Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 01/ 7/2011

Redskins off-season: defensive needs

By Jason Reid

Our three-part series on the Redskins off-season concluded today, with Part 3 on the coaching staff and team culture. You can also read about the offense and defense heading into 2011.

Here's a look at who started for the Redskins defense (and special teams) in Week 1 of this past season, and who might man those positions next season:

Left Defensive End

Adam Carriker: A first-round bust with St. Louis, Carriker revived his career after his trade to the Redskins in April. He played his best in the final two games. If the Redskins fail to sign someone more talented, Carriker could fill the role adequately.

Possible 2011 starter: Carriker.

Nose Tackle

Maake Kemoeatu: The hard-working Kemoeatu impressed coaches while rehabbing from an Achilles' tendon injury that sidelined him for the entire 2009 season. But he rarely displayed his pre-injury form and ended the season on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. Nose tackle is the most important position in the 3-4, and the Redskins need an impact player there.

Possible 2011 starter: Unknown.

Right Defensive End

Kedric Golston: If the dependable Golston is a backup, you've got a very good 3-4 defense. Unfortunately for the Redskins, Golston started the first 13 games. He is scheduled to undergo hernia surgery and is likely to be a free agent.

Possible 2011 starter: Unknown.

Left Outside Linebacker

Andre Carter: It was clear that the successful 4-3 defensive end was a bad fit as a linebacker in the 3-4. The Redskins must pay Carter a $4.075 million bonus this offseason to retain his rights. Carter should plan on becoming a free agent.

Possible 2011 starter: Unknown.

Left Inside Linebacker

London Fletcher: Coach Mike Shanahan and defensive coordinator Jim Haslett rely on Fletcher on the field and in the locker room, and he just continues to deliver. With a full year in the scheme, the 13-year veteran should be even better next season.

Possible 2011 starter: Fletcher.

Right Inside Linebacker

Rocky McIntosh: Frustrated about his contract situation, McIntosh stayed away from the complex for much of last offseason and was behind when he finally reported. Haslett said he often had things to "clean up" in his performance. McIntosh is likely to be a free agent.

Possible 2011 starter: Not currently on roster.

Right Outside Linebacker

Brian Orakpo: He was one of the few players on the roster suited to the scheme change and again was a force on the edge. He's a cornerstone of the future.

Possible 2011 starter: Orakpo.

Left Cornerback

DeAngelo Hall: Hall tied the NFL single-game record with four interceptions in Week 7 against the Chicago Bears, scored two defensive touchdowns for the first time in his career and was selected to his third Pro Bowl. He also gambles and gets burned for long TD passes.

Possible 2011 starter: Hall.

Right Cornerback

Carlos Rogers: It appeared Rogers, likely to be a free agent, was on track to return next season, but he missed four of the last eight games with hamstring and calf injuries, prompting some concern about his commitment.

Possible 2011 starter: Unknown.

Strong Safety

LaRon Landry: In only nine games, "Dirty 30" had the best year of his career. Finally in a system ideally suited for him, Landry was an impact player from the outset. He finished the season on injured reserve because of an Achilles' tendon injury, but could be even better next year.

Possible 2011 starter: Landry.

Free Safety

Reed Doughty: After suffering a knee injury in the preseason, Kareem Moore underwent surgery, missed the first two games of the regular season and was replaced by Doughty. Moore earned the respect of his coaches and teammates by playing in 12 games, including 11 starts, despite knee pain. But Moore, who ended the season on injured reserve, and Doughty are better suited as backups.

Possible 2011 starter: Unknown.

Place Kicker

Graham Gano: Young, strong-legged kicker experienced growing pains in his first full season, missing 11 field goal attempts. The Redskins plan to bring in kickers to challenge Gano in the offseason.

Possible 2011 starter: Gano.

Punter

Josh Bidwell: Was assigned to injured reserve Oct. 7 because of lingering hip pain. The team then re-signed Hunter Smith, who was released after he botched a critical extra point hold in a Week 14 loss. Sam Paulescu filled in for the final few games.

Possible 2011 starter: Unknown.

Return Specialists

Devin Thomas and Phillip Buchanon: Thomas, the team's top draft pick in 2008, was released Oct. 9. Buchanon was ineffective on punt returns in the first three games. Rookie Brandon Banks could be a dynamic return specialist for many years, but he wasn't the same after rushing back from knee surgery.

Possible 2011 starter: Banks.

By Jason Reid | January 7, 2011; 12:00 PM ET

Save & Share: Previous: Redskins off-season: offensive needs
Next: Mike Shanahan, Donovan McNabb's agent hope to meet soon

Comments

Totally negligent "Journalism" to discuss the NT position and not mention Bryant's play over the last 1/4 of the season. He looked better every week, and should be a major player next season at #1 or #2 on the depth chart at that position.

Also, is anyone else a bit tired of this homeless guy with the great radio voice story?

Good for him, and I hope he makes something of this chance, but this is being covered like the cure for cancer has been discovered.

Posted by: WaitingGuilty | January 7, 2011 12:14 PM | Report abuse

Redskins defensive needs:

Marcell Dareus, next question...

Posted by: PAskinsfan17 | January 7, 2011 12:25 PM | Report abuse

are you just advocating not trading the farm for a great QB

Posted by: hcic55 | January 7, 2011 12:18 PM

Yes...I would take a great offensive line over a great quarterback any day...if we have a great offensive line...then you could put monk811 back there...and voila...championship!

Posted by: PlayAction | January 7, 2011 12:28 PM | Report abuse

This D is very needy.

Posted by: Stu27 | January 7, 2011 12:37 PM | Report abuse

are you just advocating not trading the farm for a great QB

Posted by: hcic55 | January 7, 2011 12:18 PM

Yes...I would take a great offensive line over a great quarterback any day...if we have a great offensive line...then you could put monk811 back there...and voila...championship!

Posted by: PlayAction | January 7, 2011 12:28 PM
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Get your point and agree about a great offensive line, but I don't agree that Monk would be successful even if the Redskins have a great offensive line. Point is moot anyway. He won't play if they won't let him wear his friar's robe on the field.

Posted by: RedSkinHead | January 7, 2011 12:38 PM | Report abuse

This D is very needy.

Posted by: Stu27 | January 7, 2011 12:37 PM

Where is Unknown projected to fall in the draft? Or is he staying in school? He seems to be very versatile.

Posted by: PlayAction | January 7, 2011 12:41 PM | Report abuse

Posted by: WaitingGuilty | January 7, 2011 12:14 PM
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Yeah, I think Bryant could be a solid backup but that fat bastard needs to shed a few pounds. There is no way he could have passed the same endurance test that Shanahan made Haynesworth go through. The guy is pushing 270 pounds! Still, Bryant anchors well and won't be moved. He actually can get down the line one or two gaps if given time, but, for being a really big guy, he is not much of an Earth mover.

Posted by: RedSkinHead | January 7, 2011 12:43 PM | Report abuse

Yes...I would take a great offensive line over a great quarterback any day...if we have a great offensive line...then you could put monk811 back there...and voila...championship!

Posted by: PlayAction | January 7, 2011 12:27 PM | Report abuse

Don't know if that's a compliment or not, but I'll take it!!!

SAVE THE GERBILS!!!

Posted by: monk811 | January 7, 2011 12:43 PM | Report abuse

Also, is anyone else a bit tired of this homeless guy with the great radio voice story?

Good for him, and I hope he makes something of this chance, but this is being covered like the cure for cancer has been discovered.

Posted by: WaitingGuilty | January 7, 2011 12:14 PM

It's called "going viral", and it seems to be the next best thing to hitting the lotto these days.

Posted by: Alan4 | January 7, 2011 12:44 PM | Report abuse

What I liked about the D was Orakpo, Landry, Fletch and for the last couple games of the season, Montgomery and Reilley. CR and DHall are good enough if not above average. Everyone else, whether they started or not are backup-level players.

We need a dude. A pass rushing Jesse. A card-carrying badass that scares the living sh*t out of the other teams in our division.

Can we have one of those?

Please?

Posted by: Personal_Fowl | January 7, 2011 12:45 PM | Report abuse

Yes...I would take a great offensive line over a great quarterback any day...if we have a great offensive line...then you could put monk811 back there...and voila...championship!

Posted by: PlayAction | January 7, 2011 12:27 PM |

I can guarantee you that great offensive lines don't equal SB's, this isn't the 80's early 90's

What do you think makes a good o-line?

Is it sacks

Rushing yards

Passing yards

Or Total offense

Posted by: Flounder21 | January 7, 2011 12:45 PM | Report abuse

It's called "going viral", and it seems to be the next best thing to hitting the lotto these days.

Posted by: Alan4 | January 7, 2011 12:44 PM | Report abuse

I bet he's got a lot of internet money.

Posted by: PAskinsfan17 | January 7, 2011 12:46 PM | Report abuse

I think the skins should contact arizona and trade McNabb to them for Darnell Dockett. This way they get a qb that they want.. and we get a 3-4 nose tackle who is pretty good and has a huge contract that arizona doesnt like anymore.

Posted by: casper0140 | January 7, 2011 12:49 PM | Report abuse

Get your point and agree about a great offensive line, but I don't agree that Monk would be successful even if the Redskins have a great offensive line. Point is moot anyway. He won't play if they won't let him wear his friar's robe on the field.

Posted by: RedSkinHead | January 7, 2011 12:38 PM | Report abuse

If they make me a burgundy and gold robe I'll play!

Not sure I like your lack of faith in me there RedSkinHead, but I think I agree with you. Me playing in the Redskin's backfield is kinda like the equivalent to when Rosanne Barr sung the National Anthum!

SAVE THE FAT WH*RES!!!!

Posted by: monk811 | January 7, 2011 12:50 PM | Report abuse

Projected 3rd. He declared for the draft. He returns kicks and punts and is a lock down defender, very versatile.

Take a guess as to the player???

Posted by: Stu27 | January 7, 2011 12:52 PM | Report abuse

I can guarantee you that great offensive lines don't equal SB's, this isn't the 80's early 90's

Posted by: Flounder21 | January 7, 2011 12:45 PM

Controlling the line of scrimmage and the clock never goes out of style flound.

Posted by: PlayAction | January 7, 2011 12:55 PM | Report abuse

Yes...I would take a great offensive line over a great quarterback any day...if we have a great offensive line...then you could put monk811 back there...and voila...championship!

Posted by: PlayAction | January 7, 2011 12:28 PM | Report abuse

With monk at qb, where would you play playaction? I know, as a slot receiver?

Posted by: frediefritz | January 7, 2011 12:55 PM | Report abuse

I can guarantee you that great offensive lines don't equal SB's, this isn't the 80's early 90's

Posted by: Flounder21 | January 7, 2011 12:45 PM

Controlling the line of scrimmage and the clock never goes out of style flound.

Posted by: PlayAction | January 7, 2011 12:55 PM |

I agree but just having a good o-line does not mean you are going to win sh-t.

Posted by: Flounder21 | January 7, 2011 12:59 PM | Report abuse

The answer key (which obviously was not provided above):

NT -- top tier UFA (day one)

RILB -- first round draft choice

RDE -- post second contract UFA (or Jarmon)

FS -- 2nd round draft pick or UFA from after the first wave

Punter -- carousel of nobodies or another 7th round pick

Kicker -- UFA

Posted by: dcsween | January 7, 2011 12:59 PM | Report abuse

It's called "going viral", and it seems to be the next best thing to hitting the lotto these days.

Posted by: Alan4 | January 7, 2011 12:44 PM | Report abuse

I bet he's got a lot of internet money.

Posted by: PAskinsfan17 | January 7, 2011 12:46 PM |

I think he's another one of Obama's ostracized relatives.

Seriously though, everyone's celebrating the dude. They seem to forget he also ruined the lives of his family. Dude is a convicted pimp and habitually smokes the glass dick.

If that Cleveland gig doesn't work out, I'm sure Chappelle would hire him.

HOLLA-HOLLA-HOLLA-HOLLA-HOLLA.

Posted by: Personal_Fowl | January 7, 2011 12:59 PM | Report abuse

I agree but just having a good o-line does not mean you are going to win sh-t.

Posted by: Flounder21 | January 7, 2011 12:59 PM

I know...but neither does having a great qb...I'd rather have a great line.

Posted by: PlayAction | January 7, 2011 1:05 PM | Report abuse

Where is Unknown projected to fall in the draft? Or is he staying in school? He seems to be very versatile.

Posted by: PlayAction | January 7, 2011 12:41 PM

He's gone home to a place of his own called Location.

Posted by: dcsween | January 7, 2011 1:06 PM | Report abuse

Sween,
We are NOT drafting another punter!

Posted by: _Stumped_ | January 7, 2011 1:07 PM | Report abuse

With monk at qb, where would you play playaction? I know, as a slot receiver?

Posted by: frediefritz | January 7, 2011 12:55 PM

Doc says I have to hang up the cleats fritz...but I would have been the kicker.

Posted by: PlayAction | January 7, 2011 1:07 PM | Report abuse

I agree but just having a good o-line does not mean you are going to win sh-t.

Posted by: Flounder21 | January 7, 2011 12:59 PM

I know...but neither does having a great qb...I'd rather have a great line.

Posted by: PlayAction | January 7, 2011 1:05 PM

I would rather have both and with the FA class this year that is definatley a possibility.

Posted by: Flounder21 | January 7, 2011 1:08 PM | Report abuse

Biggest problem with Luck stayin in school is it's one less pick ahead of the skins to push prospective DL's to them at 10

Posted by: skinswest | January 7, 2011 1:08 PM | Report abuse

We are NOT drafting another punter!

Posted by: _Stumped_ | January 7, 2011 1:07 PM

Its a different 'we' now ... its no longer Gibbs/Vinny ... its Shanahallen ... have either of those guys ever drafted a punter?

Posted by: dcsween | January 7, 2011 1:09 PM | Report abuse

Defensive Needs: A defense

Posted by: chrislarry | January 7, 2011 1:09 PM | Report abuse

This D is very needy.

Posted by: Stu27 | January 7, 2011 12:37 PM

Where is Unknown projected to fall in the draft? Or is he staying in school? He seems to be very versatile.

Posted by: PlayAction | January 7, 2011 12:41 PM | Report abuse

I don't know, but I'm gonna pay attention to this Not Currently On Roster that is listed at Right Inside Linebacker! He'll help us stop the run for sure!!!

SAVE THE NERDS!!!

Posted by: monk811 | January 7, 2011 1:10 PM | Report abuse

... just having a good o-line does not mean you are going to win sh-t.

Posted by: Flounder21 | January 7, 2011 12:59 PM

Wait, I thought you were eligible to win the "Has a Good O-Line" award.

Posted by: dcsween | January 7, 2011 1:13 PM | Report abuse

Will the Skins pursue Ochocinco again, or was that just a Vinny-ism?

By Adam Schefter
ESPN.com
In 2008 -- less than three years ago -- the Redskins offered the Bengals two first-round picks for wide receiver Chad Ochocinco. Cincinnati refused to entertain the deal the Redskins were willing to make. Instead of trading for Ochocinco, the Redskins parlayed their 2008 first-round pick into two second-round picks and a fourth-round pick that turned into wide receiver Devin Thomas, tight end Fred Davis and wide receiver Malcolm Kelly. Washington then used its 2009 first-round pick, the other selection that would have been shipped to Cincinnati, on linebacker Brian Orakpo. Now the Bengals must make a decision on Ochocinco. He is entering the $6 million option year in his contract that the Bengals can pick up or decline. If the Bengals decide not to pick it up, Cincinnati can cut Ochocinco at no cost to the club. With the way the Bengals' young wide receivers played late in the season, it would not be a surprise. But it would have been nice if the Bengals had Washington's two first-round picks instead.

Posted by: Alan4 | January 7, 2011 1:13 PM | Report abuse

Sween,

Maybe you're right. It's a free country. We're free to make our own mistakes, or other copy the mistakes of others.

God Bless America.

Posted by: _Stumped_ | January 7, 2011 1:17 PM | Report abuse

Wow how dumb were the bengals in rejecting that trade....thanks Bengals!

Posted by: chrislarry | January 7, 2011 1:21 PM | Report abuse

I would rather have both and with the FA class this year that is definatley a possibility.

Posted by: Flounder21 | January 7, 2011 1:08 PM

Lets go with that plan then...but don't tell hessone!

Posted by: PlayAction | January 7, 2011 1:22 PM | Report abuse

Will the Skins pursue Ochocinco again, or was that just a Vinny-ism?

Posted by: Alan4 | January 7, 2011 1:13 PM

I think they SHOULD, if only to have around as Malcolm Kelly insurance (like Larry Johnson/Willy Porter were Portis insurance ... or like how Roydell Williams was Joey Galloway insurance, such as).

Posted by: dcsween | January 7, 2011 1:23 PM | Report abuse

Will the Skins pursue Ochocinco again, or was that just a Vinny-ism?

Posted by: Alan4 | January 7, 2011 1:13 PM

Thank you Mike Brown. Thank you, thank you, thank you......

Posted by: skinswest | January 7, 2011 1:24 PM | Report abuse

It's a free country.

Posted by: _Stumped_ | January 7, 2011 1:17 PM

Maybe Ochocinco would play for free, you know, for love of the game ...

Posted by: dcsween | January 7, 2011 1:31 PM | Report abuse

SAVE THE NERDS!!!

Posted by: monk811 | January 7, 2011 1:10 PM

I like the new schtick...at least just to see how long you can keep it going haha

Posted by: PlayAction | January 7, 2011 1:34 PM | Report abuse

Wow how dumb were the bengals in rejecting that trade....thanks Bengals!

Posted by: chrislarry | January 7, 2011 1:21 PM

Makes you wonder about people who proclaim Vinny the worst GM in the history of the league, blah, blah....

Posted by: beep-beep | January 7, 2011 1:43 PM | Report abuse

At some point you have to gamble on drafting a QB high in the draft. It's a classic case of you looking like genius if it works and a goat if it doesn't.

If you what Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco and Peyton Manning were when you draftet them, you would have lookd great giving up future picks.

Posted by: rickyroge | January 7, 2011 1:48 PM | Report abuse

If you what Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco and Peyton Manning were when you draftet them, you would have lookd great giving up future picks.

Posted by: rickyroge | January 7, 2011 1:48 PM

You'd look even greater finding a Tom Brady (6th round), Drew Brees (2nd round), Matt Cassel (7th round), or Tony Romo (free agent) without losing picks.

Posted by: Alan4 | January 7, 2011 1:54 PM | Report abuse

So our greatest accomplishment this year was ruining our top ranked Defense so that Landry and Orakpo can play a little better. I feel bad for Andre Carter, he'll be missed. Also Rocky, Carlos, and anyone else being forced out by this flawed 3-4 scheme (aside from Fatfart Shamesgirth. I have no faith in Haslett at all. 3-4 maybe, but not the version Haslett is trying.

Posted by: bosshog7169 | January 7, 2011 1:54 PM | Report abuse

Ochocinco would be El-Crappo if he came here, good decision by the Bungals to decline that trade, at least from our end!

SAVE THE MUSKRATS!!!

Posted by: monk811 | January 7, 2011 1:55 PM | Report abuse

DMac agent beeps

Posted by: frediefritz | January 7, 2011 1:55 PM | Report abuse

Offense - if Sellers or Portis are still on this roster on March 1st, then Shanny and Allen obviously don't know their business. Glad to see the youth movement finally getting underway in the backfield.

Defense - holes everywhere, which makes the McNabb trade last year all the more ridiculous (why give up picks for an aging vet QB if you know you are going to have rebuild your entire D from the ground up?). Not to mention failing to trade Carter when he actually had some value, rather than just releasing him this off-season.

Sounds like we should focus on Ngata in the first seconds of FA, and hit him with a Fat Albert type contract offer. Then we can focus on the 3-4 End/OLB with the first couple picks in the draft.

Posted by: PDXskin | January 7, 2011 1:56 PM | Report abuse

Posted by: bosshog7169 | January 7, 2011 1:54 PM |

When my team goes 4-12 and then 6-10, I couldn't give a crap about the majority of the players.

The Redskins were crackheads for years.

This year and likely next will be the withdrawls.

So grab your blanket and keep a trash can close by and settle in for the next year or two.

It's not going to be pretty.

Posted by: Personal_Fowl | January 7, 2011 2:04 PM | Report abuse

How about Perry Riley for possible starter at RILB?

Posted by: Rocky9 | January 7, 2011 2:15 PM | Report abuse

How about Perry Riley for possible starter at RILB?

Posted by: Rocky9 | January 7, 2011 2:15 PM
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Possibly. Lorenzo Alexander played inside some this year. Linebacker is a spot they might be able to upgrade via free agency. We don't need a marquee guy. We just need a guy who truly fits the position.

Posted by: RedSkinHead | January 7, 2011 2:42 PM | Report abuse

Posted by: RedSkinHead | January 7, 2011 2:42 PM

RSH...what are you doing back here...we've been beeped.

Posted by: PlayAction | January 7, 2011 2:50 PM | Report abuse

Two picks in the top half of the draft and five out of seven in the bottom half is not going to make you a contender anytime soon.

Posted by: glawrence007 | January 7, 2011 6:20 PM | Report abuse

I though both BRYANT and JACKSON were standouts at the end of this season. But we need a FS [ERIC BERRY where are you}, a CB, a starting OLB opposite ORAKPO, an inside backer if RILEY can't cut the mustard, a starter at DE opposite CARRIKER, and CHRIS WILSON, my man LO-A, back-up NT and CARRIKER sub. GOLSTON is good in rotation with a starter. DANIELS is done.

Posted by: glawrence007 | January 7, 2011 6:27 PM | Report abuse

"DEFENSIVE NEEDS?????"

DUH, ER, A DOH, YA' THINK????

Posted by: burro2 | January 9, 2011 12:03 PM | Report abuse

Now that Asomugha is available he may be a fine FA acquisition for the defensive backfield. But somehow the name Achuleta keeps coming to mind...

Posted by: ExPatYankee | January 9, 2011 9:36 PM | Report abuse

Ngata and Cromartie

Posted by: hall_j | January 10, 2011 3:55 PM | Report abuse

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Redskins off-season: defensive needs