McCloughan has a first round pick, the first in three years for the franchise and roughly $15 million under the salary cap. While the draft will be an important part in building the franchise back to success, some areas need an immediate upgrade if this team wants to challenge for the NFC East title in 2015.
The offensive line is a mess as this unit gave up 58 sacks this past season. After ignoring the situation last off season, the new GM must find answers, especially if they don’t want to use another three starting quarterbacks next season.
Bleacher Report writer Marcel Davis has suggested the front office target San Francisco 49ers free agent guard Mike Iupati. With his third straight selection to the Pro Bowl this year and the ability to play when hurt, Iupati would be a great fit with the zone blocking technique the team uses on offense and an upgrade in the pass protection area.
Center is another area of need as this team looks to improve on 2014. Miami Dolphins free agent Samson Satele is a solid option. The eight year veteran has over 100 career starts in the NFL and a player that knows how to play the position, not someone moved from another part of the offensive line to fill a gap, something that Washington has done for the past several years.
Orlando Franklin of Denver is another terrific option. The four year pro is young, but versatile enough to play guard or tackle. Adding a player like this would allow the team to address other needs this off season and still fill a big need heading into the 2015 football season.
Defense is also another area that needs upgrading, especially the secondary, but until this franchise fixes the offensive line, winning more games then they lose just won’t happen anytime soon.
