Defensive Line Free Agency Preview

The Washington Redskins defense was the day 1 weakest link of the team, and the defensive line was the bugaboo of the unit. The two standouts however were once again Chris Baker, and the best defensive line signing in the McCloughan era, Ricky Jean-Francois. The glaring deficiencies of the defense included inconsistency at rushing the passer and inability to shed blocks and be a factor in the ground game. This group of the defense earned an all-around bad grade. The expectation heading into free agency is that the team will take an aggressive approach to fix the defense. Head coach Jay Gruden stated a couple days ago their goal in free agency was to get faster at the linebacker position and get better at defensive line. Here are a few guys who can instantly upgrade the defensive front, or be solid rotational men for the Redskins. All calculated market values provided by spotrac.com.

Instant Stability Defensive Lineman

Kansas City Chiefs Defensive Tackle Dontari Poe, 26 years old. Estimated annual value of $12.1 million. Dontari is what the Redskins have lacked since converting to a 3-4 defense in 2010, a true nose tackle. Dontari’s strength wouldn’t be rushing the passer, as his career high in sacks was 6 in 2014, but his strength would come in being very active in the running game. A great run defender and only 26 years old, with a steep price at potentially $12 million per, but you can afford it if you are willing to part ways with a few people.

Baltimore Ravens Defensive Tackle Brandon Williams, 28 years old. Estimated annual value of $12.9 million. Brandon Williams is another excellent run stuffing nose tackle who can work in the Redskins scheme. Another pricey option but Redskins can make room, and will no doubt get their money’s worth. A plus with him, as well as Poe, is that they are relatively healthy. Neither have missed many games throughout their respective careers.

Arizona Cardinals Defensive End Calais Campbell, 30 years old. Estimated annual value of $8.3 million. Calais is the do it all defensive end. At 30 years old you question if he is going to slow down anytime soon. I doubt that. He will be a high priority for many teams because he can rush the passer as well as defend the run. As a 3-4 defensive end he finished last season with 53 tackles, 8 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 interception. Again, another healthy player throughout his career.

New England Patriots Defensive End, Jabaal Sheard, 27 years old. Estimated annual value of $8.8 million. Since signing in New England on a 2-year deal, Jabaal was underwhelming as a player, but the potential never left. In his first two seasons he tallied 15.5 sacks before two disappointing seasons to finish his rookie deal. His play picked back up in New England, earning the reputation as a solid pass rusher.

Philadelphia Eagles Defensive Tackle Bennie Logan, 27 years old. There is no estimated annual value for Logan. Bennie will be entering free agency as a hot commodity for his ability to defend the run. His teammate Fletcher Cox was the best defensive lineman on his team, so of course the attention most times reverted to him. Logan is a solid player but the only concern for him is whether he be able to hold his own if he is the premier lineman for the Redskins. So he is the one unknown in the instant upgrade group. Either way, I believe he will be a solid addition.

Solid Rotational Lineman

Baltimore Ravens Defensive End Lawrence Guy, 26 years old. There is no estimated annual value for Lawrence. Not an impressive name, he was ok for Baltimore in just 10 starts. Can be a solid 2nd string player in the rotation for the starting defensive ends.

New York Giants Defensive Tackle Jonathan Hankins, 25 years old. There is no estimated annual value for Hankins. He is a high motor defensive tackle for New York. With 16 games started for them, he may be looking for a starting role elsewhere, but listed here because of inconsistencies as a starter. Hankins’ value will come in the running game.
New Orleans Saints Defensive Tackle Nick Fairley, 29 years old. There is no estimated annual value for Fairley. Fairley has been highly inconsistent as a professional. Last year he produced his best pro season with 43 total tackles and 6.5 sacks. With 16 games played, he may be a solid rotational guy as well and good veteran presence.

 

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