August 18, 2017
By Justin Nicely
*Bold = Starters
By Justin Nicely
*Bold = Starters
Quarterbacks (3):
Kirk Cousins
Colt McCoy
Nate Sudfeld
The top two are obvious locks to make the roster, but there is still a question if they’ll keep three. If Nate Sudfeld has a strong showing in the preseason the Redskins will have no choice, but to keep him on the roster. If they think he has a chance to stick on the practice squad they might go that route, but it’d be risky. That’s why I think they’ll keep three quarterbacks like last year.
Kirk Cousins
Colt McCoy
Nate Sudfeld
The top two are obvious locks to make the roster, but there is still a question if they’ll keep three. If Nate Sudfeld has a strong showing in the preseason the Redskins will have no choice, but to keep him on the roster. If they think he has a chance to stick on the practice squad they might go that route, but it’d be risky. That’s why I think they’ll keep three quarterbacks like last year.
Running Backs (4):
Robert Kelley
Chris Thompson
Samaje Perine
Mack Brown
Robert Kelley is a lock to make the roster, and I also think he is a lock to start in the season opener—especially after Samaje Perine’s preseason debut. Jay Gruden likes a running back who is reliable in pass protection, and Perine still has work to do in that area (as any other rookie would). I don’t think it’s out of the question that Perine could take the job later in the year though. Chris Thompson will again be the third down back for the Redskins offense. I think he’ll receive a larger role in 2017. If they decide to have four running backs on the roster it will come down to the special team’s ability of Matt Jones and Mack Brown. Jones is arguably the most talented running back on the roster, but he has a big fumbling issue. Plus, Jones is a McCloughan guy, and believe it or not, that does have a factor when cutting down rosters in the NFL. This would be Jones’ first year working with special teams too, so Mack Brown has a slight edge over Jones.
Robert Kelley
Chris Thompson
Samaje Perine
Mack Brown
Robert Kelley is a lock to make the roster, and I also think he is a lock to start in the season opener—especially after Samaje Perine’s preseason debut. Jay Gruden likes a running back who is reliable in pass protection, and Perine still has work to do in that area (as any other rookie would). I don’t think it’s out of the question that Perine could take the job later in the year though. Chris Thompson will again be the third down back for the Redskins offense. I think he’ll receive a larger role in 2017. If they decide to have four running backs on the roster it will come down to the special team’s ability of Matt Jones and Mack Brown. Jones is arguably the most talented running back on the roster, but he has a big fumbling issue. Plus, Jones is a McCloughan guy, and believe it or not, that does have a factor when cutting down rosters in the NFL. This would be Jones’ first year working with special teams too, so Mack Brown has a slight edge over Jones.
Wide Receivers (6):
Terrelle Pryor
Jamison Crowder
Josh Doctson
Brian Quick
Ryan Grant
Robert Davis
The top three receivers are a given this year in Pryor, Crowder, and Doctson. With the losses of Garçon and Jackson, I am (selfishly) hoping to see them give Jamison Crowder some work as an outside receiver this season. He is really the only receiver from last season Cousins has chemistry with. The Redskins still have a lot of depth behind these three receivers too, which is why there’s a lot of debate on who will make the roster. When the Redskins signed Brian Quick, everyone locked him in as the fourth receiver immediately. However, I wasn’t so sure. I believed he would be fighting for a roster spot. Quick did not have an impressive offseason—until recently. These last few weeks Brian Quick has really impressed, and I think the Redskins will like him as an option behind Pryor and Doctson if something happens to one of them. I still think Quick is on the roster bubble though. It’ll depend on how may receivers the Redskins go with, and if they want a veteran or young players with more potential. Gruden still loves Ryan Grant, and I still think the fan base gives him too much hate. Ryan Grant is an excellent run blocker, and that’s what he is mainly used as now-a-days; however, I do think he gets more work in the passing game this year. The last wide receiver spot will be very tricky. The two player who it will probably be between are Maurice Harris and their sixth round draft pick, Robert Davis. I really thought Harris would move his way up the depth chart this season and become a very solid fourth receiver, but Harris has hardly practiced this offseason, so I don’t see that happening as of now. Robert Davis is super raw, but has great athleticism and potential. At first I went with this risky move: I went with Maurice Harris as the last receiver with the intent to put Davis on the practice squad. However, I changed my mind after thinking about it a bit more. Harris has hardly practiced and that hurts him. Washington has also been looking for a wide receiver for years now who can play on special teams. Robert Davis can finally be that guy. He has impressed in camp and in the first preseason game vs the Ravens. I went with a very hard decision to cut Harris and keep Davis (and for those of you who have followed me, you know I love Harris).
Terrelle Pryor
Jamison Crowder
Josh Doctson
Brian Quick
Ryan Grant
Robert Davis
The top three receivers are a given this year in Pryor, Crowder, and Doctson. With the losses of Garçon and Jackson, I am (selfishly) hoping to see them give Jamison Crowder some work as an outside receiver this season. He is really the only receiver from last season Cousins has chemistry with. The Redskins still have a lot of depth behind these three receivers too, which is why there’s a lot of debate on who will make the roster. When the Redskins signed Brian Quick, everyone locked him in as the fourth receiver immediately. However, I wasn’t so sure. I believed he would be fighting for a roster spot. Quick did not have an impressive offseason—until recently. These last few weeks Brian Quick has really impressed, and I think the Redskins will like him as an option behind Pryor and Doctson if something happens to one of them. I still think Quick is on the roster bubble though. It’ll depend on how may receivers the Redskins go with, and if they want a veteran or young players with more potential. Gruden still loves Ryan Grant, and I still think the fan base gives him too much hate. Ryan Grant is an excellent run blocker, and that’s what he is mainly used as now-a-days; however, I do think he gets more work in the passing game this year. The last wide receiver spot will be very tricky. The two player who it will probably be between are Maurice Harris and their sixth round draft pick, Robert Davis. I really thought Harris would move his way up the depth chart this season and become a very solid fourth receiver, but Harris has hardly practiced this offseason, so I don’t see that happening as of now. Robert Davis is super raw, but has great athleticism and potential. At first I went with this risky move: I went with Maurice Harris as the last receiver with the intent to put Davis on the practice squad. However, I changed my mind after thinking about it a bit more. Harris has hardly practiced and that hurts him. Washington has also been looking for a wide receiver for years now who can play on special teams. Robert Davis can finally be that guy. He has impressed in camp and in the first preseason game vs the Ravens. I went with a very hard decision to cut Harris and keep Davis (and for those of you who have followed me, you know I love Harris).
Tight Ends (4):
Jordan Reed
Vernon Davis
Niles Paul
Jeremy Sprinkle
I think the Redskins will definitely keep four tight ends. Jordan Reed and Vernon Davis will be the top two at this position again for the Redskins this season. Gruden recently praised Niles Paul by saying he was one of the most impressive guys at training camp. He can play full back, tight end, wide receiver, and special teams. Jeremy Sprinkle should earn the final spot at this position group. He has impressed as a blocker in camp so far and could be a red zone target standing at 6’5”.
Jordan Reed
Vernon Davis
Niles Paul
Jeremy Sprinkle
I think the Redskins will definitely keep four tight ends. Jordan Reed and Vernon Davis will be the top two at this position again for the Redskins this season. Gruden recently praised Niles Paul by saying he was one of the most impressive guys at training camp. He can play full back, tight end, wide receiver, and special teams. Jeremy Sprinkle should earn the final spot at this position group. He has impressed as a blocker in camp so far and could be a red zone target standing at 6’5”.
Offensive Linemen (7):
Trent Williams
Shawn Lauvao
Spencer Long
Brandon Scherff
Morgan Moses
Ty Nsekhe
Chase Rouiller
I only have the Redskins starting the season with seven offensive linemen. The starters will be the same as last year again with Williams, Lauvao, Long, Scherff, and Moses. Ty Nsekhe will again be the backup to Williams and Moses. Chase Rouiller was a great pick in the sixth round as the Redskins needed another offensive lineman that knew the center position. Rouiller can play both guard spots and the center position. Vinston Painter and Kyle Kalis just missed the roster for me. I believe Kalis will beat out Arie Kouandjio for the backup left guard spot though and will get on the practice squad.
Trent Williams
Shawn Lauvao
Spencer Long
Brandon Scherff
Morgan Moses
Ty Nsekhe
Chase Rouiller
I only have the Redskins starting the season with seven offensive linemen. The starters will be the same as last year again with Williams, Lauvao, Long, Scherff, and Moses. Ty Nsekhe will again be the backup to Williams and Moses. Chase Rouiller was a great pick in the sixth round as the Redskins needed another offensive lineman that knew the center position. Rouiller can play both guard spots and the center position. Vinston Painter and Kyle Kalis just missed the roster for me. I believe Kalis will beat out Arie Kouandjio for the backup left guard spot though and will get on the practice squad.
Defensive Linemen (6):
Stacey McGee
Phil Taylor
Jonathan Allen
Terrell McClain
Ziggy Hood
Matt Ioannidis
It is really hard to predict what is going to happen with this defensive line. I left players out who are getting starting reps. Defensive line coach Jim Tomsula already said they won’t really have “starters” because they will be rotating them so much. He said if they dress, they will play. You would think the logical line up would be Jonathan Allen, Stacey McGee, and Terrell McClain. However, they like McGee at end, Phil Taylor has had a great camp and first preseason game, and McClain has been as quiet as can be. If Jonathan Allen didn’t fall in the draft, McClain was supposed to be that “top defensive lineman” for the Redskins after letting Chris Baker walk. Matt Ioannidis is another guy who has had a solid offseason and first preseason game. Ziggy Hood was an average starter for the Redskins last year, so he is certainly a good backup option. I could see them keeping Anthony Lainer on the roster though as the seventh defensive lineman—if they cut down at another position—or over an older Ziggy Hood.
Stacey McGee
Phil Taylor
Jonathan Allen
Terrell McClain
Ziggy Hood
Matt Ioannidis
It is really hard to predict what is going to happen with this defensive line. I left players out who are getting starting reps. Defensive line coach Jim Tomsula already said they won’t really have “starters” because they will be rotating them so much. He said if they dress, they will play. You would think the logical line up would be Jonathan Allen, Stacey McGee, and Terrell McClain. However, they like McGee at end, Phil Taylor has had a great camp and first preseason game, and McClain has been as quiet as can be. If Jonathan Allen didn’t fall in the draft, McClain was supposed to be that “top defensive lineman” for the Redskins after letting Chris Baker walk. Matt Ioannidis is another guy who has had a solid offseason and first preseason game. Ziggy Hood was an average starter for the Redskins last year, so he is certainly a good backup option. I could see them keeping Anthony Lainer on the roster though as the seventh defensive lineman—if they cut down at another position—or over an older Ziggy Hood.
Outside Linebackers (5):
Ryan Kerrigan
Preston Smith
Junior Galette
Ryan Anderson
Chris Carter
The Redskins lost Trent Murphy to a torn ACL and MCL for the year after having a nine sack season in 2016. Washington still has Ryan Kerrigan as a lock on the left side though. Preston Smith will start opposite of Kerrigan to begin the season, and even though he had a down year last year, he came close on multiple plays he just couldn’t finish. He led the rookies in sacks with eight in 2015, so he can definitely can play. The Redskins really need him to have a bounce back year. Junior Galette has had a good offseason so far, other than his pulled hamstring that has kept him out of the first two preseason games. Galette has really been the only player to give Trent Williams some trouble in training camp. Their second round draft pick, Ryan Anderson, will also be another player they rely heavily on. He has shown that he is good at setting the edge in the run game which should be a big help. Chris Carter is another guy who stood out in the preseason game vs the Ravens, he set the edge, put pressure on the quarterback, and played well on special teams. The Redskins signed him as a special team’s ace, but he really showed them that he can do more than that too. But the Redskins have to sign someone after final cuts at this position, right? They have three guys banged up right now (Smith, Galette, and Anderson), Smith had a down year last year, Galette hasn’t played in over two years, Anderson is a rookie, and Carter was signed to mainly play special teams. There are a fair amount of question marks at this position.
Ryan Kerrigan
Preston Smith
Junior Galette
Ryan Anderson
Chris Carter
The Redskins lost Trent Murphy to a torn ACL and MCL for the year after having a nine sack season in 2016. Washington still has Ryan Kerrigan as a lock on the left side though. Preston Smith will start opposite of Kerrigan to begin the season, and even though he had a down year last year, he came close on multiple plays he just couldn’t finish. He led the rookies in sacks with eight in 2015, so he can definitely can play. The Redskins really need him to have a bounce back year. Junior Galette has had a good offseason so far, other than his pulled hamstring that has kept him out of the first two preseason games. Galette has really been the only player to give Trent Williams some trouble in training camp. Their second round draft pick, Ryan Anderson, will also be another player they rely heavily on. He has shown that he is good at setting the edge in the run game which should be a big help. Chris Carter is another guy who stood out in the preseason game vs the Ravens, he set the edge, put pressure on the quarterback, and played well on special teams. The Redskins signed him as a special team’s ace, but he really showed them that he can do more than that too. But the Redskins have to sign someone after final cuts at this position, right? They have three guys banged up right now (Smith, Galette, and Anderson), Smith had a down year last year, Galette hasn’t played in over two years, Anderson is a rookie, and Carter was signed to mainly play special teams. There are a fair amount of question marks at this position.
Inside Linebackers (4):
Will Compton
Zach Brown
Mason Foster
Martrell Spaight
There is a true competition between Compton, Brown, and Foster for the starting inside linebacker jobs. Will Compton and Mason Foster started against the Ravens, and Mason Foster, who will be calling the defense, and Zach Brown will be starting against the Packers. I think the starting combination will either end up being Compton and Brown or Foster and Brown. I honestly don’t see how you don’t start a pro bowler who can add a ton of speed to your defense, be a sure tackler, and cover running backs and tight ends for you. Will Compton has the edge to start simply because he is the only one who has called plays to the defense before. Martrell Spaight has not participated a lot in training camp practices this offseason, but he should again be the backup and special teamer. I had Josh Harvey-Clemons just missing the cut. I would love to see him make the roster, but the position is so crowded. He is a good wrap up tackler most of the time and has the potential to play in the hybrid role that Cravens played in last year. I know penalty of fans will get angry at me for not placing Nico Marley on this fake final roster, but I think he gets on the practice squad.
Will Compton
Zach Brown
Mason Foster
Martrell Spaight
There is a true competition between Compton, Brown, and Foster for the starting inside linebacker jobs. Will Compton and Mason Foster started against the Ravens, and Mason Foster, who will be calling the defense, and Zach Brown will be starting against the Packers. I think the starting combination will either end up being Compton and Brown or Foster and Brown. I honestly don’t see how you don’t start a pro bowler who can add a ton of speed to your defense, be a sure tackler, and cover running backs and tight ends for you. Will Compton has the edge to start simply because he is the only one who has called plays to the defense before. Martrell Spaight has not participated a lot in training camp practices this offseason, but he should again be the backup and special teamer. I had Josh Harvey-Clemons just missing the cut. I would love to see him make the roster, but the position is so crowded. He is a good wrap up tackler most of the time and has the potential to play in the hybrid role that Cravens played in last year. I know penalty of fans will get angry at me for not placing Nico Marley on this fake final roster, but I think he gets on the practice squad.
Cornerbacks (6):
Josh Norman
Bashaud Breeland
Kendall Fuller
Quinton Dunbar
Fabian Moreau
Josh Holsey
I think this position is pretty much a lock. Norman and Breeland will be the outside receivers, and Fuller will at least start the season in the slot. I think Dunbar, Moreau, and Holsey could all push for the starting job later in the year or at least for significant playing time. Holsey is a small corner, but he could really thrive in the slot. The only guy I could really see pushing for a spot is Dashaun Phillips, but I think Holsey makes more sense.
Josh Norman
Bashaud Breeland
Kendall Fuller
Quinton Dunbar
Fabian Moreau
Josh Holsey
I think this position is pretty much a lock. Norman and Breeland will be the outside receivers, and Fuller will at least start the season in the slot. I think Dunbar, Moreau, and Holsey could all push for the starting job later in the year or at least for significant playing time. Holsey is a small corner, but he could really thrive in the slot. The only guy I could really see pushing for a spot is Dashaun Phillips, but I think Holsey makes more sense.
Free Safeties (3):
D.J. Swearinger
Will Blackmon
DeAngelo Hall
This position group could be a surprise, either by keeping four players at this one position or by cutting a veteran leader or their fourth round pick. D.J. Swearinger was a great addition in free agency, and I think he could solve the free safety position that has been a problem for so long. Will Blackmon is more comfortable in the safety position this season or as he put it “I’m actually learning football this year.” Blackmon can play both safety positions, so he should be a lock to make the roster. After him though, it is a little blurry. DeAngelo Hall is recovering from a torn ACL still and hasn’t really played in three years, but the Redskins really need his leadership and experience on defense. They need a guy like him there in the secondary helping the younger players by being a coach on the field. If the Redskins don’t take him off of the PUP list before the season starts then he could start the season there, and the team wouldn’t have to worry about this for a while. However, I assumed that he would be taken off on this article from what I’ve seen of him in warm ups. He looks ready to go. Finally, with probably the biggest surprise on this fake roster prediction, I had to cut fourth round pick, Montae Nicholson, but with the intent to sign him to the practice squad. It is just a very crowded position group, so to stand out Nicholson will have to play well on special teams.
D.J. Swearinger
Will Blackmon
DeAngelo Hall
This position group could be a surprise, either by keeping four players at this one position or by cutting a veteran leader or their fourth round pick. D.J. Swearinger was a great addition in free agency, and I think he could solve the free safety position that has been a problem for so long. Will Blackmon is more comfortable in the safety position this season or as he put it “I’m actually learning football this year.” Blackmon can play both safety positions, so he should be a lock to make the roster. After him though, it is a little blurry. DeAngelo Hall is recovering from a torn ACL still and hasn’t really played in three years, but the Redskins really need his leadership and experience on defense. They need a guy like him there in the secondary helping the younger players by being a coach on the field. If the Redskins don’t take him off of the PUP list before the season starts then he could start the season there, and the team wouldn’t have to worry about this for a while. However, I assumed that he would be taken off on this article from what I’ve seen of him in warm ups. He looks ready to go. Finally, with probably the biggest surprise on this fake roster prediction, I had to cut fourth round pick, Montae Nicholson, but with the intent to sign him to the practice squad. It is just a very crowded position group, so to stand out Nicholson will have to play well on special teams.
Strong Safeties (2):
Su’a Cravens
Deshazor Everett
Su’a Cravens will be the starter at strong safety this season, and should be ready by week one after having surgery on his knee. I expect him to be rusty to start the season since he is missing valuable reps. He hasn’t played safety since his freshman year in college, so he’ll definitely have some growing pains. I thought a guy who should have started a majority of the season last season over Donte Whitner was DeShazor Everett. He is always around the ball, and he has some untapped potential. We’ll finally get to see him for an extended period of time during the preseason with Cravens out.
Su’a Cravens
Deshazor Everett
Su’a Cravens will be the starter at strong safety this season, and should be ready by week one after having surgery on his knee. I expect him to be rusty to start the season since he is missing valuable reps. He hasn’t played safety since his freshman year in college, so he’ll definitely have some growing pains. I thought a guy who should have started a majority of the season last season over Donte Whitner was DeShazor Everett. He is always around the ball, and he has some untapped potential. We’ll finally get to see him for an extended period of time during the preseason with Cravens out.
Special Teams (3):
P Tress Way
K Dustin Hopkins
LS Nick Sundberg
Just Missed:
WR Maurice Harris
OT Vinston Painter
OG Kyle Kalis
DE Anthony Lainer
LB Josh Harvey-Clemons
FS Montae Nicholson
P Tress Way
K Dustin Hopkins
LS Nick Sundberg
Just Missed:
WR Maurice Harris
OT Vinston Painter
OG Kyle Kalis
DE Anthony Lainer
LB Josh Harvey-Clemons
FS Montae Nicholson