Washington Redskins: Defensive Line Outlook

The Washington Redskins defense has significantly improved this offseason. But the defensive line is still a question mark though. How will they perform?

When looking at Redskins’ upgrades this offseason, you’ll probably overlook the defensive line. That makes sense because they didn’t really pick anyone up in free agency. In fact, the Redskins lost Terrance Knighton to the New England Patriots to free agency and Jason Hatcher to retirement. That sounds like a major downgrade. Look closer and it’s not though.

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The Redskins selected defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis from Temple in the fifth round of the draft this year to solve the problem in the middle of the line. The big move was transitioning Trent Murphy from outside linebacker to defensive end (via Ed Cole of Redskins.com).

Ioannidis will pair with Kedric Golston and Stephen Paea to form a pretty solid nose tackle rotation. Paea should be moving back inside, where he will do the majority of his damage. Ioannidis will definitely get his reps however, as he is versatile enough to move over to defensive end as well.

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Murphy will be opposite of Chris Baker, who is the anchor of the defensive line. Baker enjoyed a breakout season in 2015 with career highs in tackles (53), sacks (6), forced fumbles (3), and fumble recoveries (2).

However, it’s Murphy that should get Redskins’ fans most excited. While he may not have put up flashy numbers as an outside linebacker, he should be much more exciting to watch as a defensive end. Murphy is strong. He’s been known to absolutely bull-rush opponents. His quickness and finesse moves aren’t exactly elite however. As an outside linebacker in the Redskins system, Murphy was trying to get past the offensive tackles. They tend to have abnormal athleticism and a ridiculous combination of size, strength, and speed.

Offensive guards are a little different. Guards tend to be big and immovable to help with the run game. Murphy’s finesse moves may not have been enough to get past most offensive tackles, but his burst is going to look next-level against some guards.

If Murphy can use his speed advantage to get to the quarterback more often he could cause some real problems for opposing teams.

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The Washington defense will be much improved in 2016, and despite what many may think, the defensive line will have a lot to do with that.