As they wade through free agency and prepare to evaluate draft prospects at the Indianapolis Scouting Combine (March 1-6), the Washington Redskins must decide which players to keep and seek to improve their 8-7-1 record from last season.The Sports Xchange and NFLDraftScout.com evaluated the Redskins roster and created a shopping list to use in free agency and reference during the combine.Perhaps the biggest adjustment will be replacing offensive coordinator Sean McVay, who was hired as head coach of the Rams. New offensive coordinator Matt Cavanaugh is hopeful that quarterback Kirk Cousins will return along with at least one of their free agent receivers, DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon.Upgrading the pass rush will also be a priority.Top Three NeedsSafetyAge is an issue here with DeAngelo Hall, Will Blackmon and Donte Whitner all over 30. Youth has to be a priority at this position. The top target in free agency, if the Redskins are looking to spend, would be Eric Berry of the Chiefs, who has made it clear he has no interest in playing another year for Kansas City under the franchise tag. Stealing Barry Church from the Cowboys would make Washington stronger while weakening a rival. T.J. McDonald, Chris Conte and Quentin Demps are also options. In the draft, Malik Hooker (Ohio State), Jamal Adams (LSU) and Jabril Peppers (Michigan) would all be potential first-round targets.Defensive EndWashington still hasn’t invested enough at this position. The pass rush could use more help with an impact player at defensive end. The Giants could let Jason Pierre-Paul walk, and he would be one of the top available free agents and still just 28 years old. Calais Campbell (30 years old) should command top dollar as a dominating 3-4 end. Jabaal Sheard, Charles Johnson and Mario Williams are cheaper, veteran flier options. Solomon Thomas (Stanford), Derek Barnett (Tennessee) Taco Charlton (Michigan), Charles Harris (Missouri) and Carl Lawson (Auburn) are all options in the first and maybe second round for Washington in the draft.Wide ReceiverPierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson are both free agents. Rookie Josh Doctson still has health concerns. That leaves just Jamison Crowder. Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery should get the franchise tag but there’s no guarantee Chicago uses it; he would get a massive deal on the open market. Terrelle Pryor is an interesting name but expected to stay with Cleveland. The draft, heavy with wideouts, may offer better options. Mike Williams (Clemson), Corey Davis (Western Michigan), John Ross (Washington) and Curtis Samuel (Ohio State) are all potential targets for the Redskins in the first round.Own Free AgentsWashington has three big names to focus on this offseason, all on the offensive side. Kirk Cousins, the 29-year-old quarterback no one is sure about, is the biggest name. Cousins will likely receive the franchise tag, with the quarterback reportedly unwilling to sign a new deal before the tag deadline (long story short: he doesn’t want to open himself back up to another tag by signing too early). Jackson has made not-so-subtle overtures to the Eagles over the past few months and Philadelphia looks like a logical destination for him. Garcon would make a lot of sense for either the Rams or 49ers considering his experience with those respective coaching staffs. Neither guy is a good bet to return to Washington.Major Coaching Changes• Offensive coordinator Sean McVay leaves to be Rams head coach• Defensive coordinator Joe Barry fired• Quarterbacks coach Matt Cavanaugh promoted to OC• Linebackers coach Greg Manusky promoted to DC
