In 2012 the Washington Redskins had a magical season by their recent standards.  After going 4-12 in 2011 Daniel Snyder went to work bringing in two players that would change everything in the NFC East for years to come.  Robert Griffin III and Alfred Morris made bigger impacts than anyone anticipated in their first seasons. 

Morris would be the bigger surprise as the sixth round pick out of Florida Atlantic rushed for over 1,600 yards and 13 touchdowns.   Everyone would agree RGIII was an upgrade over Rex Grossman, but I didn’t think he was a six-win upgrade.  This year the Redskins have a lot of needs but no first-round pick.  Snyder needs to hit on each pick to make up for missing out on a first rounder.  Here is a list of the top five needs for the Redskins.

1. Cornerback

DeAngelo Hall is getting older and his coverage skills are diminishing, although he would still be serviceable as a nickel or 4th corner.  This is one position that seems to be really deep in talent and the Redskins definitely have a need.  Two players come to mind that are Logan Ryan from Rutgers and Jordan Poyer from Oregon State. 

Poyer is great as a coverage corner and led the Beavers in interceptions this past season.  He will need to work on helping stop the run.  Ryan seems to be the better all-around corner and he is much disciplined.   The Jim Thorpe Award Finalist finished the season with 96 tackles and 4 interceptions.

2. Safety

Neither safety was very effective in pass defense as far as interceptions, combining for three.  Reed Doughty and Madieu Williams play the same style, strong safety.  With Williams being in the league for nine years you would expect more production.  Baccari Rambo from Georgia and Matt Elam of Florida can be two targets.  Both are expected to go early second round so they need to make their move early.

3. Wide Receiver

Pierre Garcon had trouble staying on the field with injury issues and much like many on this team age is an issue for Santana Moss.  Josh Morgan and Leonard Hankerson even though were solid receivers they are not go to guys.  Possible picks here could be Da'Rick Rogers from Tennessee Tech, Aaron Dobson from Marshall or Kenny Stills from Oklahoma.

4. Linebacker

Redskins at some point will need to address the middle linebacker position. My eye is on Kevin Reddick out of North Carolina and he could make just as big an impact as former Tar Heel Bruce Carter.  Playing behind London Fletcher would be ideal to learn the position from the savvy veteran.

5. Tight End

A later round pickup for a need position Levine Toilolo from Stanford.  Toilolo is a huge target at 6’8.  Toilolo is not the top tight end coming out of college football much less Stanford University.  Known more his run blocking than his pass catching, would be a suitable backup to Fred Davis.  He isn’t a top prospect so you can expect him to get drafted in a later round with less risk.