By: Justin Nicely
We will reveal one player per day (that's the hope anyway). I will be posting it on Instagram (@skinsscout) and Twitter (@skins_scout), so follow me on their to get it first. However, make sure to check back here for the full list as we post it, my personal list, for a little paragraph on why we ranked each player where we did, and videos to go along with each player. Make sure to give us feedback on social media and join the conversation in the comments on Instagram and Twitter! Also, tell us your top 20 list from last season! We hope you enjoy!
Stats from Pro Football Reference.
#20) Tress Way, Punter
Tress Way's 61-yard punt vs the Rams that down at the 6-yard line. Way came in at #20 on our Top 20 #Redskins players from 2017. #HTTR Read Here: https://t.co/BQRf0lWbrN pic.twitter.com/cq7cRC9icY
— SKINSSCOUT (@SKINS_SCOUT) January 31, 2018
Highest Rank: 13
Lowest Rank: Unranked
Last Year’s Rank: 16
2017 Stats:
83 Punts
3796 Yards Punted
64 Yards Longest Punt
45.7 Yards Per Punt
Tress Way punted almost double the amount of times in 2017 than he did in 2016. He continues to improve his numbers every year too. Way is a very reliable punter. Another area that often gets over looked is Way’s job as the place holder on field goal attempts. He consistently handle’s the ball and gives a good hold for the kicker.
My Ranking: Quinton Dunbar
#19) Junior Galette, Outside Linebacker
Junior Galette with the sack on Eli Manning! #Redskins #HTTR pic.twitter.com/TG0x3crgT7
— SKINSSCOUT (@SKINS_SCOUT) February 2, 2018
Nice out and in move by Junior Galette to get the sack on the QB pic.twitter.com/jDgJJpT0RZ
— SKINSSCOUT (@SKINS_SCOUT) February 2, 2018
Highest Rank: 13
Lowest Rank: Unranked
Last Year’s Rank: Unranked
2017 Stats:
20 Tackles
3 Sacks
1 Forced Fumble
2 Passes Defended
I was actually surprised Junior Galette finished this low on the list. I know Galette feels this way and I do to, but if he was utilized more—especially on passing downs—he would have put up a better stat sheet. He consistently put pressure on the quarterback when he was on the field. Galette is an unrestricted free agent this offseason and plans to test the market. I think it would be a mistake if the Redskins let him walk.
My Ranking: Anthony Lanier II
#18) Jonathan Allen, Defensive End
Jonathan Allen, who came in at #18 on our list, drives Kelechi Osemele straight back and sacks Derek Carr! #Redskins #HTTR #RedskinsTweetTeam @jonallen95 pic.twitter.com/5a8ZtV0Kl4
— SKINSSCOUT (@SKINS_SCOUT) February 4, 2018
Highest Rank: 12
Lowest Rank: Unranked
Last Year’s Rank: N/A
2017 Stats:
10 tackles
1 sack
Jonathan Allen’s stats didn’t define his impact. He was limited to only five games in his rookie season, but his impact was felt. If the first round pick would have been able to finish the season he would have found himself higher up the list. Once Allen suffered a season ending Lisfranc injury, the run defense plummeted. I expect Allen to skyrocket up this list in 2018.
My Ranking: Vernon Davis
#17) Ryan Grant, Wide Receiver
Great play design, great pass, and great catch. Our 17th player on our #Redskins Top 20 list comes up clutch with the game winning touchdown vs the Rams. #HTTR pic.twitter.com/50q4Hx5Yog
— SKINSSCOUT (@SKINS_SCOUT) February 6, 2018
Another great catch by Ryan Grant extending his arms away from his body to score a touchdown vs Marcus Peters. #Redskins #HTTR pic.twitter.com/UHEyVN6SbJ
— SKINSSCOUT (@SKINS_SCOUT) February 6, 2018
Highest Rank: 9
Lowest Rank: Unranked
Last Year’s Rank: Unranked
2017 Stats:
45 Receptions
573 Yards
4 Touchdowns
Ryan Grant saw a huge spike in production in 2017, especially after Terrelle Pryor was placed on injured reserve. Grant proved he was a reliable target for Kirk Cousins, and that he could be a top third or fourth receiver. After losing Pierre Garçon, Cousins relied on Grant to be his possession receiver and security blanket. I am looking forward to see what they do with Ryan Grant as he is a free agent this offseason, and if they bring him back, what his role will be.
My Ranking: Preston Smith
#16) Bashaud Breeland, Cornerback
Some of the only offense that happened in this game... Bashaud Breeland's pick-six vs the Chargers! #Redskins #HTTR pic.twitter.com/8Y9Ei35yAE
— SKINSSCOUT (@SKINS_SCOUT) February 8, 2018
Highest Rank: 10
Lowest Rank: Unranked
Last Year’s Rank: 20
2017 Stats:
47 Tackles
19 Passes Defended
1 Interception
1 Touchdown
I don’t understand the controversy on Bashaud Breeland—especially this season. He was a reliable tackler, blew up screen plays, and played well in coverage. He managed to bounce back after a rough year in 2016, and it was good timing too as he is a free agent this offseason. He plans to test the free agent market, but the Redskins might regret letting this happen in the future.
My Ranking: Ryan Grant
#15) Vernon Davis, Tight End
When people say "Vernon Davis is too slow and old to play" just show them this play from week three vs the Chiefs. #Redskins #HTTR pic.twitter.com/x6AAOhUd1h
— SKINSSCOUT (@SKINS_SCOUT) February 8, 2018
Highest Rank: 9
Lowest Rank: 19
Last Year’s Rank: 17
2017 Stats:
43 Receptions
648 Yards
3 Touchdown
Vernon Davis stepped in for the injured Jordan Reed for most of the season. Davis continued to show off his reliable hands and good play. One thing about his game that I think goes unnoticed is his ability to gain yards after the catch. Even at his age, he is breaking off long runs into enemy territory. The Redskins gave him a three-year contract extension, so he should be back next season.
My Ranking: Junior Galette
#14) Josh Doctson, Wide Receiver
Does anyone have an argument against this being Josh Doctson's best play from this past season? Essentially won the game in Seattle. Big time play. #HTTR #Redskins #RedskinsTweetTeam pic.twitter.com/y0IEoZTcMF
— SKINSSCOUT (@SKINS_SCOUT) February 13, 2018
Mossed... @JDoc_son. #HTTR #Redskins #RedskinsTweetTeam pic.twitter.com/SNzbyz3kbs
— SKINSSCOUT (@SKINS_SCOUT) February 13, 2018
Highest Rank: 6
Lowest Rank: Unranked
Last Year’s Rank: Unranked
2017 Stats:
35 Receptions
502 Yards
6 Touchdowns
Even though Doctson had less receptions and receiving yards than the two previous receivers, he made his presence felt elsewhere. He helped improve the Redskins red zone offense, made some crucial plays, and made some impressive catches. It doesn’t show up in the stat sheet necessarily, but he also ‘Mossed’ a few people as well. 2017 was basically his rookie season, so I am excited to watch him keep growing.
My Ranking: Josh Norman
#13) Jamison Crowder, Wide Receiver
Huge catch by Crowder here. Would have been a pick-6 if he didn't come down with this ball. #Redskins #HTTR #RedskinsTweetTeam pic.twitter.com/nFCgvMSBL4
— SKINSSCOUT (@SKINS_SCOUT) February 14, 2018
This move on Bradley Roby and then the euro-step to finish □ pic.twitter.com/Achx99EIMW
— SKINSSCOUT (@SKINS_SCOUT) February 14, 2018
Highest Rank: 10
Lowest Rank: 19
Last Year’s Rank: 8
2017 Stats:
66 Receptions
789 Yards
3 Touchdowns
7 Carries
34 Yards
It’s funny to think that Crowder had a down year in 2017. It’s true though. Even though he was the Redskins leading receiver, everyone had higher expectations for him this past season. It might seem like Crowder didn’t have a good season by what I am saying, but that’s not correct. He had a very solid season, he just had some trouble with some drops for a while, but he eventually got back to his game. He wasn’t used as much in the red zone this season, but he was Kirk Cousins primary target this season.
My Ranking: Josh Doctson
#12) Preston Smith, Outside Linebacker
Preston Smith goes outside and uses the spin move to get back inside and get the sack on Carson Wentz! #Redskins #HTTR #RedskinsTweetTeam pic.twitter.com/fSfizyA8jo
— SKINSSCOUT (@SKINS_SCOUT) February 20, 2018
Great job by Preston Smith reading the screen here and getting the interception. #Redskins #HTTR #RedskinsTweetTeam pic.twitter.com/CtEZV4nuPY
— SKINSSCOUT (@SKINS_SCOUT) February 20, 2018
Highest Rank: 5
Lowest Rank: Unranked
Last Year’s Rank: Unranked
2017 Stats:
42 Tackles
8 Sacks
1 Forced Fumble
1 Fumble Recovery
3 Passes Defended
2 Interceptions
After having a sophomore slump last year, Preston Smith turned it around in his third year. As you can see by his stats, he made plays all over the field. He needs to work on being a little more consistent as he fell off a little bit during the second half of the season, but he still had a solid year. One thing I’d like to point out is his interceptions. Preston Smith had more interceptions in 2017 than Josh Norman and Bashaud Breeland combined.
My Ranking: Bashaud Breeland
#11) Matt Ioannidis, Defensive Tackle
Can't wait to see a healthy Matt Ioannidis on the defensive line next season! #Redskins #HTTR #RedskinsTweetTeam pic.twitter.com/G3uhtcJB0r
— SKINSSCOUT (@SKINS_SCOUT) February 21, 2018
Highest Rank: 7
Lowest Rank: 17
Last Year’s Rank: Unranked
2017 Stats:
27 Tackles
4.5 Sacks
1 Forced Fumble
Matt Ioannidis missed two games due to a broken hand, and he had to play the second half of the season with a big club on his hand. That affected his performance a bit, but he was a dominate player on the defensive line this season. His play was on par with some on the best defensive tackles in the league this season. He made consistent plays in the run and pass game, and with another offseason of work and rest, he should improve even more in 2018.
My Ranking: Jamison Crowder
#10) Morgan Moses, Right Tackle
Coming it at #10 on the #Redskins Top 20 Players: #HTTR #RedskinsTweetTeam pic.twitter.com/y0e8OIGdJW
— SKINSSCOUT (@SKINS_SCOUT) February 28, 2018
Highest Rank: 2
Lowest Rank: 15
Last Year’s Rank: 11
2017 Stats:
16 Games Played
16 Games Started
Morgan Moses played all 16 games this season, and that’s impressive to me because of all the injuries he dealt with. He injured his ankles and knees early in the season, but fought through the pain. At the end of the year, it was announced that he played through torn ligaments in his ankles. The fact that he still managed to play at a high level through that should get him in the top 10—and it did. Moses will likely miss OTA’s later this year, but should be ready for training camp.
My Ranking: Matt Ioannidis
#9) Josh Norman, Cornerback
This hit on Kelce □□ #Redskins #HTTR #RedskinsTweetTeam pic.twitter.com/5BnDTmJYnb
— SKINSSCOUT (@SKINS_SCOUT) March 9, 2018
Highest Rank: 4
Lowest Rank: 14
Last Year’s Rank: 6
2017 Stats:
63 Tackles
9 Passes Defended
2 Forced Fumbles
1 Fumble Recovery
I felt like Josh Norman had a down year this past season. It wasn’t bad by any means; it just wasn’t top tier corner play. He started the year off great. Quarterbacks hardly threw his way all season, but after injuring his shoulder, he didn’t look the same. He still played well, but he got beat more often in 2017 than he did in 2016 and 2015. He is still a top tier corner in the league though, and that shouldn’t be a question. Norman is valuable in so many ways. Not only is he lockdown in coverage, but he makes plays in the backfield on the ball carrier, he blows up screens, and forces crucial fumbles.
My Ranking: Morgan Moses
#8) Chris Thompson, Running Back
Chris Thompson's vision and burst here are great. The little move he put on for the linebacker opened the hole for him that eventually led to the touchdown. #Redskins #HTTR #RedskinsTweetTeam pic.twitter.com/lhAX2r587n
— SKINSSCOUT (@SKINS_SCOUT) March 22, 2018
Can't forget about this play. Shows his threat as a receiver from the backfield too. Great balance to stay on his feet and score #Redskins #HTTR #RedskinsTweetTeam pic.twitter.com/nimGmKYnZv
— SKINSSCOUT (@SKINS_SCOUT) March 22, 2018
Highest Rank: 3
Lowest Rank: 19
Last Year’s Rank: 18
2017 Stats:
64 Carries
294 Rushing Yards
2 Rushing Touchdowns
39 Receptions
510 Receiving Yards
4 Touchdowns
Chris Thompson would definitely be higher on this list if he didn’t suffer a fractured right fibula in week 11. However, he was a pivotal piece in the offense this season. Before week 11, he was the leading receiver for the Redskins and was near the top in terms of yards for most of the season in the receiving category in the NFL. Thompson was a Cousins go-to-guy this season without Garçon, Jackson, and Reed.
My Ranking: Chris Thompson
#7) D.J. Swearinger, Safety
Don't mess with DJ Swearinger when he's coming downhill □□ #HTTR #Redskins pic.twitter.com/p8w0KeAiab
— SKINSSCOUT (@SKINS_SCOUT) July 8, 2018
Another angle of Swearinger's big hit on Marshawn Lynch. He started 17 yards away from the LOS on this play. #Redskins pic.twitter.com/yIEFjuDKWm
— SKINSSCOUT (@SKINS_SCOUT) July 8, 2018
Highest Rank: 3
Lowest Rank: 11
Last Year’s Rank: N/A
2017 Stats:
79 Tackles
4 Interceptions
10 Passes Defended
1 Sack
1 Forced Fumble
DJ Swearinger has been the best safety the Redskins have had in years. He gave up a few plays here and there, but for the most part, he played very well this past season. He was a sure tackler and forced five turnovers. If the Redskins have a healthy Montae Nicholson next season, that would allow Swearinger to move down into the box where he is better suited. The Redskins finally invested into the position and it is starting to pay off.
My Ranking: Zach Brown
#6) Brandon Scherff, Guard
Highest Rank: 2
Lowest Rank: 11
Last Year’s Rank: 9
2017 Stats:
14 Games Played
14 Games Started
Brandon Scherff is another lineman that played through a lot of pain in 2017. He sprained his MCL in week 7 vs the Eagles, but missed only two games. He continues to improve each year, and was selected to the Pro Bowl for the second time in his three-year career.
My Ranking: Brandon Scherff
#5) Zach Brown, Inside Linebacker
Loved this play by Zach Brown here. Energized the defense with the big pile-drive that made the stop on third down. Didn't let Roberts get YAC #Redskins pic.twitter.com/59lfEO2doE
— SKINSSCOUT (@SKINS_SCOUT) July 8, 2018
Highest Rank: 1
Lowest Rank: 9
Last Year’s Rank: N/A
2017 Stats:
127 Tackles
2.5 Sacks
2 Passes Defended
Zach Brown was a huge boost for the Redskins defense. He helped out the run defense a large amount, but after losing some of the pieces along the defensive line, it hindered him a little bit. Brown isn’t great in coverage though, and that hurt his stock a little bit. In 2018, I would like to see him come up with a little more plays than just be a tackling machine.
My Ranking: DJ Swearinger
#4) Kendall Fuller, Cornerback
This is one of many examples of why I love Fuller's game. We saw him make this play multiple times throughout the season. He recognizes the play almost immediately & showed great burst that allowed him to beat the block and make the tackle for loss. #Redskins #Chiefs pic.twitter.com/DUlYIszpGa
— SKINSSCOUT (@SKINS_SCOUT) July 8, 2018
Don't know why Eli Manning made this throw because Fuller had good coverage and there was a safety over the top that would have popped the WR, but either way Fuller had good coverage and was able to turn his head around and maintain body control to come up with the INT. #Redskins pic.twitter.com/Lz4h59V3r0
— SKINSSCOUT (@SKINS_SCOUT) July 8, 2018
Highest Rank: 1
Lowest Rank: 7
Last Year’s Rank: Unranked
2017 Stats:
54 Tackles
4 Interceptions
10 Passes Defended
1 Forced Fumble
Kendall Fuller was LOCKDOWN this season. He was Pro Football Focus’ highest graded Redskins player in 2017 and a top three corner in the entire NFL. He consistently made plays all over the field. He'll shine on the Chiefs next season.
My Ranking: Trent Williams
#3) Trent Williams, Left Tackle
Reminder: @TrentW71 played since early October with what should have been season ending knee injury. He still played at a very high level, made the Pro Bowl, and did this to Joey Bosa in his last game of 2017. #Redskins #HTTR pic.twitter.com/RLhvL0xOj5
— SKINSSCOUT (@SKINS_SCOUT) December 22, 2017
And watch this recovery vs Melvin Ingram. I know these have been posted already, but still. How is it even a question who the best LT in the league is? #Redskins #HTTR pic.twitter.com/wTE2ovtTkZ
— SKINSSCOUT (@SKINS_SCOUT) December 22, 2017
Highest Rank: 1
Lowest Rank: 7
Last Year’s Rank: 2
2017 Stats:
10 Games Played
10 Games Started
Even though he played in only ten games this season, Trent Williams was still the “silverback” he always is. He again made the Pro Bowl in 2017. He consistently minimized the impact of some of the best pass rushers in the NFL. Williams did all of this on a knee injury that should have ended his season early in the year. I don’t think it is close to who the best tackle in the NFL is.
My Ranking: Kirk Cousins
#2) Kirk Cousins, Quarterback
This is a throw you rarely saw from Cousins until 2017—and then again, it still wasn't often that he would take chances like this. He placed this one in a good spot for Doctson to go up and get in stride. I think we'll see Cousins making more of these throws with the #Vikings pic.twitter.com/j2sehF3dFg
— SKINSSCOUT (@SKINS_SCOUT) July 9, 2018
Another ball Cousins threw up for grabs that he placed pretty well. He steps up in the pocket after getting pressure from his right. He's able to re-set his feet before throwing instead throwing off his back foot (□). I'm excited to see the #Vikings offense in 2018. #Redskins pic.twitter.com/ReVF7vcSBt
— SKINSSCOUT (@SKINS_SCOUT) July 9, 2018
Highest Rank: 1
Lowest Rank: 6
Last Year’s Rank: 1
2017 Stats:
347 Completions
4093 Passing Yards
27 Passing Touchdowns
13 Interceptions
49 Carries
179 Rushing Yards
4 Touchdowns
This is the first year in the Redskins Top 20 that Kirk Cousins did not receive the number one spot. Considering the injuries and loss of two 1,000 yard receivers, Cousins played very well. He was still near the top in yards in the NFL too. As you know by now, the Redskins let Cousins walk in free agency, and the Vikings were able to sign him to be their franchise quarterback.
My Ranking: Ryan Kerrigan
#1) Ryan Kerrigan, Outside Linebacker
Kerrigan can generate sacks by using many different many. But here, all he had to use was his burst, speed, & effort. He beats everyone off the line & immediately attacks (does not stand up first). The RT holds him around the neck, but Kerrigan fights it off. #Redskins. pic.twitter.com/sYG6ZCgabJ
— SKINSSCOUT (@SKINS_SCOUT) August 6, 2018
Another play where Kerrigan initially wins with burst, but brings in the power/strength to finish. He catches the RT backing up immediately, shying away from contact. Kerrigan takes the opportunity and all he had to do from there was drive him back into the pocket. #Redskins pic.twitter.com/cEPO2h1mXd
— SKINSSCOUT (@SKINS_SCOUT) August 6, 2018
Highest Rank: 1
Lowest Rank: 7
Last Year’s Rank: 5
2017 Stats:
46 Tackles
13 Sacks
3 Forced Fumble
1 Pass Defended
1 Interception
1 Touchdown
We have a new king sitting on the throne of the Redskins Top 20 list. The most underrated player in the league. Even though only one person voted for Kerrigan as the number one player, his average spot was a 2.83 which made him the highest on the list. He earned it too. He had double digit sacks in back-to-back seasons for the first time in his career. He joined Dexter Manley and Charles Mann as the only Redskins player to record at least three double digit sack seasons. Kerrigan also joined four other players in NFL history to record at least 7.5 sacks in each of the first seven seasons of a career. Oh, and he has never missed a game in his career so far.
My Ranking: Kendall Fuller