ESPN Insider - Scouting Inc.: Redskins' priorities hinge on Portis trade

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Redskins' priorities hinge on Portis trade

By Scouts, Inc.

For ESPN Insider

http://insider.espn.go.com/insider/story?id=1746044

With free agency beginning March 3 and the draft just around the corner, Scouts, Inc., breaks down the biggest offseason needs for the Washington Redskins.

Running back: The situation here could change dramatically in the coming weeks, but until then it is the Redskins' No. 1 need by far. The team is working on a deal to acquire Clinton Portis, an explosive breakaway back, though he isn't a typical Joe Gibbs runner. Even if Mr. Portis comes to Washington, the team might still be in the market for a between-the-tackles power back who will move the chains, control the clock and add a physical element that currently is missing.

If the Redskins can't land Portis, Trung Canidate still figures to play a reduced role and might be let go altogether. Backup Ladell Betts is a physical runner in the mold of some past Gibbs backs, but his durability and maturity make his ability to carry the load questionable. Rock Cartwright is a similar runner who will be good for some quality snaps. This could become an outstanding, versatile group with the addition of an elite performer.

Defensive tackle: Darrell Russell, Martin Chase and Bernard Holsey all are unrestricted free agents who might not return, though Holsey played well enough to have earned himself a probable return invitation by the Redskins (though not as an every-down player). Right tackle Lional Dalton is a decent player, but the team won't consider him worth keeping around at his current price. Backups Brandon Noble and Jermaine Haley are coming off serious injuries and are no better than role players when healthy.

Washington has lots of bodies and a little talent here, but it lacks that one dominant player who will control the line of scrimmage inside. A space-eating, run-stuffing stud who will protect the team's linebackers would give the other tackles more manageable matchups and at least give this unit a chance to be adequate.

Defensive end: Renaldo Wynn and Regan Upshaw play hard and are adequate starters, but neither delivers many sacks or big plays, or even generates much pressure off the edge. With Bruce Smith retiring, the Redskins now have no legitimate edge pass rusher. Peppi Zellner was expected to give the team more production as a speed rusher, but he hasn't lived up to expectations. Much like the tackle position, Washington has decent depth here, but it is crying out for that elite end who is capable of changing games.

The addition of a speed rusher who can turn in double-digit sack totals not only would improve the overall pass rush and enhance the effectiveness of the returning linemen, it also would help protect the team's secondary.

Tight end: The tight end is a featured player who is a key blocker and receiver in Gibbs' offense, so the Redskins need a big-time player. Former starter Zeron Flemister has the requisite athletic skills, but he is an unrestricted free agent and is as likely to drop a routine pass as he is to make a spectacular grab. Byron Chamberlain is OK, but he didn't pan out as hoped after arriving from Minnesota. Robert Royal, a fifth-round pick last year, shows promise but isn't ready to be the stud the team needs in this offense. Depth is good here but, like so many other positions on this team, the marquee guy is missing. Washington needs an impact player who will make his blocks and create matchup problems in the passing game.

Middle linebacker: Starter Jeramiah Trotter disappointed last year, at least in part because the Redskins' defensive line gave him so little protection from downfield blockers. But while Trotter rarely got a free shot on ball carriers, he deserves to shoulder some of the blame for his failings and now is a potential cap casualty. Backup Kevin Mitchell is decent, but he is an unrestricted free agent whose best days are long gone.

With the Redskins having cut outside linebacker Jessie Armstead, needs now exist inside and out. Washington will look for an athletic, versatile linebacker capable of starting at either spot or, at the very least, backing up Trotter for a season before taking over.