What do the Redskins really need?

With the offseason Olympics ready to get underway, I decided the best place to start was at the beginning (I realize this is an earth-shattering concept) and determine what holes actually need to be filled.

While looking around the net I noticed a blog where the guy was completely off his rocker and in the same column he got on Dan Snyder for getting rid of the continuity put in place in the coaching staff right after he said the Skins should get rid of it seemed 2/3rds of the team's starters including Clinton Portis, Jon Jansen and Randy Thomas.

If it was this guy's intention to grab attention, well then he accomplished his job. If it was his intention to provide meaningful insight into what action the team will take then he fell well short of the mark.

"George" does make a solid point in stating that if there is a major injury on the offensive line next year there will be issues. However, we weathered a ton of injuries on that line last year (Jansen and Thomas included) and we were able to bring along some young, talented players. But, think of how much smoother next season would be if Jansen, Thomas and the rest of the guys can avoid injuries - you're talking about one of the best collective units in the game. Jansen and Thomas are not washed up and so talk of the O Line needing help is overly exaggerated although a late round flier, especially coached by Joe Bugel, never seems to be a bad idea.

But I am rambling and I want this to be more of a list so here are the needs of the team as I see them, in no particular order:

1. Defensive backs: We need both safties and CB's after the loss of Sean Taylor and the continuing struggles of Carlos Rogers. It was nice to have Shawn Springs healthy for a good chunk of time and Fred Smoot was a reliable asset too. Reed Doughty has proved himself worthy of a shot at a starting spot after taking over for Taylor but depth at both positions are crucial.

2. Defensive line: This group has been so sporadic the last few years that something needs to be added and if this were a car it would be a stabilizing bar. Many projections online have us taking a DT with our 1st round pick and that would definitely be a good move. Phillip Daniels isn't getting any younger either so it might be nice to find his eventual replacement this year too.

3. Offensive line: I already talked about this earlier but a late round pick to add depth seems like the smart play here. Stephon Heyer proved to be a valuable commodity despite not even being drafted so who's to say we won't need another Heyer this year?

4. Quarterback: Yes, Jason Campbell is the QB of the future but if he goes down again, how much longer can we rely on Todd Collins? This year could be the one to draft or sign a younger backup so he could get acclimated to the time and be ready if the situation ever arises. The rest of the offense seems to be in good enough shape (although it would be nice for the WR's to produce more this year) so drafting a future QB could be a luxury this year the Skins may not have next year.

In keeping with continuity, it seems many of these starters could already be the place and the emphasis then should be on selecting role players. I realize we were 9-7 but we were close and when we got on a roll we were one of the toughest teams to play at the end of the year. Adding missing pieces - and not making major renovations - could be just what this team needs to advance in the playoffs next year.