July 16, 2018
By Justin Nicely
By Justin Nicely
The Redskins are just ten days away from heading into training camp. In Richmond, they'll go head to head battling each other and will host the New York Jets in a joint practice. During camp and preseason there will be many roster spots up for grabs. Before the intense battles take place, I predicted who I think will make the roster and what the depth chart might look like.
Previewing Each Position
Quarterbacks (2)
Alex Smith
Kevin Hogan
I believe that if Kevin Hogan picks up the offense quickly and proves he can run it well in the preseason, the Redskins could let go of Colt McCoy. Head coach Jay Gruden prefers to keep only two quarterbacks, so if Hogan plays well early on, it could open up a roster spot elsewhere.
Dark Horse: Kevin Hogan
Kevin Hogan
I believe that if Kevin Hogan picks up the offense quickly and proves he can run it well in the preseason, the Redskins could let go of Colt McCoy. Head coach Jay Gruden prefers to keep only two quarterbacks, so if Hogan plays well early on, it could open up a roster spot elsewhere.
Dark Horse: Kevin Hogan
Running Backs (4)
Derrius Guice
Chris Thompson
Samaje Perine
Kapri Bibbs
I believe Derrius Guice is the starting running back come week one. Chris Thompson will be one of the main featured players of the offense still though. I believe the last two roster spots will come down to Perine, Bibbs, and Kelley. It will be an uphill battle for Kelley to beat out Perine due to Perine’s decent success last season and Perine being one of Bruce Allen’s draft picks last season. Bibbs showed that he could step up into a role similar to Thompson’s after his injury vs the Saints. The Redskins coaching staff could value Kapri Bibbs skill set a little more than Robert Kelley’s skill set that is similar to Perine; who is already behind Guice. The Redskins must see something in Keith Marshall though. He has missed the past two years due to injury, but the team has still kept him around instead of letting him go and moving on. Hopefully we can see Marshall more this preseason. This would be a young but talented running back room.
Dark Horse: Bryon Marshall or Keith Marshall
Chris Thompson
Samaje Perine
Kapri Bibbs
I believe Derrius Guice is the starting running back come week one. Chris Thompson will be one of the main featured players of the offense still though. I believe the last two roster spots will come down to Perine, Bibbs, and Kelley. It will be an uphill battle for Kelley to beat out Perine due to Perine’s decent success last season and Perine being one of Bruce Allen’s draft picks last season. Bibbs showed that he could step up into a role similar to Thompson’s after his injury vs the Saints. The Redskins coaching staff could value Kapri Bibbs skill set a little more than Robert Kelley’s skill set that is similar to Perine; who is already behind Guice. The Redskins must see something in Keith Marshall though. He has missed the past two years due to injury, but the team has still kept him around instead of letting him go and moving on. Hopefully we can see Marshall more this preseason. This would be a young but talented running back room.
Dark Horse: Bryon Marshall or Keith Marshall
Wide Receivers (6)
Josh Doctson
Paul Richardson Jr.
Jamison Crowder
Brian Quick
Trey Quinn
Maurice Harris
The top three players are a lock to make the roster. Behind them is one big competition for two to three roster spots. Experience and special teams will be a big factor. They will have good depth at the position no matter who they choose though. Brian Quick will be a valuable veteran backup who made some big plays last year and will be able to work with the young receiving group. I believe Trey Quinn will fill a role that was similar to Ryan Grant’s the past few seasons. Maurice Harris could have won the fourth receiver spot last year if he wasn’t dealing with injuries during camp and preseason. He is a solid receiver that the Redskins should keep around. I am not sure if the Redskins will be able to sneak him on the practice squad this time around. The Redskins still have 2017 sixth-round pick Robert Davis who will be fighting for a roster spot too. The team was also able to pick up two undrafted free agents in Simmie Cobbs Jr. and Cams Sims who I think have a chance to make the roster.
Dark Horse: Cam Sims
Paul Richardson Jr.
Jamison Crowder
Brian Quick
Trey Quinn
Maurice Harris
The top three players are a lock to make the roster. Behind them is one big competition for two to three roster spots. Experience and special teams will be a big factor. They will have good depth at the position no matter who they choose though. Brian Quick will be a valuable veteran backup who made some big plays last year and will be able to work with the young receiving group. I believe Trey Quinn will fill a role that was similar to Ryan Grant’s the past few seasons. Maurice Harris could have won the fourth receiver spot last year if he wasn’t dealing with injuries during camp and preseason. He is a solid receiver that the Redskins should keep around. I am not sure if the Redskins will be able to sneak him on the practice squad this time around. The Redskins still have 2017 sixth-round pick Robert Davis who will be fighting for a roster spot too. The team was also able to pick up two undrafted free agents in Simmie Cobbs Jr. and Cams Sims who I think have a chance to make the roster.
Dark Horse: Cam Sims
Tight Ends (3)
Jordan Reed
Vernon Davis
Jeremy Sprinkle
The tight ends are pretty much a lock to make the roster. After losing Niles Paul this offseason, the Redskins will most likely keep only three on the roster.
Vernon Davis
Jeremy Sprinkle
The tight ends are pretty much a lock to make the roster. After losing Niles Paul this offseason, the Redskins will most likely keep only three on the roster.
Offensive Line (8)
Trent Williams (LT)
Shawn Lauvao (LG)
Chase Roullier (C)
Brandon Scherff (G)
Morgan Moses (RT)
Ty Nsekhe (T/G)
Geron Christian Sr. (T)
Tyler Catalina (G/T)
It isn’t a lock for Shawn Lauvao to make the roster, but it is likely. The coaches love his work ethic, leadership, and smarts. It sounds like the coaching staff will try to move Ty Nsekhe to guard to compete with Lauvao. The Redskins have good tackle depth though with Williams, Moses, Nsekhe, and third-round pick Geron Christian on the roster. Even Tyler Catalina has experience at tackle and guard. The biggest question mark is at center. Second year player, Chase Roullier, will start, but there’s still some questions on him too. The players that just missed the roster at this position were Tony Bergstrom and T.J. Clemmings. I felt like there was enough tackle depth to let go of Clemmings, but Bergstrom or Catalina was a tough decision to make. Catalina has a little more experience across the line, but he’ll have to learn the center position to have a really good chance at making the roster.
Dark Horse: T.J. Clemmings (as a guard) or Casey Dunn
Shawn Lauvao (LG)
Chase Roullier (C)
Brandon Scherff (G)
Morgan Moses (RT)
Ty Nsekhe (T/G)
Geron Christian Sr. (T)
Tyler Catalina (G/T)
It isn’t a lock for Shawn Lauvao to make the roster, but it is likely. The coaches love his work ethic, leadership, and smarts. It sounds like the coaching staff will try to move Ty Nsekhe to guard to compete with Lauvao. The Redskins have good tackle depth though with Williams, Moses, Nsekhe, and third-round pick Geron Christian on the roster. Even Tyler Catalina has experience at tackle and guard. The biggest question mark is at center. Second year player, Chase Roullier, will start, but there’s still some questions on him too. The players that just missed the roster at this position were Tony Bergstrom and T.J. Clemmings. I felt like there was enough tackle depth to let go of Clemmings, but Bergstrom or Catalina was a tough decision to make. Catalina has a little more experience across the line, but he’ll have to learn the center position to have a really good chance at making the roster.
Dark Horse: T.J. Clemmings (as a guard) or Casey Dunn
Defensive Line (7)
Jonathan Allen (DE)
Matt Ioannidis (DE)
Stacy McGee (DE)
Da’Ron Payne (DT)
Ziggy Hood (DT)
Anthony Lanier II (DE)
Tim Settle (DT)
The defensive line is one of the youngest, but most talented positions on the Redskins roster. Allen was only able to play in five games last season, so it will be great to see him fully healthy lining up next to Ioannidis and Payne. Stacy McGee played much better than many fans gave him credit for in 2017. Many of the coaches agreed that McGee was actually their best defensive lineman last year. I believe Ziggy Hood will stick on the roster again this season. Hood is the equivalent to Shawn Lauvao on the defensive side. He is a player the coaches love from a leadership and work ethic standpoint. Phil Taylor Jr. is another veteran that will likely be competing for a roster spot with Ziggy Hood. It is unclear whether or not Taylor will return to the level he was playing at during the preseason last year—and even then it was a pleasant surprise. It would also be a luxury to have another veteran in the defensive line room full of very young players. I am hoping Anthony Lanier II breaks out this season. He showed huge potential vs the Cardinals last season, and I would love to see his game continue to grow. I doubt Tim Settle gets a ton of playing time this season, baring something unforeseen happening, but he should be a solid backup option.
Dark Horse: Phil Taylor Jr.
Matt Ioannidis (DE)
Stacy McGee (DE)
Da’Ron Payne (DT)
Ziggy Hood (DT)
Anthony Lanier II (DE)
Tim Settle (DT)
The defensive line is one of the youngest, but most talented positions on the Redskins roster. Allen was only able to play in five games last season, so it will be great to see him fully healthy lining up next to Ioannidis and Payne. Stacy McGee played much better than many fans gave him credit for in 2017. Many of the coaches agreed that McGee was actually their best defensive lineman last year. I believe Ziggy Hood will stick on the roster again this season. Hood is the equivalent to Shawn Lauvao on the defensive side. He is a player the coaches love from a leadership and work ethic standpoint. Phil Taylor Jr. is another veteran that will likely be competing for a roster spot with Ziggy Hood. It is unclear whether or not Taylor will return to the level he was playing at during the preseason last year—and even then it was a pleasant surprise. It would also be a luxury to have another veteran in the defensive line room full of very young players. I am hoping Anthony Lanier II breaks out this season. He showed huge potential vs the Cardinals last season, and I would love to see his game continue to grow. I doubt Tim Settle gets a ton of playing time this season, baring something unforeseen happening, but he should be a solid backup option.
Dark Horse: Phil Taylor Jr.
Outside Linebackers (4)
Ryan Kerrigan
Preston Smith
Pernell McPhee
Ryan Anderson
The Redskins have a strong tandem in Kerrigan and Smith, but behind them are a fair amount of questions. Pernell McPhee has turned in some good seasons while in the pros, but his past two seasons have been cut short due to injuries. Ryan Anderson has an uphill battle to climb to prove he can be a successful pass rusher in the NFL, and live up to his second round selection. Typically, players with his athletic profile don’t succeed as top end pass rushers in the NFL. However, Pernell McPhee is similar to Anderson in a way and has shown he can have success. I think it was a smart move to bring in McPhee to work with Anderson. He has supposedly lost some weight this offseason too, so hopefully he continues to improve.
Dark Horse: Pete Robinson or Adding a veteran free agent
Preston Smith
Pernell McPhee
Ryan Anderson
The Redskins have a strong tandem in Kerrigan and Smith, but behind them are a fair amount of questions. Pernell McPhee has turned in some good seasons while in the pros, but his past two seasons have been cut short due to injuries. Ryan Anderson has an uphill battle to climb to prove he can be a successful pass rusher in the NFL, and live up to his second round selection. Typically, players with his athletic profile don’t succeed as top end pass rushers in the NFL. However, Pernell McPhee is similar to Anderson in a way and has shown he can have success. I think it was a smart move to bring in McPhee to work with Anderson. He has supposedly lost some weight this offseason too, so hopefully he continues to improve.
Dark Horse: Pete Robinson or Adding a veteran free agent
Inside Linebackers (6)
Zach Brown
Mason Foster
Martrell Spaight
Zach Vigil
Shaun Dion Hamilton
Josh Harvey-Clemons
The Redskins have six inside linebackers on the roster heading into training camp, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they started the season with six inside linebackers. Zach Brown is obviously a lock to start. Mason Foster was in a new position last year calling the defensive plays, and he picked it up very quickly, unfortunately his season was cut short due to injury. I do feel like Martrell Spaight could make a leap in training camp this season and push Foster a little for the starting position. The team added Vigil during the season last year and he made a big impression. It will be hard for the team to let go of a valuable backup like him who excels on special teams as well. Shaun Dion Hamilton was drafted in the sixth-round, and I am a huge fan of his. He is super smart and can call the defense if the players in front of him go down. He has some injury history, but if he can stay healthy and has to play a large role this season due to injuries I don’t think the defense skips a beat. Josh Harvey-Clemons is a wild card. He transitioned from safety coming out of college, and the plan was to make JHC a hybrid linebacker similar to Su’a Cravens. I would love to see him stick on the roster and continue working his way onto the field. He’s a reliable tackler, can play special teams and can transition to safety if there is an emergency, and I think that will help him stick onto the roster. If the team only carries four outside linebackers, it could mean saving an extra spot for a sixth inside linebacker.
Dark Horse: Josh Harvey-Clemons
Mason Foster
Martrell Spaight
Zach Vigil
Shaun Dion Hamilton
Josh Harvey-Clemons
The Redskins have six inside linebackers on the roster heading into training camp, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they started the season with six inside linebackers. Zach Brown is obviously a lock to start. Mason Foster was in a new position last year calling the defensive plays, and he picked it up very quickly, unfortunately his season was cut short due to injury. I do feel like Martrell Spaight could make a leap in training camp this season and push Foster a little for the starting position. The team added Vigil during the season last year and he made a big impression. It will be hard for the team to let go of a valuable backup like him who excels on special teams as well. Shaun Dion Hamilton was drafted in the sixth-round, and I am a huge fan of his. He is super smart and can call the defense if the players in front of him go down. He has some injury history, but if he can stay healthy and has to play a large role this season due to injuries I don’t think the defense skips a beat. Josh Harvey-Clemons is a wild card. He transitioned from safety coming out of college, and the plan was to make JHC a hybrid linebacker similar to Su’a Cravens. I would love to see him stick on the roster and continue working his way onto the field. He’s a reliable tackler, can play special teams and can transition to safety if there is an emergency, and I think that will help him stick onto the roster. If the team only carries four outside linebackers, it could mean saving an extra spot for a sixth inside linebacker.
Dark Horse: Josh Harvey-Clemons
Cornerbacks (6)
Josh Norman
Quinton Dunbar
Fabian Moreau
Orlando Scandrick
Adonis Alexander
Greg Stroman
I think it would make sense to have Josh Norman officially shadow number one receivers in 2018. They did it off and on while Bashaud Breeland was on the team, but now the Redskins don't have an excuse. The spot opposite of Norman remains open though, and there is a three way competition. Quinton Dunbar has a pretty decent lead on Fabian Moreau and Orlando Scandrick for the starting position though. After trading away Kendall Fuller, it will be interesting to see what they do in the slot. My guess would be Scandrick taking over the role, but they might move Moreau inside as well. The Redskins selected Adonis Alexander in the supplemental draft, and they wouldn’t have done that if they didn’t think he could make the roster. Alexander will likely be a reserve in 2018, but his versatility will come in handy if he needs to switch to free safety. You can read more about Alexander and the Redskins supplemental draft selection here.Greg Stroman was a lockdown corner at Virginia Tech. Stroman could get a look at punt returner as well. He and Alexander will be working with their former coach Torian Gray, and that should help benefit them in their rookie season. The last player I cut was Joshua Holsey. It was between him and Josh Harvey-Clemons. I felt like I had a higher chance to get Holsey back on the practice squad. With the Redskins trading Fuller though, that might be a sign that they like Holsey more than others and believe he can step up as the slot corner. I am one of those who are high on Holsey, and I would love to see him make the roster.
Dark Horse: Joshua Holsey
Quinton Dunbar
Fabian Moreau
Orlando Scandrick
Adonis Alexander
Greg Stroman
I think it would make sense to have Josh Norman officially shadow number one receivers in 2018. They did it off and on while Bashaud Breeland was on the team, but now the Redskins don't have an excuse. The spot opposite of Norman remains open though, and there is a three way competition. Quinton Dunbar has a pretty decent lead on Fabian Moreau and Orlando Scandrick for the starting position though. After trading away Kendall Fuller, it will be interesting to see what they do in the slot. My guess would be Scandrick taking over the role, but they might move Moreau inside as well. The Redskins selected Adonis Alexander in the supplemental draft, and they wouldn’t have done that if they didn’t think he could make the roster. Alexander will likely be a reserve in 2018, but his versatility will come in handy if he needs to switch to free safety. You can read more about Alexander and the Redskins supplemental draft selection here.Greg Stroman was a lockdown corner at Virginia Tech. Stroman could get a look at punt returner as well. He and Alexander will be working with their former coach Torian Gray, and that should help benefit them in their rookie season. The last player I cut was Joshua Holsey. It was between him and Josh Harvey-Clemons. I felt like I had a higher chance to get Holsey back on the practice squad. With the Redskins trading Fuller though, that might be a sign that they like Holsey more than others and believe he can step up as the slot corner. I am one of those who are high on Holsey, and I would love to see him make the roster.
Dark Horse: Joshua Holsey
Safeties (4)
D.J. Swearinger
Montae Nicholson
Troy Apke
Deshazor Everett
The Redskins will rely on the captain of the defense, DJ Swearinger, a fair amount this season as a leader on a young defense. Everyone has big expectations for Montae Nicholson in 2018. The biggest issue he has standing in his way are injuries. Swearinger has said that he has talked with Nicholson about how to recover his body and how to avoid injuries, so hopefully he takes that advice and is on the field for all 16 games. Troy Apke is more of a project at safety as he hasn’t spent a ton of time at that position, but his athletic traits insane. If you watched the NFL combine, he was the player that shocked Dion Sanders when he ran his 40-yard dash. Apke should contribute on special teams while they refine him at the safety position. The last safety spot came down to Deshazor Everett and Quin Blanding. Blanding could be another asset on special teams and he’s a smart, reliable tackler. Everett has more experience that will be coveted though and plays on special teams as well. He could be the player that steps up in place of Niles Paul on special teams.
Dark Horse: Quin Blanding or Fish Smithson
Montae Nicholson
Troy Apke
Deshazor Everett
The Redskins will rely on the captain of the defense, DJ Swearinger, a fair amount this season as a leader on a young defense. Everyone has big expectations for Montae Nicholson in 2018. The biggest issue he has standing in his way are injuries. Swearinger has said that he has talked with Nicholson about how to recover his body and how to avoid injuries, so hopefully he takes that advice and is on the field for all 16 games. Troy Apke is more of a project at safety as he hasn’t spent a ton of time at that position, but his athletic traits insane. If you watched the NFL combine, he was the player that shocked Dion Sanders when he ran his 40-yard dash. Apke should contribute on special teams while they refine him at the safety position. The last safety spot came down to Deshazor Everett and Quin Blanding. Blanding could be another asset on special teams and he’s a smart, reliable tackler. Everett has more experience that will be coveted though and plays on special teams as well. He could be the player that steps up in place of Niles Paul on special teams.
Dark Horse: Quin Blanding or Fish Smithson
Special Teams (3)
Tress Way
Dustin Hopkins
Nick Sundberg
No one on special teams has competition.
Dustin Hopkins
Nick Sundberg
No one on special teams has competition.
Depth Chart
Pos. | First String | Second String | Third String | Fourth String |
---|---|---|---|---|
OFFENSE | ||||
QB | Alex Smith | Kevin Hogan | ||
RB | Derrius Guice | Chris Thompson | Samaje Perine | Kapri Bibbs |
LT | Trent Williams | Ty Nsekhe | Geron Christian Jr. | |
LG | Shawn Lauvao | Ty Nsekhe | Tyler Catalina | |
C | Chase Roullier | Tyler Catalina | ||
RG | Brandon Scherff | Tyler Catalina | ||
RT | Morgan Moses | Ty Nsekhe | Geron Christian Jr. | |
TE | Jordan Reed | Vernon Davis | Jeremy Sprinkle | |
WR |
Josh Doctson | Brian Quick | ||
WR (Slot) |
Jamison Crowder | Trey Quinn | ||
WR | Paul Richardson | Maurice Harris |
Pos. | First String | Second String | Third String | Fourth String |
---|---|---|---|---|
DEFENSE | ||||
DE | Jonathan Allen | Anthony Lainer II | ||
DT | Da'Ron Payne | Ziggy Hood | Tim Settle | |
DE | Matt Ioannidis | Stacy McGee* | ||
ROLB | Preston Smith | Ryan Anderson | ||
MLB | Mason Foster | Martrell Spaight | Shaun Dion Hamilton | |
MLB | Zach Brown | Zach Vigil | Josh Harvey-Clemons | |
LOLB | Ryan Kerrigan | Pernell McPhee |
||
CB | Quinton Dunbar | Fabian Moreau | Greg Stroman | |
SS |
D.J. Swearinger | Deshazor Everett | ||
FS |
Montae Nicholson | Troy Apke | ||
CB | Josh Norman | Orlando Scandrick |
Adonis Alexander |
CB (Slot) | Orlando Scandrick^ | Fabian Moreau | Greg Stroman |
---|
*Starter in base defense
^Starter in nickel defense
^Starter in nickel defense
Pos. | First String | Second String | Third String | Fourth String |
---|---|---|---|---|
SPECIAL TEAMS | ||||
P | Tress Way |
|||
K | Dustin Hopkins | |||
LS | Nick Sundberg |