Here's a closer look at the positions the Washington Redskins could target at the NFL combine in Indianapolis:

Positions of need: The Redskins have not drafted a defensive lineman before the fifth round since 2011. The result is a group that lacks high-level young talent to build around. Three of their top four linemen from this past season are free agents: Chris Baker, Ziggy Hood and Cullen Jenkins. There’s no guarantee that any will return, and even if they do, the Redskins want more help up front -- especially young help. Linebacker and offensive line will also be positions of need. The Redskins considered their starting inside linebackers, Will Compton and Mason Foster, to be adequate. Compton is a restricted free agent and a defensive leader. Foster finished strong last season. But when you’ve struggled defensively for a number of seasons, there will be few areas you can’t upgrade.

Targets:

Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State: He’ll be an intriguing player and certainly must be a person of interest. The problem is, there has been good and bad with McDowell, which means the Redskins would have a lot to investigate. His play dropped off last season compared to 2015. The good: He’s athletic enough to play anywhere along the line, so he could help in base and nickel. The bad: There were questions about his passion and motivation.

Budda Baker, S, Washington: Though safety might not be a primary need, Baker is a ball of energy and would give the Redskins a passionate pairing at the position (along with Cravens). The Redskins could use more of that on defense. It’s hard to imagine the other top safeties being around -- Malik Hooker would fit well given his ball skills, but would likely go higher -- when Washington selects at No. 17. But Baker could be the kind of guy with whom McCloughan falls in love, especially after meeting with him at the combine.

Jonathan Allen, DT, Alabama: There’s zero chance he falls to No. 17. But stay with me for a minute: If the Redskins end up trading quarterback Kirk Cousins to San Francisco -- and say, the teams swap first-round picks (it’s uncertain if that’s even a legitimate possibility) -- then Washington would have the No. 2 choice overall. And Allen would fill a tremendous need. Because of the possibility of a trade, the Redskins have to look at players who are projected to go much higher than their current pick. Of course, if they trade Cousins, then they must check out every quarterback projected to go in the first two rounds.

Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State: I would not put running back as the primary need, so selecting one in the first round might be tough to justify. However, they could use a game-breaker, and Cook provides that sort of talent. Interviews will be important for him at the combine because of multiple off-field issues that beg for more research. But if the Redskins lose receivers Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson in free agency -- nothing here is a guarantee -- then they could help their offense by selecting a potential home run-type back.

Caleb Brantley, DT, Florida: His lack of pass-rushing prowess in college will lead to questions about his athleticism (and it's why he might not go in the first round). But depending what the Redskins add in free agency, they could be tempted by Brantley after the first round -- or even during it, depending on his workouts. Being able to check out his athleticism up close -- and seeing if he can develop pass-rush skills -- will be important.