Cofield: Time will tell

We know that it has been reported that the Redskins and Giants defensive tackle Barry Cofield have agreed to a six-year contract worth $36 million with $12.5 million guaranteed.

Beyond that, we don’t know much.

It is unclear where the 4-3 defensive tackle fits into the Redskins 3-4 defensive scheme. At 6-foot-3, 305, he might be a bit light to fill the Redskins’ primary need at nose tackle. But Jim Haslett could alter the scheme to accommodate a light man in the middle of the line in certain situations. Jay Ratliff of the Cowboys has made three straight Pro Bowls while playing nose tackle at less than 300 pounds.

There was talk that second-round draft pick Jarvis Jenkins, who weighs in at about 315 lb., might play some nose tackle as well so perhaps the defense is being retooled in order to accommodate

We will know more about Cofield’s role if and when they make their next move on the defensive line. If they acquire an end such as the Packers’ Cullen Jenkins, we can expect to see Cofield play more on the inside. Should a nose tackle like Aubrayo Franklin or Kelly Gregg come to Washington, Cofield will be an end.

We also do not yet know whether or not the Redskins overpaid for Cofield. An average of $6 million a year for an interior defensive lineman who has never sniffed a Pro Bowl seems a bit high to some. But we are early in what promises to be a wild free agency market. Before judging the value of Cofield’s deal we need to see what else comes in. It may prove to be a solid deal for a 27-year-old player who has missed just one game in five years as a starter on a very good Giants defense.

 

Comments

[Pierre]

This is a great signing but I dont get why the redskins signed stallworth ! and Cofield, he seems like a great guy and a good player but he played in a 4-3 all his life... And we know that converted players dont always work out the way we want them to (Albert).
And we signed another running back and a tight end out of college: WHY ?? we already have plenty of depths at both positions !! we have like 8 running backs and 4 tight ends, but still no reliable nose tackle, center, guard, right tackle, cornerback, inside linebacker, quarterback...
They should first try to fill those positions of real need instead of adding more unnecessary depth...

[Kdiggy]

@Pierre We have to get 90 players on our roster. So we will see lots of more signings. And I know Bruce and Mike have a plan.

[Pierre]

I think they do, I trust them, but will it be a good plan ... ?
Only time will tell...

[Thomas Johnson]

Signing the extra TE and RB could purely be for ST or just for preseason games so we dont kill our starters.

[Jeff Harmon]

1. Before people say Cofield is to light to play NT, I like to point out that Barry Cofield on the Giants team basically played a NT position that translates well to a 3-4 scheme. Look at tape of the Giants defense, I mean really look at it.

The two DE's (usually Tuck and Umenyiora) have extremely wide splits, sometimes even coming from a 2 point stance and have no run stuffing responsibility there only job is to get right up the field and make plays. Cofield eats up constant double teams on 1st and 2nd down and does a great job of scrapping (keeping leverage down the line to stuff runs) and also has a great pass rush on 3rd downs.

I believe Cofield was signed to play NT and will do it, in the same mold of Ratliff (lighter than Cofield). Cofield will excel at the position because he's a strong guy and is a problem against anyone playing C and OG.

2. Look for the Skins today and tomorrow to get some rookies signed, sign a DE (Cullen Jenkins), CB ( Josh Wilson or Richard Marshall), OG (Chris Chester or Davin Joseph) and a OT (Ryan Harris or Jammal Brown).

3. The signing of Kellen Clemons shows the Skins probably only carrying 2 QB's this year and a young guy on practice squad. Still saying, wouldn't be surprised if Skins make a play for Pryor.

[Roy Hobbs]

Terrelle Pryor will never be a Shanahan pick for the Redskins.

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