If the Washington Redskins could sign defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, it would open up their draft possibilities.
Things have been quiet on the free agency front for the Washington Redskins so far in 2018. Outside of signing wide receiver Paul Richardson on the first day of free agency, the Redskins have been relatively quiet. They did sign veteran cornerback Orlando Scandrick, formerly of the Dallas Cowboys, on Monday.
However, Washington’s primary focus heading into this offseason was adding more talent to the defensive line. The Redskins have hosted Muhammad Wilkerson on a visit. He signed with Green Bay the next day. On Monday, the Redskins hosted 25-year old defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, who was released by the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday.
Hankins left D.C. on Monday evening without a deal.
An update: Both Johnathan Hankins and Pernell McPhee have left Redskins Park. And now ... the waiting game.
— John Keim (@john_keim) March 19, 2018
If at all possible, team president Bruce Allen must find a way to get Hankins under contract. There aren’t many difference-makers up front at this point in free agency. Hankins is. If Washington could somehow sign Hankins, it would lessen the team’s need to pick an impact defensive lineman in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at pick No. 13.
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The Redskins’ approach to free agency thus far should be commended. It’s wildly considered to be an underwhelming class, so it’s prudent not to overspend on average players. But when you find a player who could step in and help — and is still young — you should pounce.
Washington is playing the waiting game with Hankins at this point. Last season, when Hankins’ contract ended with the Giants, he waited out free agency, too, signing with the Indianapolis Colts in April after originally leaving without a deal. He now knows what Washington is offering and is likely waiting to see if something bigger comes along. Generally, the big offers have already passed as the initial surge of free agency has passed.
Hankins would immediately slot in as a starter on Washington’s defensive line. Jonathan Allen and Matt Ioannidis, two promising young players. would benefit from Hankins’ presence. Known as an outstanding run-stopper, Hankins can get in the backfield, too. In 2014, Hankins recorded seven sacks from his interior position.
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The Redskins, who run the 3-4 defense, are in nickel the majority of the time. Hankins can stay on the field in nickel personnel. If Washington can sign Hankins, it lessens the need to draft an interior defender such as Vita Vea or Da’Ron Payne in the first round. The Redskins should still add another body to the defensive line, however, addressing it in free agency allows them to focus on best player available instead of need.