September 5, 2015
By Justin Nicely
By Justin Nicely
Quarterbacks:
Kirk Cousins
Colt McCoy
Head Coach Jay Gruden announced that he would start Kirk Cousins for the 2015 season over RGIII and McCoy. McCoy has been taking reps with the second string while Griffin has been with the third team after Gruden’s decision. Even though they said they will keep Robert Griffin III, I don’t believe they actually will. Once he’s cleared by the doctor to play, I believe he will be released. There’s not really a good reason to keep him as of now; he would just become a distraction at the bottom of the depth chart. It would be a fresh start for both sides.
Kirk Cousins
Colt McCoy
Head Coach Jay Gruden announced that he would start Kirk Cousins for the 2015 season over RGIII and McCoy. McCoy has been taking reps with the second string while Griffin has been with the third team after Gruden’s decision. Even though they said they will keep Robert Griffin III, I don’t believe they actually will. Once he’s cleared by the doctor to play, I believe he will be released. There’s not really a good reason to keep him as of now; he would just become a distraction at the bottom of the depth chart. It would be a fresh start for both sides.
Running Backs (Fullbacks):
Alfred Morris
Matt Jones
Chris Thompson
Trey Williams
Darrel Young (FB)
Alfred Morris, Matt Jones, and Darrel Young are a lock to be on the 53-man roster. While Thompson and Williams have been duking it out for the ‘last’ spot, they will both end up making the squad in this situation since they will only be carrying two QBs. Both of them have been very impressive this offseason and can bring the change of pace the offense needs at running back. People in the organization like Williams, but many do not think they can sneak him on to the practice squad without another team scooping him up.
Alfred Morris
Matt Jones
Chris Thompson
Trey Williams
Darrel Young (FB)
Alfred Morris, Matt Jones, and Darrel Young are a lock to be on the 53-man roster. While Thompson and Williams have been duking it out for the ‘last’ spot, they will both end up making the squad in this situation since they will only be carrying two QBs. Both of them have been very impressive this offseason and can bring the change of pace the offense needs at running back. People in the organization like Williams, but many do not think they can sneak him on to the practice squad without another team scooping him up.
Wide Receivers:
DeSean Jackson
Pierre Garçon
Andre Roberts
Jamison Crowder
Ryan Grant
Rashad Ross
Evan Spencer
This year I have the Redskins keeping seven receivers. The first five are a lock to make it on the roster while Ross and Spencer are the last two to make it on. If the Redskins went with six receivers they would most likely decide between these two. Rashad Ross has shown a lot of improvement this off-season. He led the NFL with 25 receptions, 266 yards, and 4 touchdowns. And on the other hand Evan Spencer has been really impressive in special teams work and has done some good things in the passing attack, but he did have a problem with dropping balls too often. So if they did go that route and only keep six they would have to choose between a speedster who would really only see the field if DeSean Jackson was injured or a wide receiver who can play special teams which is something the Redskins are lacking at the position (although Ross can also return kicks).
DeSean Jackson
Pierre Garçon
Andre Roberts
Jamison Crowder
Ryan Grant
Rashad Ross
Evan Spencer
This year I have the Redskins keeping seven receivers. The first five are a lock to make it on the roster while Ross and Spencer are the last two to make it on. If the Redskins went with six receivers they would most likely decide between these two. Rashad Ross has shown a lot of improvement this off-season. He led the NFL with 25 receptions, 266 yards, and 4 touchdowns. And on the other hand Evan Spencer has been really impressive in special teams work and has done some good things in the passing attack, but he did have a problem with dropping balls too often. So if they did go that route and only keep six they would have to choose between a speedster who would really only see the field if DeSean Jackson was injured or a wide receiver who can play special teams which is something the Redskins are lacking at the position (although Ross can also return kicks).
Tight Ends:
Jordan Reed
Derek Carrier
Je'Ron Hamm
If Reed can stay healthy for the whole season this position group will become a strong positional group. But that’s the problem, he hasn’t been able to stay healthy throughout his career as he’s missed 12 games in two seasons. After trading a 2017 5th-round pick to the 49ers for tight end Derek Carrier he should most likely make the roster. In the final preseason game vs the Jaguars on a 4th and 7 he had the ball knocked out of his hands after being hit pretty good in the back, if he would have held on, it would have gave the Redskins a first down and could have set up a game winning field goal. Je’Ron Hamm has had some good plays in preseason games so far, but would be one of the last ones on the roster if he makes it. With tackle Tom Compton also working at tight end, Hamm could become a practice squad candidate in case Carrier or Reed went down with an injury. It could also open up a spot at another roster spot as well.
Jordan Reed
Derek Carrier
Je'Ron Hamm
If Reed can stay healthy for the whole season this position group will become a strong positional group. But that’s the problem, he hasn’t been able to stay healthy throughout his career as he’s missed 12 games in two seasons. After trading a 2017 5th-round pick to the 49ers for tight end Derek Carrier he should most likely make the roster. In the final preseason game vs the Jaguars on a 4th and 7 he had the ball knocked out of his hands after being hit pretty good in the back, if he would have held on, it would have gave the Redskins a first down and could have set up a game winning field goal. Je’Ron Hamm has had some good plays in preseason games so far, but would be one of the last ones on the roster if he makes it. With tackle Tom Compton also working at tight end, Hamm could become a practice squad candidate in case Carrier or Reed went down with an injury. It could also open up a spot at another roster spot as well.
Offensive Line:
Trent Williams
Shawn Lauvao
Kory Lichtensteiger
Brandon Scherff
Morgan Moses
Tom Compton
Spencer Long
Arie Kouandjio
Josh LeRibeus
Trent Williams
Shawn Lauvao
Kory Lichtensteiger
Brandon Scherff
Morgan Moses
Tom Compton
Spencer Long
Arie Kouandjio
Josh LeRibeus
Defensive Line:
Jason Hatcher
Terrance Knighton
Stephen Paea
Ricky Jean-Francois
Chris Baker
Frank Kearse
One of the stronger position groups on the team now, I had them only keeping six players here so there would be room for an extra wide receiver. Jean-Francois, Baker, Kearse can line up on the ends and at tackle and should rotate in every once in a while. The Redskins could decide to go a different way with the last spot, but I think they will keep Kearse because of the potential he showed last season recording three sacks during the regular season.
Jason Hatcher
Terrance Knighton
Stephen Paea
Ricky Jean-Francois
Chris Baker
Frank Kearse
One of the stronger position groups on the team now, I had them only keeping six players here so there would be room for an extra wide receiver. Jean-Francois, Baker, Kearse can line up on the ends and at tackle and should rotate in every once in a while. The Redskins could decide to go a different way with the last spot, but I think they will keep Kearse because of the potential he showed last season recording three sacks during the regular season.
Middle Linebackers:
Keenan Robinson
Perry Riley
Will Compton
Martrell Spaight
Keenan Robinson is the play caller and the best MLB on the defense. Riley could be feeling pressure for his starting job, but should still be given his roster spot. Will Compton has been out most of the training camp and preseason with an injury, but considering their other options, Compton is the most experience and should also get a spot. Fifth-round pick Martrell Spaight did some good things in preseason games so far, but showed he still needs time to improve in a few places. I wouldn't count out Terrance Plummer though, he could possibly sneak onto the roster.
Keenan Robinson
Perry Riley
Will Compton
Martrell Spaight
Keenan Robinson is the play caller and the best MLB on the defense. Riley could be feeling pressure for his starting job, but should still be given his roster spot. Will Compton has been out most of the training camp and preseason with an injury, but considering their other options, Compton is the most experience and should also get a spot. Fifth-round pick Martrell Spaight did some good things in preseason games so far, but showed he still needs time to improve in a few places. I wouldn't count out Terrance Plummer though, he could possibly sneak onto the roster.
Outside Linebackers:
Ryan Kerrigan
Preston Smith
Trent Murphy
Jackson Jeffcoat
Ryan Kerrigan signed a five-year extension in the off-season so he’ll have no problem making it on the roster. Former second-round picks Preston Smith and Trent Murphy have competed for the starting spot across from Kerrigan, but it still has not been announced who will start. They should both make the roster. The last spot will be between Jackson Jeffcoat and Houston Bates. Jeffcoat is tied for the most sacks this preseason with four and Bates is fifth in the league with 3. Both played well in coverage also with Jeffcoat intercepting a pass and Bates having a nice pass breakup against a tight end. I went with Jackson Jeffcoat in this situation because I think the Redskins might have a shot getting Bates on the practice squad. Jeffcoat also showed he has a ton of potential creating plays near the end of the regular season last year.
Ryan Kerrigan
Preston Smith
Trent Murphy
Jackson Jeffcoat
Ryan Kerrigan signed a five-year extension in the off-season so he’ll have no problem making it on the roster. Former second-round picks Preston Smith and Trent Murphy have competed for the starting spot across from Kerrigan, but it still has not been announced who will start. They should both make the roster. The last spot will be between Jackson Jeffcoat and Houston Bates. Jeffcoat is tied for the most sacks this preseason with four and Bates is fifth in the league with 3. Both played well in coverage also with Jeffcoat intercepting a pass and Bates having a nice pass breakup against a tight end. I went with Jackson Jeffcoat in this situation because I think the Redskins might have a shot getting Bates on the practice squad. Jeffcoat also showed he has a ton of potential creating plays near the end of the regular season last year.
Cornerbacks:
Chris Culliver
DeAngelo Hall
Bashaud Breeland
David Amerson
Justin Rogers
After signing Culliver in free agency he will be the Redskins top corner entering the year. They also restructured DeAngelo Hall’s contract in the off-season, and he should be the starting cornerback opposite of Hall. Bashaud Breeland sprained his MCL early in training camp and has been out until he returned last night. He had to shake off some rust but he will take over the slot roll after week one as he is suspended for the first game. 2013 second round pick David Amerson will play the backup roll to Culliver and Hall. Amerson had some ups and downs during some preseason games but will make it on to the roster this season. Justin Rogers also had some ups and downs during preseason but one played stood out as he chased down the kick returner and stopped him short of the goal line and later resulted in a turnover. Rogers will be tasked with covering the slot for the first game of the season for Breeland.
Chris Culliver
DeAngelo Hall
Bashaud Breeland
David Amerson
Justin Rogers
After signing Culliver in free agency he will be the Redskins top corner entering the year. They also restructured DeAngelo Hall’s contract in the off-season, and he should be the starting cornerback opposite of Hall. Bashaud Breeland sprained his MCL early in training camp and has been out until he returned last night. He had to shake off some rust but he will take over the slot roll after week one as he is suspended for the first game. 2013 second round pick David Amerson will play the backup roll to Culliver and Hall. Amerson had some ups and downs during some preseason games but will make it on to the roster this season. Justin Rogers also had some ups and downs during preseason but one played stood out as he chased down the kick returner and stopped him short of the goal line and later resulted in a turnover. Rogers will be tasked with covering the slot for the first game of the season for Breeland.
Safeties:
Duke Ihenacho
Dashon Goldson
Jeron Johnson
Kyshoen Jarrett
Trenton Robinson
Duke Ihenacho has been very impressive this offseason and will start opposite of one of the leaders on defense in Dashon Goldson. Jeron Johnson signed a two-year deal with the Redskins earlier this year and will play behind Ihenacho. Kyshoen Jarrett has shown his potential and versatility the past four game too. He can play both safety spots and has worked in the slot this offseason. Trenton Robinson is a special team’s ace and even if they only keep four at this position they should consider keeping Robinson for his special team’s ability and experience.
Duke Ihenacho
Dashon Goldson
Jeron Johnson
Kyshoen Jarrett
Trenton Robinson
Duke Ihenacho has been very impressive this offseason and will start opposite of one of the leaders on defense in Dashon Goldson. Jeron Johnson signed a two-year deal with the Redskins earlier this year and will play behind Ihenacho. Kyshoen Jarrett has shown his potential and versatility the past four game too. He can play both safety spots and has worked in the slot this offseason. Trenton Robinson is a special team’s ace and even if they only keep four at this position they should consider keeping Robinson for his special team’s ability and experience.
Special Teams:
Kicker: Kai Forbath
Long Snapper: Nick Sundberg
Punter: Tress Way