The Washington Redskins were one of the biggest surprises during the 2015 regular season, and general manager Scot McCloughan will look to continue to build Washington's roster this offseason both through the draft and free agency.
McCloughan will have some major decisions of who to keep and who to let go this offseason, and quarterback Kirk Cousins is the one player the Redskins front office won't let walk, even if it requires them to place the franchise tag on him. The Redskins front office has already made it known that they are willing to let running back Alfred Morris test free agency and are also likely to let defensive tackle Terrance Knighton, walk this offseason as well.
Knighton is unlikely to return next season, and the only way their front office intends to keep him is if they "can't find another nose tackle and if he loses weight," according to ESPN's John Keim. Even if the Redskins struggle to find a strong replacement at nose tackle and Knighton loses the weight, there is no guarantee that Washington's front office will look to resign him, according to Keim.
Knighton recorded 29 combined tackles and 1.5 sacks in his first season in Washington, and the Redskins front office may be looking to acquire youth on their defensive line this offseason. The 2016 NFL Draft is expected to be loaded with talented defensive linemen, particularly interior linemen that could appeal to the Redskins with the 21st pick.
ESPN's Todd McShay projects the Redskins to select Alabama defensive tackle Jarran Reed in the first round, and he could make a strong fit on Washington's defensive line. Defensive tackles such as Louisiana Tech's Vernon Butler, Alabama's A'Shawn Robinson, Louisville's Sheldon Rankins and Ole Miss' Robert Nkemdiche could all be potential targets for the Redskins in the draft, and it will likely depend on who is still available once the Redskins are on the clock.
The Redskins were clearly one of the most improved teams during the 2015 season and are looking to continue to build their roster, as they are looking to make the postseason for the second consecutive season for the first time since the 1991-92 seasons.
