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Why Redskins may target safety in 2017 NFL Draft

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 31: Defensive back Su'a Cravens #36 of the Washington Redskins warms up before the start of an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 31, 2016 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)

Even with the addition of D.J. Swearinger (from Arizona) and the potential shift of Su’a Cravens to safety, the Redskins could look to add extra help in the secondary to utilize Swearinger and Cravens’ strengths inside the box.

  • Although he only saw limited snaps against the run, Su’a Cravens led the Redskins’ linebacker corps in run-stop percentage last season.
  • D.J. Swearinger is at his best when he can be physical. He missed more tackles in the open field than in the box, and ranked fourth in run-stop percentage when playing inside the box (8.0 percent) last season.
  • Even though he brings a strong veteran presence, Washington’s CB-turned-FS DeAngelo Hall earned a subpar PFF coverage grade of 58.7 in 2016, allowed a completion percentage of 85 percent, and a QB rating into his primary coverage of 112.7.
  • Drafting a safety to help patrol the middle of the field will give Washington Defensive Coordinator Greg Manusky the option to get creative and use both Swearinger and Cravens inside the box without compromising the downfield coverage.

D.J. Swearinger run-stop percentage

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