I teamed up with @redskins.kingdom @redskinsroom @redskinsnations @httr.nation and @redskinsstrong to create a list of the top 20 players on the Redskins from the 2015 season. So it's a lot like NFL Network's top 100 list, except players did not vote on this, we did. This list can include anyone who was on the team during the 2015 season (so players like Alfred Morris and Dashon Goldson will count, but players like Josh Norman and Su'a Cravens will NOT). Each of us created our own top 20 list and I averaged out where each player was ranked and the top 20 list was formed that way. If someone ranked a player that someone else didn't, the non-ranked player would automatically be assigned rank 25 because there's no telling where they would actually be ranked. So for example: only one person put Chris Thompson in their top 20 and had him ranked at #14 overall. So to get the average I added 25+25+25+25+25+14=139 and then divided that by 6 to get an average rank of 23.16.
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, but make sure to check back here for the full list as we post it, my personal list, and for a little paragraph on why we ranked each player where we did. Make sure to give us feed back on social media and join the conversation in the comments on Instagram! Also tell us your top 20 list from last season! Hope you enjoy!
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, but make sure to check back here for the full list as we post it, my personal list, and for a little paragraph on why we ranked each player where we did. Make sure to give us feed back on social media and join the conversation in the comments on Instagram! Also tell us your top 20 list from last season! Hope you enjoy!
#1 - Kirk Cousins, Quarterback
The Redskins announced in February at the NFL Combine that Robert Griffin III would be the starter at quarterback. Well, that ended up being a little premature. After Griffin's struggles and a concussion early in preseason action, head coach Jay Gruden announced that Kirk Cousins would be the starter for the 2015 season. Struggles were expected for Cousins early in the season because he didn’t get much work with the first team until the third preseason game, but once he got comfortable and familiar with the first team offense he never looked back. After being down 24-0 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Kirk Cousins led the team to the largest comeback in Redskins history and shouted the now famous words "YOU LIKE THAT?!" Which started a dominate stretch for Cousins where he threw for 19 touchdowns and only two interceptions. Cousins started all 16 games and finished with 379 completions for 4,166 yards, 29 touchdowns, 11 touchdowns, and five rushing touchdowns (which led the team). He also led the league in completion percentage with a 69.8% rating, and came very close to setting the new record. Eagles safety, Malcom Jenkins, told NFL Network "Back half of the season, he played better than any quarterback in this league. I think that was tough for everybody to say and admit, but you know, in the back half of the season he was the best quarterback in the league." The Redskins ended up using the franchise tag on Kirk Cousins and long term contract talks are still on going.
My Ranking: Kirk Cousins
My Ranking: Kirk Cousins
#2 - Jordan Reed, Tight End
Jordan Reed had a huge year in 2015 making his name among the top tight ends in the NFL. He was going into the season expecting to be the second tight end on the roster with Niles Paul in front of him, but with a season ending injury to Niles Paul, Reed stepped up to the plate. The biggest problem for Reed was staying healthy in previous years, but even though he still missed two games, he played in 14 games in 2015. He finished with 87 receptions for 952 yards and 11 touchdowns which led the team. Washington ended up giving Reed a five extension this offseason that made him the second highest paid tight end in NFL history.
My Ranking: Trent Williams
My Ranking: Trent Williams
#3 - Bashaud Breeland, Cornerback
The third-year corner out of Clemson had a rough start to the 2015 season. In training camp he sprained his MCL and was out for a few weeks and then he was suspended for one game for possession of marijuana during his rookie season that he said was a stupid mistake that he'll never make again. Bashaud Breeland bounced back from that though and ended up finishing third overall in total defense on the Redskins. He had two interceptions, 16 passes defended, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and 81 total tackles. Recently, Hall of Fame corner Darrell Green said he doesn’t consider Breeland a number-one corner (same as Richard Sherman) because they don’t follow the best receiver on each team. He went on to say that Breeland played great last season, but he has to show it again and he has a prefect opportunity with a lot of balls expected to come his way with the arrival of Josh Norman. Bashaud Breeland responded to Green on twitter saying "I accept ur challenge I can show u better than I can tell ya ....the next Darrell Green or better mark my words!!!! Muchlove."
My Ranking: Jordan Reed
My Ranking: Jordan Reed
#4 - Trent Williams, Left Tackle
Trent Williams is a great pass blocker and run blocker. He didn’t allow a sack until late in the season and punishes people in the running game. He's had some injury problems recently, but when he's not on the field you can tell, the rest of the offensive line looks like they are totally different people. The Redskins gave the four-time Pro Bowler a five-year extension last summer.
My Ranking: Ryan Kerrigan
My Ranking: Ryan Kerrigan
#5 - Ryan Kerrigan, Outside Linebacker
Ryan Kerrigan had a slow start to the season because he didn’t get in much work with the team at training camp and sat out in all of the preseason games because of a knee procedure. However, Kerrigan is always putting pressure onto the quarterback. He started in all 16 games and racked up three passes defended, two forced fumbles, 9 ½ sacks, and 42 tackles. Kerrigan sets the edge well on run defense and while rushing the passer. The Redskins gave Ryan Kerrigan a five year extension last offseason and he should be here for years to come.
My Ranking: Pierre Garcon
My Ranking: Pierre Garcon
#6 - Pierre Garçon, Wide Receiver
One of the most reliable receivers for Kirk Cousins comes in at number six on our list. Pierre Garcon has been nothing but consistent since he arrived in 2012. He's has the threat to go deep, run after the catch, take screens to the house, and won't back down from 50/50 balls. Garcon plays with a chip on his shoulder every game. In 2015 he was second on the team in receptions with 72 catches for 777 yards and six touchdowns. He is also another player in the last year of his contract and is looking to prove he is worth getting an extension at the end of the season.
My Ranking: Chris Baker
My Ranking: Chris Baker
#7 - Preston Smith, Outside Linebacker
The highest ranked rookie on the list, Preston Smith was a forced to be reckoned with as a pass rusher since day one. In the first game of the season he strip-sacked Ryan Tannehill and then recovered the ball on his own after the ball fumbled around for a while. Smith was also good in coverage, breaking up four passes. He had three forced fumbles (one recovered like mentioned before) and 30 tackles. The second round pick also led all rookies with eight sacks. He is tied for second with the most sacks as a rookie for the last four season (Rams' Aaron Donald is in first with nine sacks as a rookie). With Ryan Kerrigan, Junior Galette, and Preston Smith the Redskins should have a scary pass rush in 2016.
My Ranking: Bashaud Breeland
My Ranking: Bashaud Breeland
#8 - Brandon Scherff, Guard
The fifth-overall pick in the 2015 draft was a big addition to the Redskins offensive. Brandon Scherff is one of only five first round players to start all 16 games in their rookie season in the last five years. He and Morgan Moses turned the right side of the offensive line from a weakness into a strength. After losing to the Packers in the playoffs, Green Bay defensive lineman Mike Daniels (five year veteran) came up to Scherff with a smile on his face while nodding and said "We watch you on tape...I LOVE [watching] you finishing people."
My Ranking: Brandon Scherff
My Ranking: Brandon Scherff
#9 - Chris Baker, Defensive End
Chris Baker had a breakout year in 2015 after moving to defensive end permanently. He was great in the run and pass defense. He started the season as the backup to free agent signee Stephen Paea, but quickly took over the starting job. He played in all 16 games and started in 11 of them. Baker had one pass defended, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, six sacks, and 53 total tackles. Chris Baker is also in the last year of his contract and aims to be the leader of the defensive line this season.
My Ranking: Jamison Crowder
My Ranking: Jamison Crowder
#10 - DeSean Jackson, Wide Receiver
DeSean Jackson only played in 10 games and only caught 30 passes in 2015, but that didn’t keep him out of the top 10. Jackson had 528 receiving yards and four touchdowns this past season. He is also a threat to score on any given play. He is the best deep threat receiver in the NFL as he has the speed to run by any defender and has the ball tracking ability to come down with it in 50/50 situations. Jackson is also an underrated route runner. A lot of times he gets tagged with the "deep threat only" tag, but that’s not the case. He can run mostly everything in-between screens and go routes. In his last year of his contract, DeSean Jackson looks to improve even more this season.
My Ranking: Morgan Moses
My Ranking: Morgan Moses
#11 - Jamison Crowder, Wide Receiver
The 2015 fourth-round pick did most of the damage from the slot position and on third downs. He also made an impact on special teams receiving punts. General Manager, Scot McCloughan, had to convince coaches and scouts to draft Crowder. Coaches thought Crowder was too small to play in the NFL and wanted a bigger-taller receiver, but McCloughan convinced them that Crowder could help them in multiple ways (ex: slot receiver, third down situations, deep threat, special teams, etc.) and they went with him. It turned out to be a great pick as he caught 59 passes for 604 yards and two touchdowns and looks to be a great receiver for the future.
My Ranking: Preston Smith
My Ranking: Preston Smith
#12 - Will Compton, Inside Linebacker
Will Compton played in all 16 games and started in 9 of them and finished second on the team in total defense. He started as a backup at the beginning of the season, but after injuries and underwhelming play, he emerged into the lineup. He provided a big spark to the defense, playing with a ton of energy on every snap. Compton finished with one interception, three passes defended, one fumble recovery, one sack, and 91 total tackles. He provided many big plays and key adjustments to the defense.
My Ranking: Kyshoen Jarrett
My Ranking: Kyshoen Jarrett
#13 - Dashon Goldson, Safety
The Redskins traded a sixth round pick to get Dashon Goldson and also received a seventh round pick with him. He led the team in total defense in 2015 with one interception, one touchdown, three passes defended, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and 108 total tackles. Goldson was a veteran who was consistent in coverage and run defense which was something the Redskins have missed from the safety position in a long time. The team ended up releasing him this offseason due to his contact, and while the door isn't closed on his return, Goldson will most likely be in a different uniform next season.
My Ranking: Dustin Hopkins
My Ranking: Dustin Hopkins
#14 - Will Blackmon, Cornerback
The Redskins signed Will Blackmon one game into the season and it turned out to be a great signing. The team's depth was very thin at his position and quickly found his way into the starting lineup (started 10 games). He finished sixth best in total defense racking up two interceptions, with eight passes defended, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and 46 total tackles. Blackmon lined up on the outside and in the slot. In 2016 they will try him at safety and see how he fares.
My Ranking: Dashon Goldson
My Ranking: Dashon Goldson
#15 - Morgan Moses, Right Tackle
When the Redskins drafted Morgan Moses they knew he would be a project and would take a year or two until he could actually start. In his rookie campaign they threw him into the lineup after some injuries and it didn’t turn out very well. Last offseason, the Redskins were planning to have Moses as Trent Williams backup and have rookie Brandon Scherff start at right tackle, but the Redskins decided to move Moses to right tackle after he showed great improvement. Morgan Moses ended up starting all 16 games and was a big reason why the offensive line was much improved this season.
My Ranking: Will Compton
My Ranking: Will Compton
#16 - Kyshoen Jarrett, Safety
The former Hokie came in as a sixth round pick and was expected to be mainly just a special teams helper in his rookie season. However, he did much more than that. Kyshoen Jarrett played all over the defense playing safety, linebacker, and corner. He finished fifth on the team in total defense. He had four passes defended, one forced fumble, and 58 total tackles. In the last game of the regular season vs the Dallas Cowboys, he injured multiple nerves in his neck and shoulder and is still recovering. He has reportedly lost around 30 pounds this offseason because of his inability to lift. He still isn’t able to move his shoulder much and can't lift much weight. The Redskins still have yet to hear from Jarrett's specialist on his nerves, but it doesn't sound good. Some people in the organization believe Jarrett could miss the entire 2016 season. Others think that his professional football career could even be over. If Kyshoen Jarrett can get back on the field, he has a bright football career ahead.
My Pick: Alfred Morris
My Pick: Alfred Morris
#17 - Matt Jones, Running Back
Matt Jones missed the last three games of the season, but he erupted on the scene early in the season. He contributed as Alfred Morris' backup as a powerful runner and a pass catcher. Against the Rams, Jones gained 123 yards and added two touchdowns. Six weeks later he ran for 56 yards and had 131 receiving yards with a receiving touchdown. In 2016, the Redskins are counting on him to be an every down back and the workhorse in the backfield.
My Ranking: Matt Jones
My Ranking: Matt Jones
#18 - DeAngelo Hall, Safety
The plan was to have Hall at corner this season, but after lack of depth at the safety position the Redskins moved him to safety. With his experience at corner, Hall played well in the run and passing defense which was something Washington has lacked for years. The former corner had two passes defended, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery that he took to the house against the Eagles to seal the game. DeAngelo Hall exploded to the line when the ball was handed off which contributed to his 48 total tackles. Hall tweeted out that after the season his name will be in the conversation for the top free safety in the league.
My Ranking: Will Blackmon
My Ranking: Will Blackmon
#19 - Tress Way, Punter
After signing as a free agent in 2014, Tress Way has never looked back. He was one of the top punters in the league the past two years and has helped the team greatly. The special teams captain punted 70 times in 2015 gaining 3,224 yards. His average yards per punt was 46.1 yards and his longest punt came in at 64 yards. The Redskins gave Way a 5-year contract extension in March.
My Ranking: DeAngelo Hall
My Ranking: DeAngelo Hall
#20 - Quinton Dunbar, Cornerback
The first of six rookies on the list, Quinton Dunbar signed as an undrafted free agent wide receiver out of Florida in 2015. After multiple injuries to the secondary in training camp the Redskins moved Dunbar to corner. It ended up being a great decision after Dunbar made the roster and made a big impact in the second half of the season. He had a key interception in the end zone to essentially seal the game vs division foes the New York Giants. He also had five passes defended—multiple coming in close games. The Redskins are egger to see how he has improved with a full offseason at the position.
My Ranking: DeSean Jackson
My Ranking: DeSean Jackson