The Washington Redskins' defensive line underwent the most change as did any unit, and the transition was anything but smooth. (Photo: Heather Farrell)

Up next in our evaluation of the Washington Redskins’ players and units is the defensive line.

Perhaps no position was affected as greatly by Mike Shanahan’s arrival as was the defensive line because of the switch to the 3-4.

The transition was anything but smooth as the switch to the 3-4 was what kicked off all the Albert Haynesworth drama. And even for the players that complied and worked to learn the new defense from Day 1, things developed slowly.

Tackles switched to ends, some ends switched to linebackers. Players that were used to working their way upfield and to the quarterback were asked to switch their mindset and move laterally, take on blockers and open holes for the linebackers to blitz, or read where the run was coming and move offensive linemen into those running lanes. When they weren’t in the base 3-4, the players had to learn unconventional formations such as the two-down-lineman nickel front. The job in those packages were to get to the quarterback, but it didn’t happen very often.

Here’s a look at how the Redskins’ defensive linemen did this season.

Left DE Adam Carriker/Phillip Daniels -- The Redskins got Carriker for virtually nothing, swapping their own fifth- and seventh-round picks for the St. Louis Rams’ fifth- and seventh-round picks in exchange for the fourth-year pro, who missed all of last season after tearing a muscle in his shoulder. Carriker was drafted by the Rams to play tackle, but played end in the 3-4 in college. He probably was the Redskins’ most solid starting lineman this season. He led the line with 37 tackles (22 solo). He wasn’t on the field for pass-rushing situations much, but when he was, like many of his fellow linemen, generating much pressure was a problem. Carriker had only 1.5 sacks this season. … Daniels this season saw his playing time decrease as his role was reduced to that of a backup. But the 15-year vet still had a strong season in limited action, recording 21 tackles and two sacks. Daniels was used at right end at times, and got his first start in Week 15 against Dallas, but in that game he re-aggravated an abdomen injury and would up on injured reserve.

NT Ma’ake Kemoeatu/Anthony Bryant -- It was a rough first year as a Redskin for Kemoeatu, who was out of football for all of last season after rupturing his Achilles’ tendon during the preseason of 2009. At 6-foot-5, 350 pounds, Kemoeatu was expected to be a strong run-stopper for the Redskins, but he routinely got blasted off the line by quicker opponents. In addition to trying to get back into football shape, Kemoeatu was slowed by a bad shoulder and ultimately was placed on injured reserve with three games left in the season. … Bryant spent much of the season on the inactive list, but showed potential while starting the final three games of the season. The 6-foot-3, 376-pounder overtook Kemoeatu as starter the week before Kemoeatu went on IR. Bryant did better against the run, but his lack of experience (nine games in three pervious seasons) showed.

Right DE Kedric Golston/Albert Haynesworth/Vonnie Holliday/Jeremy Jarmon -- Previously a defensive tackle, Golston made the move to end because of the 3-4 switch. He said he felt comfortable in the system. But he had his share of ups and downs. Golston had the second-highest tackle total among linemen (35), but didn't record a sack all year. … Haynesworth should have been the Redskins’ most dominant lineman 3-4 or no 3-4, but instead, he was just one big disappointment, as has been well-documented. After boycotting the OTAs because he didn’t want to play nose tackle, he reported for training camp but had to play catchup. Jim Haslett came up with creative ways to use the Big Fella, but he never consistently put for the effort needed. Haynesworth briefly showed signs that he was starting to come around as he had strong outings in Weeks 7 and 8. But from there he fizzled and eventually got suspended with four games left in the season. … Holliday tied with Haynesworth for the defensive line’s lead in sacks (2.5), and in addition to Carriker was solid, but not dominant. His familiarity with the 3-4 helped, but he was used primarily in pass-rushing situations but didn’t generate consistent pressure. … Jarmon had a trying sophomore season. While working his way back from knee surgery, he was at first asked to lose weight to play linebacker, then coaches changed their mind and told him to bulk up to play end. Coming into the season, Jarmon was behind because he was still working to strengthen his knee, and he appeared in only five games and recorded just three tackles and half a sack.

Overall grade -- D
Growing pains were partly to blame for the struggles of the defensive line, but despite the adjustments that were made, the Redskins needed better output than they got. Haynesworth obviously was the most disappointing of the bunch, and could’ve elevated the play of his teammates had he been committed to making a difference. The Redskins have so many needs to address this offseason, but an upgrade to the defensive line is a must. The key to a dominant line in the 3-4 is having an imposing nose tackle. The Redskins also need the rest of their defensive linemen to be physical and clog running lanes. Washington’s defense this season gave up 127.6 rushing yards a game (26th) and 261.7 passing yards (31st). It all starts up front. And if they want to go anywhere next year, they have to upgrade.