With The First Pick
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NFC East: Top 4 Impact Free Agent division Signings

By Maurice Barksdale

Nov 27, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) runs the ball against the New York Giants during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Giants won 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) runs the ball against the New York Giants during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Giants won 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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NFC East
Nov 20, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Buffalo Bills inside linebacker Zach Brown (53) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bills won 16-12. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington Redskins inside linebacker Zach Brown was in a similar situation as Terrelle Pryor.  He had a big season with the Buffalo Bills but did not garner major interest as a free agent.  So when a long-term deal didn’t happen, the Redskins signed Brown to a 1-year prove it deal.

Zach Brown made the Pro Bowl, led the Bills in tackles with 149 and registered 4 sacks on the year.  Brown has 7 career interceptions and is scheme versatile, with the ability to play in both a 3-4 and a 4-3 defense.

The Washington Redskins starting inside linebackers from last season are both still on the team.  Will Compton and Mason Foster are solid and dependable players.  But neither are sure things to start this season.

Zach Brown must earn a starting spot over the others.  However, he brings the kind of speed and coverage skills that Compton and Foster haven’t shown consistently.  Inside Linebacker has been a position that the Washington Redskins have had trouble solidifying.

Zach Brown can change all of that.  He has the ideal size and athleticism that you look for at inside linebacker.  The ability against the run, to drop in coverage and as a blitzer will make Zach Brown a difference maker in the Washington Redskins defense.

The NFC East has great receiving tight ends and running backs who can catch the ball out of the backfield.  A pro bowl talent like Zach Brown’s will help the Washington Redskins defense close the gap on NFC East offenses like the Dallas Cowboys’ in 2017.

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