REDSKINS NEED BIG MAN TO PLUG UP WEAK RUN DEFENSE.

Washington ranked dead last in rushing yards allowed last season. 134.1 yds given up a game on average. 880 total yards given up in six games against division opponents. 169 rushing yards to Dallas in week 8 and 182 more in week 13. Dallas only thru for 245 yards in those games. In comparison Washington gave up 260 yards on the ground in one games against the Giants. In week 7 the Redskins gave up 127 on the ground against Philly. In short, the Redskins likely wouldn't have been able to stop a D1 collge team from going for 100+ on the ground. Now Philly, who's rushing defense was ranked number 1 on the year, allowing an average of 79.2 yards a game, would go on to win the superbowl and what's that old cliche again, defense wins championships? If that is the case the Redskins first draft pick of the 2018 NFL draft should be an easy one.

The NFC East is not only home the Superbowl champions but also home to two of the top 5 offensive rushing attacks in the league. Both the Cowboys and Eagles averaged over 130 yards a game on the ground which is exctaly what the Redskins give up a game. Red flag. Washington must address this issue in the draft. Last year the Redskins went with the low risk low reward free agent signings in Terrell McClain and Stacy Mcgee. A low reward is exctaly what they got. Mcgee has proven to be no more than just a guy and McClain might not be worthy of his roster spot. Matt Ionnadis was drafted in the 5th round in 2016 and has panned out to be a solid pick when paired with last years first round pick. Jonathan Allen fell into the laps of the Washington Redskins in last years draft. Allen was a top 10 talent who slid down in the 1st round due to health concerns. The skins couldn't pass on him and shouldn't pass on a chance at another stud defensive lineman.

How do you take the last ranekd rushing attack and make it better? Well you start by keeping the team healthy. Washington played well against the run before losing Jonathan Allen, Mason Foster and Zach Brown. Another way could be to improve the play at the saftey position. The loss of Su'a Cravens has been well documented off the field but what the skins lost on the field was a huge run supporter. Montae Nichelson and Deshazor Everett played well but didn't do half of what Cravens could've in the run game. Drafting a Dewrin James sounds like a great idea but it all starts up front. If the Skins are to really make an effort at fixing the run D a nose tackle is what they need. This draft class happens to have two studs in Vita Vea and Da'Ron Payne.

I think Washington would be fine with either. Vea has the power to stop the run and unusual quickness, for a man his size, to to rush the passer. Payne isn't as good in the pass rush department but has the skills to dominate the run game. Payne did out run Vea in the 40 but Vea also pulled a hamstring while running at the combine. If I had to pick I'd take Payne. After drafting two Bama players in last years draft why not keep the trend going.

In the event Washington drafts a saftey like Derwin James or Minka Fitzpatrick they could look at NT in later rounds. Tim Settle from Virginia tech is one to keep an eye on as well as Harrison Phillips from Stanford. Phillips outbenched Vea, who is the number one defensive line prospect. If I was Bruce Allen and these rumors of getting a demotion or worse were true I'd do what I need to do to win in the division first and that's fixing the run D. Best way to do that is draft a young stud Nose Tackle that can help the Skins win at the point of attack.

Washington has to get a legit nose tackle if they want to keep up with the Eagle's and Cowboys in the NFC East. Veaor Payne would be ideal but Settle or Philips would be a nice consolation. Either way Washington needs to walk away from this draft with a starting nose tackle.