would be ideal upgrades) but there is so much work to be done to get this line into shape that in one offseason, you may only be able to fix half the problem.

Defense

Defensive line - In a 3-4, you have one solid starter (Cofield) and a bunch of marginal players. If they shift to a 4-3 and relocate Kerrigan to end, they still have two spots they'll need to find legitimate starters to fill.

Linebackers - In a 3-4, they have good outside backers (if they re-sign Orakpo) , one marginal ilb (Riley) and then one hole after London Fletcher retires this season. They need a top-tier / borderline all-pro inside linebacker to get this unit on track.

Secondary - I think their assets here are an emerging young cb (Amerson), a solid veteran (Hall) and nothing in the backfield. They are going to need to get a top-tier safety to play in the backfield and at least a solid, 2nd-tier player to join the cb group.

Overall, this team is going to have 6 draft picks and a significant amount of cap room with loads of holes to fill. I'd say the things they really need:

1. 1st tier interior offensive lineman
2. 1st tier safety
3. 1st tier defensive lineman
4. 2nd tier interior offensive lineman
5. 2nd tier cornerback
6. 2nd tier wide receiver
7. 2nd tier offensive lineman

They might have younger, unproven players who have the ability to fill the holes. Somewhere between that group, the free agency market and upcoming draft, they'll need to figure out how to fill those holes.