Linbackers
Amongst the defensive units, the linebacking corps is a position of strength. LaVar Arrington will get his fifth defensive coordinator in as many seasons, but still has the freakish talent to make him one of the elite LBs in the NFL. Williams plans to use him as a DE in certain situations this year. It is a move that he has scoffed at the past two seasons, but he now seems to have accepted the assignment as inevitable. He has the speed and instincts to wreak havoc as a pass rusher in the right situations, so the hope is that he will be able to make up for some of the shortcomings of the DL.
The other OLB will be Marcus Washington, who was imported from Indianapolis. He is in a similar mold to Arrington in that he is big and athletic, and he will be relied upon to supply even more of the pass rush. It probably would not be a surprise if Arrington and Washington lead the team in sacks. Michael Barrow replaces Jeremiah Trotter at MLB and even at 34, should be an upgrade. He is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, in addition to being one of the many high character players brought in by Gibbs to lead by example.
Kevin Mitchell and Antonio Pierce will be the primary backups, but keep an eye on two of last year’s practice squad players, Clifton Smith and Chris Cleamons.
Defensive Backs
The secondary took a monstrous hit this off-season losing Champ Bailey in the Clinton Portis deal. Champ is just entering his prime and already is one of the league's elite CBs. Replacing a player of his caliber is a difficult task.
To make up for his loss, the Redskins signed Shawn Springs, who once was held in similar regard before injuries slowed him down, and spent the 5th pick in the draft on safety Sean Taylor from the University of Miami. If Springs can stay healthy, he is still a better than average cover corner. He probably shouldn't be asked to take on a No. 1 WR anymore, but he and Fred Smoot are a respectable tandem. Smoot may be the only member of the team who has spent more time at Redskins Park than the coaches this off-season. He has improved his game each year in the league, and the Redskins hope this is the year he breaks out.
Taylor could be the player that makes the biggest impact in the secondary. At 6-3, 235, he covers like a CB and hits like a LB. Gregg Williams, who traditionally makes great use of his safeties in a variety of situations, was able to convince Gibbs to take Taylor over TE Kellen Winslow II. He has surely been experimenting in the laboratory like a mad scientist, coming up with ways to use Taylor’s unique skills to his advantage.
Competing for the starting spot opposite Taylor are last year’s starters Matt Bowen and Ifeanyi Ohalete, but both will see plenty of playing time during the season. Walt Harris, Ralph Brown and Rashad Bauman are the nickel and dime backs.
Special Teams
John Hall finally stabilized the recurring kicking problems last season. He was 25-of-33 on field goal attempts, including 4-of-7 over 50 yards. His leg also helps on the kickoff team as he routinely puts the ball into the endzone and his high hang-times give coverage units plenty of time to get down the field.
Tom Tupa takes over punting duties and has carved a niche as one of the leagues best. Tupa will also serve as Hall’s holder for field goals, so it helps that they are familiar with each other from their days with the Jets. Chad Morton and James Thrash will be the returners, and both have extensive experience and accomplishments in that area.
