Washington Redskins Offseason Preview: Kedric Golston

As we continue our Washington Redskins offseason preview series, the next player on our list is defensive tackle Kedric Golston.

December 9, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins defensive lineman Kedric Golston (64) walks off the field after beating the Baltimore Ravens 31-28 at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Golston was purely used as a depth player last season, appearing in all 16 regular season games while recording eight assists and no solo tackles. At 6’4, 318, Golston is a great player to plug in as a nose tackle because of his size, and although he may not have gaudy stats, having an athletic 310+ pound player to stick in the middle of your defensive line improves the running defense immensely.

There’s certainly a fit for Golston to return in the same role next season if he’s willing to keep roughly the same salary. Golston made just under $700,000 last season, and if that’s what he’s seeking in his next contract, he has a chance to be back.

With Barry Cofield, Jarvis Jenkins and Stephen Bowen as the three linemen in Washington’s base 3-4 defense, Golston gives the Redskins the option to bring in that fourth player when they choose to throw 4-3 formations at opposing offenses. Of the three starters in the 3-4 scheme, all three check in at similar measurements to Golston (Jenkins – 6’4, 315; Cofield – 6’4, 318; Bowen – 6’5, 310), so Golston makes for an ample replacement at either defensive end position or at defensive tackle.

Though the Redskins could look to replace Golston in the draft, he is an inexpensive, quality depth player that knows the Washington system. He’s a great locker room guy with veteran experience, and is certainly a candidate to return.