Chris

Neild

He’ll undergo surgery on Wednesday, August 22. The second-to-last pick in the 2011 NFL draft, Neild recorded 10 tackles in 16 games as a backup nose tackle last season. The injury is a blow to Washington’s defensive line depth behind starter Barry Cofield. Under contract for $555,000 in 2013, Nield will have to battle for a roster spot next summer.

The second-to-last pick of the draft, Neild surprisingly beat out Anthony Bryant for the Redskins’ backup nose tackle job. “We thought he had a lot of upside,” Haslett said. “He plays with a lot of power. He looks and plays the part of a nose.” Haslett likes to rotate his nose tackles, so Neild could end up spelling Barry Cofield often if his strong preseason carries over to Sundays.

Neild, a 2011 seventh-round pick, tore his ACL last August and missed the season. He appeared in 16 games as a rookie backup and racked up ten tackles and two sacks. Neild will compete for a roster spot this summer.

Neild tore the ACL in his right knee during the preseason finale. He also blew out his left knee during the preseason of 2012. It’s unfortunate for Neild, as he would have been starting this week as Barry Cofield (ankle) is out.

A very stout 6-foot-2, 319 pounds, Neild excels at run defense thanks to a strong lower half. He also possesses solid hands, but is under-developed as a pass rusher. His NFL ceiling is likely that of a fill-in nose tackle.

The Redskins have continuity in the defensive scheme, so veterans were presumably able to distribute playbook-type material. Neild is a hard-to-move nose tackle prospect out of West Virginia. If the Skins don’t break the bank on a free agent nose, Neild could play a big role as a rookie. It’s another testament to how weak the Redskins’ roster is. It’s the worst in football.

Neild’s role will depend on what the Redskins end up with in free agency. They’ve already released Ma’ake Kemoeatu as expected, but could be in the market for Aubrayo Franklin and/or Cullen Jenkins.