Positional Analysis: Cornerbacks

This off season began with a major signing to bolster the cornerback unit. DeAngelo Hall, who finished the second half of last season with the 'Skins, signed a long term contract to stay with the team during the first minutes of free agency. Hall, 25, has long been viewed as a big time playmaker, and that's exactly what this unit needs. He has a knack for finding the football, and even taking interceptions back for touchdowns.

Hopefully his counterpart, Carlos Rogers, will be able to learn from his example. Rogers has performed well as a cover corner, showing great strides last year after coming off a major knee injury, but has had trouble creating turnovers. The 'Skins ranked at the bottom of the league last year in turnovers, and if they want to make improvements, Rogers, 27, will have to be a big part of that. Rogersis set to be a free agent after this season, and if he is going to get the kind of contract he desires, he'll have to step up his game.

Behind the two starters, things are looking pretty grim. The veteran leader of the unit will be Fred Smoot, who is entering his 7th year with the team. He will be the nickle corner, but has very little experience playing this position which has much different techniques than playing on the outside. He can be easily exposed by defenses while playing on the slot, and could be a major weakness for the defense.

As if things couldn't get worse, behind Smoot there are no proven players. Justin Tryon, a draft choice last year, barely saw the field last year, and will be depended on a lot this year. It's only going to take one injury for this kids playing time to spike dramatically, and things could be scary if that happens. He has been critiqued for his lack of size and physicality, both qualities a nickle corner needs.

The fifth corner on the roster is Byron Westbrook, a graduate of local DeMatha Catholic High School. Westbrook has been on the practice squad the past two years, and should challenge Tryon for the fourth corner spot. It seems inevitable that he will make the team this year with the lack of players at this position right now. Westbrook is also undersized, but is a hard worker and will put the time in needed to get better.

With a huge lack of picks in the draft this year, it could be difficult for the 'Skins to address this position during the draft. They need players at this position, but there are much greater concerns to be addressed first. If there are a slue of injuries to this position, however, the team could find themselves in a hot mess trying to cover pass happy team.

Redskins Roster Review: Defense

Even if you only saw one Redskins game last year, you would have left knowing the strong point of the team was it's defense.

The 'Skins finished the season ranked 4th overall on yards allowed. Defensive coordinator Greg Blatche has repeatedly defended his players and his scheme, but there is definitely room for improvement.

The defense ranked 29th in takeaways last season, only taking the ball from their opponents 18 times. They also posted only 24 sacks, placing them in the cellar of the NFC. Moves this off season should help to raise these numbers.

Vinny Cerrato is back to true form this off season, making huge splashes wit the signings of DeAngelo Hall and the $100 million man, Albert Haynesworth. These two players should make a big difference in both categories.

Hall, who with the team for the second half of the season, had three interceptions in his short time with the team. An off season with the coaches and his teammates will only increase his production, but the big man in the middle will help him the most.

Haynesworth is a beast up front, taking on double and triple teams while still reaching the quarterback. This also frees up teammates to get the quarterback, and will also make quarterbacks throw errant passes which the defensive backs can jump on.

Even with these additions, there are gaps. An experienced starting outside linebacker is needed as well as another pass rusher, but overall the group is moving in the right direction.

Fast Start to Free Agency

The Redskins started free agency fast last week, signing three starters for next season in the first 24 hours.

The first player to sign with the Redskins was DeAngelo Hall, 24, who played with the team during the second half of last season. He inked a 6-year, $55 million deal with $23 million guaranteed. The two sides agreed to terms just before free agency started, but the Redskins were just getting started.

The Redskins negotiated with All Pro defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth through the night, agreeing on a 7-year deal worth $100 million, the largest contract given to a defensive player ever. The deal includes $41 million in guarantees, and Haynesworth, 27, is set to get $32 million in the first 13 months. This was not the end of the signing spree.

The Redskins also brought back guard Derrick Dockery, 28, who left Washington two years ago in free agency to play for the Buffalo Bills. He was released by them for salary cap reasons, and was quickly pursued by the Redskins.

These were three shrewd signings, and the Redskins picked good players to give their money to. All three will undoubtedly start next season, barring any injuries, and should contribute for years to come.