The Washington Redskins continue to make strides to build around their quarterback position in 2015 instead of just outright replacing it. With Robert Griffin III entering a critical season as a starter, the Redskins are looking for ways to help him improve which includes eyeing veteran free agents still on the market prior to the NFL Draft. While bringing in some wide receivers for workouts, Washington has now switched their focus to running backs.
According to ESPN, the Redskins are bringing in Stevan Ridley for a workout. The former Patriots running back has already visited the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets, but left without a contract. As of right now, he is the best available at his position outside of Pierre Thomas and potentially Knowshon Moreno who may or may not be healthy.
At 26, Ridley has some red flags on his resume. The running back had a knee injury last year, tearing his ACL in October. He has also had issues with fumbling which caused him to fall into Bill Belichick's dog house in 2013 before losing the starting job to LeGarrette Blount. When healthy and playing well, Ridley is an excellent threat on the field as both a rusher and pass catcher. He would provide a lot of power to the Redskins' rotation that lost Roy Helu in free agency and will now rely on Alfred Morris.
The Redskins would be wise to sweep up Ridley if they like what they see in him. After wrapping up the running back position in free agency, Washington could then look to the draft for help at the wide receiver spot. With a trade up for Marcus Mariota unlikely, the Redskins appear to be favoring top wide receivers in the first round including Amari Cooper and Kevin White.
According to Pete Schrager of FOX Sports, the Redskins have already taken a visit with Amari Cooper and could be prepared to select a wide receiver in the first round over a quarterback. The Redskins make their first selection at No.5. That could put them in a position to get Mariota if he were to fall past the Tennessee Titans. However, it also puts them in position to get Cooper should he be available as well. The issue could be is the Oakland Raiders who draft ahead of them. The team opted not to grab a star wide receiver in free agency, looking to the draft for help instead.
Head coach Jay Gruden has made it clear that Griffin is the starting quarterback for the team, but is working on thin ice. The quarterback must improve in 2015 if he has any hope of getting a contract extension and staying put in Washington. Having more weapons to work with could help.
