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The Redskins turned themselves around quickly from 2011 to 2012, in large part to quarterback Robert Griffin III. As one of the most talented rookies that the NFL has ever seen, RG3 helped transform the offense from one that has been especially boring for years into perhaps the most exciting unit in the league. With new schemes, formations, and options, Washington marched to a 10-6 record and NFC East title. There was only one problem:
The defense is still pretty bad, and RG3 cost the Redskins a couple of first-round picks.
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Griffin is worth every penny, but it still leaves Washington in a pickle when it comes to improving a defense that was 22nd in points allowed, 28th in yardage allowed, and 30th against the pass. Teams knew they could successfully throw on Washington, and so they became the most passed-on team in the league. The Redskins will need to find somebody to start in the secondary and put some fear into opposing quarterbacks. Could that player be safety Matt Elam of Florida? Walter Football thinks so in their latest mock draft, projecting Elam to the Redskins with the 51st overall pick:
Brandon Meriweather cannot be relied upon to stay healthy, and it's not like he was a Pro Bowl talent anyway. Madieu Williams, meanwhile, needs to be upgraded because he's not any good.
Elam would be an easy upgrade over what Washington currently has and should start from Day 1. If they decide to go another direction, you definitely would think it's going to be a player on defense. They really are about as exciting to watch with Griffin as the field as opposing quarterbacks are to watch against this porous defense.
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