The Washington Redskins had a strong secondary in 2017, but the organization traded star cornerback Kendall Fuller for Alex Smith. That could return attention to cornerback, but with Denzel Ward and Joshua Jackson off the board, Washington targets what may be its biggest flaw.
Washington ranked dead last in the NFL in rushing yards allowed and No. 29 in rushing yards allowed per attempt, which makes plugging up the middle the top priority.
Vita Vea may be viewed by some as a reach here, but his ceiling is that of an All-Pro player. He’s projected by most to line up at defensive tackle in a 4-3 scheme, but there’s a growing belief that he can play in a 3-4 system, as well.
Vea carries a lot of weight at 6’4″ and 347 pounds, but he does so exceptionally well with a rare combination of power and speed.
When Vea is motivated, he’s a disruptive force who can take up multiple blockers and create penetrating lanes for the players behind him. There are some questions about his motor, but if the coaching staff believes it can help him find a more stable competitive fire, it should make this move.
Vea can single-handedly improve Washington’s abysmal run defense and prepare it for a division that could potentially feature Ezekiel Elliott and Saquon Barkley.