Defensive backs Overview » Josh Wilson was not a Pro Bowl corner, but he was effective and put himself in position to make more plays in the second half of the season. He’s short, but he is tough and didn’t let his size be a hindrance in his play. DeAngelo Hall was more consistent than last year, but the big difference was the drop in interceptions. A year ago, he picked off six and probably dropped five others. This year, he picked off three and dropped only a couple. Hall is better against the run than he gets credit for, but he is not a shutdown corner. Kevin Barnes did not prove he could cover well in the slot. LaRon Landry and Oshiomogho Atogwe did little, certainly far less than hoped for or anticipated. But the book on Atogwe from other scouts was that he couldn’t play anymore. So was his lackluster play injury-related or a continuing decline? Reed Doughty is a good backup but that’s about it. DeJon Gomes hasn’t proven he should be considered a future starter — good instincts in the box, but he is still adjusting to playing in space in the back.
Better or worse than 2010 »
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Worse. There was too much inconsistency, mainly because of the safety play where Landry and Atogwe were rarely healthy/effective. Wilson did a good job in the second half, but Hall wasn’t in position to make as many plays as in 2010. They didn’t do as good a job covering in the slot.
Key free agents »
LaRon Landry. He still hasn’t had his Achilles surgery. Landry might have no option other than re-signing with Washington on a one-year deal then proving he can stay healthy. He’s missed 15 games the past two years combined. Byron Westbrook is a restricted free agent. Phillip Buchanon is unrestricted.
Offseason chore »
Figure out what to do with Landry. The franchise tag might only be $6.2 million (according to NFL.com) at safety, which is about $600,000 more than Landry’s cap hit this season. So it’s not out of the question. But at this time it is unlikely the Redskins would use that tag on him. They need to add a third corner. Could Brandyn Thompson be a factor? Who knows? He barely played so it’s hard to think he could make that jump. They also need to decide what Atogwe has left. They saw snippets of solid play when they considered him healthy, so that probably means he’ll be back. Regardless, they need more speed at free safety to add versatility and allow them to disguise coverages longer and better.
Best place to find help »
For a corner, the draft is better. For a high-end safety, free agency might be better. Two corners — LSU’s Morris Claiborne or Alabama’s Dre Kirkpatrick — could be available at No. 6 (though Kirkpatrick was recently arrested for marijuana possession). One intriguing free agent will be New York’s Terrell Thomas, who covered in the slot in 2008 and ’09 and has said that’s where he likes to play (Atlanta’s Brent Grimes would be quite a coup, but I can’t see them spending to get him when other needs are greater; it would be stunning if the Falcons let him get away). If they want another starting strong safety, they could try and get Oakland’s Tyvon Branch, though it’s hard to imagine the Raiders letting him leave. Tennessee’s free safety Michael Griffin is talented and would add speed. But how much will they want to invest at this spot?
– John Keim
