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After being one of the league's best defenses in 2005, the Redskins plummeted to 32nd last year. The club also ranked dead last in pass defense, but that was partly due to an inadequate pass rush. Injuries, old age and a stubborn assistant head coach - defense all conspired against the 'Skins in '06, but heading into the draft it was clear what needed to be done: Washington had to draft a defensive lineman, preferably a bad-ass pass rusher.

Because Dan Snyder is ... well, Dan Snyder, the team drafted safety LaRon Landry with the sixth-overall pick. Head coach Joe Gibbs even declared that the defensive line was in fine shape (which explains why the Redskins didn't take one with any of their five draft picks).

Well, maybe Gibbs was onto something: second-year player Kedric Golston could be the control-the-line-of-scrimmage d-lineman Washington was looking for. The '06 sixth-round pick has packed on 20 pounds and is a favorite with the coaching staff.

Bottom line: Ultimately, Golston's success will rely, in part, on the health of Phillip Daniels and Cornelius Griffin, and if Andre Carter can put together a complete season. Still, Golston's ability to clog the middle and draw double-teams should help Washington improve on their anemic sack totals from a year ago. (Hey, you gotta crawl before you walk. )

Thanks to Hogs Haven for the lowdown on Golston.

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[RedskinsNo.1]

I was impressed with Golston last season, for me he stood out above the rest of the shambles that was ourt d-line