The Washington Redskins need to improve in quite a few areas if they want to get back into playoff contention next season, but they’ll have the chance to address several key areas through the 2015 NFL Draft. While some needs have been taken care of in free agency, here are the players they're targeting in the draft:
DE Randy Gregory, Nebraska
Gregory is an absolute monster when rushing the passer, but he’s also solid against the run and consistently gets into the backfield. The Redskins ranked 24th out of 32 NFL teams in passing yards allowed last season, and that stat looks even worse when you realize that in 2014, Washington played just three games against QBs who ranked in the top 10 in passing yardage (Andrew Luck, Eli Manning x2). While some of that responsibility falls on the secondary, the Redskins just didn’t put enough pressure on opposing quarterbacks last year, and while Jason Hatcher played well, he can’t do it all by himself. Gregory would provide them with an immediate upgrade rushing off the edge.
SS Landon Collins, Alabama
Washington desperately needs someone who can be a long-term answer at safety, and Collins is that guy. He already has pro size at 6’0″ and 228 lbs., which he uses – along with great instincts – to be an absolute force in the running game. Collins needs to get more consistent in pass coverage, which has some mock drafts dropping him to the second round, but he has the skills to be an impact player right away for the Redskins.
CB Ifo Ekpre-Olamu, Oregon
Washington’s quest to upgrade their secondary will a focal point through the draft as they try to find someone who can provide some stability to the unit, and Ekpre-Olamu could be that guy. He was the unquestioned top corner in the draft before he tore his ACL, which has dropped his stock out of the first round. As a result, the Redskins could get a steal by nabbing a much-needed, top-notch cornerback in the third or fourth round.
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