Washington Redskins: Top Free Agents at Areas Of Need

Published: 5^th Mar 12 7:27 pm

by Emmanual Benton
Manny

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Free Agency is a key tool used to fill needs and add depth. For years the Washington Redskins did a horrible job at signing free agents. However, under the Bruce Allen and Mike Shanahan administration, Washington has been prudent and successful with using free agency to fill needs, without dumping the piggy bank.

This year, I expect nothing different. The Redskins will use free agency to fill as many needs as possible, while keeping the prudent trend, in order to be aggressive in getting a franchise Quarterback.

Below we’ll look at the top 5 Unrestricted Free Agents at each area of need.

*Note: This is not ranked by who I want the Redskins to sign

Redskins position needs: QB, WR, OL, S, CB, ILB (with London Fletcher unsigned), RB (with Tim Hightower unsigned)

Here are my top players available at each position:

Quarterbacks:
1. Alex Smith, QB, 49ers (28): Many put Matt Flynn here, but I believe Alex Smith deserves to be number 1 on this list, because of his longer resume. You know what you’re getting with Alex Smith. However, the 49ers will likely resign him before another team does.

2. Matt Flynn, QB, Packers (27): With very limited action as a starting QB, Flynn has put up huge numbers. We’ve seen this before with backups, but who’s to say he’s not the next Matt Schaub? Issue is, he could also be the next Kevin Kolb. The best landing spot for Flynn is probably Miami with Joe Philbin, who served as the Packers head coach and helped develop Flynn. It’s not certain that Flynn will be wanted in Miami though, as they do have a plethora of options.

3. Kyle Orton, QB, Chiefs (29): Orton is your prototypical game-managing Quarterback. Surround him with talent, and he’ll play decent.

4. Jason Campbell, QB, Raiders (30): Jason is a serviceable Quarterback at best. Though he put up decent numbers in Oakland, most Raiders fans believed he held them back from being an even better team. I’m sure Jason will get a starting role somewhere. Or at least a chance to battle for a job.

5. Josh Johnson, QB, Buccaneers (26): Josh is an under the radar guy, who I think could have a chance to battle for a starting role somewhere. He’s a guy with some upside, and could at least make a good back-up. With Raheem Morris, I think the Redskins should actually sign him as a back-up. Especially if they’re able to trade up for Robert Griffin III…

Running Backs:

1. Micheal Bush, RB, Raiders (28): Bush is a guy that may end up being a tad overvalued due to the RB market. He flashed in Oakland, however, I’m not sure if he’s a guy that can sustain that production as a full time starter.

2. Mike Tolbert, RB, Chargers (26): I’m a Tolbert fan. Power back with an ability to catch the ball out the backfield. Last year, Darren Sproles may have been the best Free Agent pick up, coming out of San Diego. Tolbert may not be as fast or explosive, but all he does is make plays.

3. Tim Hightower, RB, Redskins (26): Hightower may not be valued by many, but for the Redskins, he’s a perfect fit for the zone blocking scheme. He started off slow last year due to a lingering injury and ended up tearing his ACL.

4. Kahlil Bell, RB, Bears (25): Bell did a decent job last season, and could be a great value in this RB market. He showed ability to pass protect, catch out the backfield, and has good vision.

5. Peyton Hillis, RB, Browns (26) and Kevin Smith, RB, Lions (25): I slotted these two together, not because they have a similar skill-set, which they don’t. But because both are talented players who can’t stay healthy. There’s a risk/reward with both. But RB’s that can’t stay healthy isn’t good, due to the short shelf life this position typically has.

Receivers:

1. Vincent Jackson, WR, Chargers (29): Jackson is a talented, big bodied receiver, who can take the top off defenses. Problem is, he’s had a few DUI’s. If Jackson gets another, he’ll be suspended for a year. So you have to decide if he’s worth that risk. Washington is a possible destination.

2. Marques Colston, WR, Saints (29): Colston is another big receiver on the market, and has been productive as a Saint. It’s worth questioning, however, if he’s a product of the system and a elite Quarterback… In addition, he’s a guy that’s injury prone. So another risk/reward type player.

3. Mario Manningham, WR, Giants (26): He may be a product of Eli Manning, but I think he’s a pretty talented receiver with upside. He may not be a number 1 receiver, but I think he can be highly productive. He battled injuries last year, but in 2010 had 60 catches for 944 yards. He makes the most out of his opportunities.

4. Brandon Lloyd, WR, Rams (31): Brandon Lloyd has made it clear, he wants to go anywhere Josh McDaniels goes. He had his best seasons under McDaniels, who happens to be back in New England now.

Best of the Rest:

Reggie Wayne (33) – May not be a number 1 anymore, but I’ll take him over a lot of these guys, because you know what you’re getting.

Pierre Garcon (26) – Garcon can be inconsistent, but what he does have going in his favor is, he was pretty productive with a guy named Painter playing Quarterback. He’s a guy with speed and can make YAC.

Laurent Robinson (27) – He’s a guy that’s been injury prone. However, showed up last season with the Cowboys.

Robert Meachum (27) – He was a guy who came out of college with loads of potential. Flashed at times with the Saints, but never was able to live up to his potential. He’s still young, and still possess a great skill-set with upside… But you have to wonder if it’ll ever “click” for him.

Braylon Edwards (29) – According to some 49er fans that I’ve spoken to, they said Braylon wasn’t productive, strictly due to his health. He’s still a big body receiver, with a good, yet inconsistent skill-set. Could be a starter for a team, like the Jets again.

Josh Morgan (27) - I like Morgan’s potential, if he can stay healthy. He was on the verge of having a good season, before getting injured. He may not be a #1 WR, but he has upside and is a great locker-room guy

Offensive Line:

1. Carl Nicks, G, Saints (27): Nicks is probably the best Guard in all of football. He’s in for a big pay day.

2. Scott Wells, C, Packers (31): Wells is one of the better centers in the league. Well rounded guy, who will be a great addition to a center needy franchise.

3. Ben Grubbs, G, Ravens (28): Scheme diverse player, who’s had some injures. He’s one of the better guards when healthy.

4. Nick Hardwick, C, Chargers (30): One of the better centers in the league. Mentioned possibly retiring. If he doesn’t, there are teams that would love to have him.

5. Chris Meyers, C/G, Texans (30): Meyers has been one of the more underrated interior linemen, however, I’m not sure how scheme diverse he is. He’s perfect fit for the zone blocking scheme.

Inside Linebackers:

1. Stephen Tulluch, ILB, Lions (27): Tulluch is one of the better players at his position. If the Lions don’t pay him, someone else definitely will.

2. Curtis Lofton, ILB, Falcons (26): I’ll be surprised if the Falcons don’t resign this guy. He’s in the top tier group of linebackers and should be paid accordingly.

3. David Hawthorne, ILB, Seahawks (27): Talented linebacker who’s looking for a pay day. Had some injuries, but still played well last season.

4. London Fletcher, ILB, Redskins (37): London may be 37 years old, but he sure doesn’t play like it. He still has a few years left in the tank. Can’t teach his leadership. Redskins need to pay this man.

5. Dan Connor, ILB, Panthers (26): Dan Connor may be the steal out of this group. He’s a highly talented player, but has been a backup with Jon Beasen manning the middle. He ‘s a scheme diverse player, who should get a starting job somewhere.

Cornerbacks:

1. Brandon Carr, CB, Chiefs (26): Carr has the talent to be a #1 CB. He’s versatile corner with upside.

2. Cortland Finnegan, CB, Titans (28): Cortland is a aggressive conerback, who is good in coverage.

3. Tracy Porter, CB, Saints (26): Porter may be coming off a down year, but he’s a talented CB, who I think is underrated. He’ll come at a great value.

4. Terrell Thomas, CB, Giants (27): I’m a Terrell Thomas fan. He’s a physical corner, that could come at a good value since he’ll be returning from an ACL injury.

5. Carlos Rogers, CB, 49ers (31): No, I didn’t put Carlos this low because he’s a former Redskin. His true colors came out in the playoffs, as Eli Manning exposed him. 49ers will likely resign him.

William Middleton is a guy I’m interested in. He’s 26 years-old, with loads of potential. Played well for the Jaguars when given a chance.

Safeties:

1. Thomas Decoud, S, Falcons (27): Big guy, with loads of potential. I’d like to see him play strong safety instead of free… He’s great in run support.

2. Dwight Lowery, S, Jaguars (26): Has flashed potential at times. Has upside and could be a guy teams take a flier on.

3. Reggie Nelson, S, Bengals (28): Played well early last season, but his production fell off late in the season.

4. Laron Landry, S, Redskins (27): Landry would be #1 on this list, easily, if it wasn’t for the uncertainty of his health. Which is the problem Washington and any other club will have. There’s a huge question mark on whether he’ll be healthy and can stay healthy.

5. Jim Leonhard, S, Jets (29): Like Landry, he too has healthy concerns. He’s a talented safety, however won’t be healthy in time for the start of the season.