The rebuild began earlier this offseason, starting with new coaches and moving into free agency where the Washington Redskins found, potentially, four starters. But the work must continue in earnest next week when the Redskins have a chance to do something they haven’t done in a while: set up their defense for long-term success.

Having 10 picks doesn’t mean all must be devoted to the defense. That would be silly and shortsighted; you never know when a need develops at any position. And, besides, a lot of the players drafted won’t be counted on to immediate help (yes, some lower-round picks have in the past, but you don’t expect that going in).

That’s a long-winded way to say: You still draft the best available player. When you load up your team with good players, that’s how you win. If you try just to fill needs, that’s when you build mediocrity.

That said, it’s an excellent draft in areas that could provide Washington plenty of defensive help -- now and in the future. The draft is strong with edge rushers, corners and safeties -- not just in the first round, either. After Round 1, there is solid interior defensive line depth. If the Redskins opt for an offensive player with their first pick, they can still find defensive help in the next couple rounds.

In the past four years, the Redskins have drafted 14 defensive players. Seven are no longer on the roster, and of those who remain, only three are likely starters: corner Bashaud Breeland, linebacker Preston Smith and safety Su’a Cravens. The franchise has drafted one defensive lineman since 2011 -- Matt Ioannidis in the fifth round last spring. Not so coincidentally: The Redskins’ line has been an issue in recent years.

By comparison, during that same time, they’ve drafted 17 offensive players with 12 on the roster and at least five of whom will start (with two others key contributors).

But there’s a good combination of draft capital and talent that could help transform the Redskins’ defense for a few years. It’s way too early to dismiss certain players from recent drafts -- or undrafted free agents, such as end Anthony Lanier. But even if they develop, the Redskins need more help and depth.

Also, they don’t need to draft 10 players. They have two picks in the fourth, sixth and seventh rounds. They could easily package picks to add another choice in the first four rounds. (They could also trade back from 17, add more picks to provide more ammo for another third- or fourth-rounder).

It’s not as if they still have an aging defense. As of now, there’s one projected starter who is 30 -- Ziggy Hood, who hit that age in February. And there’s no guarantee he even starts (though he will be part of the rotation). The Redskins have four projected starters who are currently 25 or younger: Cravens, Smith, Breeland and safety D.J. Swearinger.

The Redskins have 12 defensive players who can be unrestricted free agents next offseason; of those, at least seven or eight are expected to either start or be key contributors -- five play either inside or outside linebacker. You’re always looking for cheaper, younger replacements (provided they can play). Depth provides financial options if nothing else.

The Redskins have nine offensive players who could be unrestricted next offseason; at least seven will be key contributors -- and possibly all of them. So, yeah, the offense could use more young players to develop, offsetting potential losses in 2018.

But the defense has not finished among the top 10 in points allowed since 2008 -- and it's ranked in the bottom half every year since. Nor has the defense finished among the top-10 in yards since 2009. In three of the past five years, it has finished 28th in this category.

The Redskins can’t ignore the offense, nor will they. But they have a chance to really help the defense next week. It’s been a while.