Boise State Upsets Virginia Tech At “Neutral” Site: Last night’s game between the two top 10 teams proved that Boise State is for real, and that Virginia Tech might not be ready to challenge for the ACC title this season. The Broncos came out with an early lead capitalizing on all of Virginia Tech’s miscues. While Tech battled back, they couldn’t keep the Boise State offense in check. I know there are a lot of naysayers out there who think that Boise State shouldn’t play for a National Title because of the weakness of their conference, but the fact of the matter is every time they go up against a big non-conference opponent they end up being the better team. If the Broncos can keep it up and remain undefeated I really don’t know how you keep them out of the National Championship game.

Albert Haynesworth Saga Continues: One would think this would be over, considering that around the league Tom Brady, Chris Johnson, and Darrell Revis all missed significant time due to holdouts/unhappiness with their current stituations. And yet no trade rumors or daily infighting with the coaching staff occurred. Why the Haynesworth-Shanahan battle is such big news is shocking, especially since unlike Revis, he didn’t actually holdout, but rather skipped voluntary workouts. Now would it have been the best for the team for Haynesworth to be there for voluntary workouts; yes of course, but how long can you hold a grudge? Tom Brady missed the majority of his team’s voluntary workouts and his role as a quarterback is a bit more important to be working with the young receivers and tight ends. Yet despite missing all those workouts, and potentially setting the team back ect. the Brady ‘Saga’ never really got off the ground. And as for the argument that Haynesworth is a $100 million man and should be in here for all the workouts, completely ignores that Brady’s last deal was for $100 million, but he front loaded it and is now unhappy with the current payments. Somehow we have gotten to the point where complaining about how many millions you make in a year is more acceptable than whether or not you are being unfairly punished and forced into position that you don’t particularly want to play.

Now the rumor is that the Redskins are once again talking to the Titans about Albert Haynesworth for a deal, but Tennessee is bulking at the price. I’ll tell you what, they can balk all they want, but Haynesworth is worth 2 1st round picks (and actually then some, but I know that won’t happen). Even if they swing that deal though, it would be bad for the Redskins for two reasons. It would significantly hurt the Redskins playoff chances this season, (not sure if the coaching staff noticed, but the majority of times this preseason the Redskins got pressure in the backfield it was because of Haynesworth) as it would completely weaken that defensive unit. Secondly, since playoffs are out of the picture it would mean that the draft picks you gave up for Donovan McNabb were a huge waste, since it set back your rebuilding effort. Also, it would make the signings of guys like Larry Johnson and Joey Galloway look a bit more ridiculous. What’s even worse than that is the Redskins have sapped all of the Haynesworth’s value by continuously picking fights with him, punishing him, etc. Now it is at the point that they won’t get near full price for him. And remember because the Redskins have paid so much upfront money to Big Al, his deal for a new team is a steal. He is owed just $15+ million over the next 3 years which is a well below market value. If the Redskins give him up for anything less than the equivalent of 2 first round picks (and for the record Kenny Britt doesn’t count as equivalent value) then they will have blown this trade.

Revis Agrees To Terms: After months of posturing and holding out the Jets and All-Pro Corner Darrelle Revis have agreed to terms. It looks as though it is a 4 year deal for as much as 46 million, with over $30 million guaranteed. This move is huge for the Jets as the impact of Darrelle Revis can’t be understated. He is by far the best cornerback in the league, and the Jets have now locked up his services for the next 4 years (which is one year longer than they previously had him under their control). With the season starting and the Jets offense still a work in progress, the Jets need their defense in top form.

Leinart Signs With The Texans: While a lot of speculation surrounded the Chief or Seahawks as Leinart destinations, the Texans ended up with the former USC star. While barring an injury there is zero chance Leinart will see the field in Houston, getting some experience in a top flight offense could help Leinart earn his next job (it worked for Rex Grossman). Leinart has a long way to go to resurrect his career, but a change of scenery was necessary.

Redskins Emerge As A Top Suitor for Houshmandzadeh: It is a bit surprising one of the major contenders aren’t looking closer at Housh, but the Redskins make plenty of sense. Their receiving corps is really weak behind Santana Moss, and Houshmandzadeh would be a vast improvement. While the Raiders or some other team could still end up with him, it would be a major coup for the Redskins and McNabb to end up with Housh. The Redskins would go from having one of the worst receiving corps to a pretty respectable one.

Yesterday was cutdown day and the Redskins had to make a few tough decisions. Despite most of the roster being set there were a few surprises and concerns.

One of the biggest concerns is the lack of youth particularly draft picks that made this team. From the past three drafts (including the supplemental pick of Jarmon) the Redskins have just 8 players remaining. And of those only two are starters, Trent Williams and Brian Orakpo, (Kareem Moore is a starter but is injured right now). That just isn’t the way you build a winner, especially one coming off a 4-12 season. And you can’t just say that it is a new coaching staff because Shanahan kept just 2 players of the 6 in his first draft class, Williams and 4th rounder Perry Riley. While some of these guys are going to be on the practice squad and could eventually have a role on this team, there are plenty of 6th and 7th round picks around the league (on much better teams mind you) that will have an immediate impact in the NFL.

One of the bigger surprises was the fact that three undrafted rookies made the team, TE Logan Paulsen, WR/PR Brandon Banks, and RB Keiland Williams. All three players showed some great promise and could have nice futures in the league. Williams might have made the biggest impression since he not only beat out veteran Willie Parker, but a former Shanahan draft pick from his Denver days, Ryan Torain. All three players should have a big impact on this season, but they must keep producing to stay on this team.

Another concern for me is the number of wide receivers and offensive linemen that made the team. Only 8 offensive linemen are on this final roster, compared to 6 wide receivers. While those numbers might make sense on an Arena Football team, they don’t seem to make much sense on an NFL team. Especially considering that RT Jamaal Brown missed all of last year with an injury. While he is healthy now it is a pretty big risk to keep so few backups. By contrast the receiving corps is incredibly deep, though still probably the worst unit in the league. The Redskins might have quantity but they don’t have quality at the receiver position. I’m really shocked that Roydell Williams made this team, not only over Terrence Austin, but I really don’t know what he brings to the table.

While the Redskins set their 53 man roster there are a lot of NFL players looking for work right now and here are a few that could make sense for the Redskins:

TE Chase Coffman- The Redskins really don’t need another Tight End but Coffman was a great college talent who never caught on in Cincinnati. I think he can rebound in this league and become not only a good player, but a starter. The Redskins probably won’t look to add another pass catching tight end, but Coffman is one to keep an eye on.

WR Dezmon Briscoe- The rookie wideout couldn’t stick with Cincinnati, but their receiving talent is just a bit better than the Redskins. He’s not the fastest receiver, but he has great size, hands and leaping ability. He would be the biggest target on the Skins, and could take R. Williams roster spot.

DE Jarron Gilbert- Gilbert was just a 3rd round pick a year ago, but has been considered a major bust in Chicago but should catch on with another team. He was miscast as a DE last year in a Tampa 2 defense and this year a defensive tackle. He is probably better suited as a 5 technique end in a 3-4, and could be an interesting choice for the Redskins. Though it is unlikely since I doubt they will cut one of the veterans or Jarmon.

QB Dan LeFevour- While a few other young qb’s were cut I think LeFevour might have the most upside.  He didn’t stick in Chicago, but he has some promise and would be an interesting young quarterback in Washington. Right now 3rd string John Beck is our “young” quarterback, but he is 29 years old. Not exactly the developmental QB you are looking for. While they did just sign him to an extension, there are no guarantees when it comes to NFL contracts and I would make the switch to a true prospect. If for some reason both McNabb and Grossman go down I don’t think the difference between Beck and LeFevour will be the difference in a winning season.

S/CB Macho Harris- Harris had a promising rookie year in Philadelphia, but was screwed up by having to switch positions between CB and safety. With the injury to Kareem Moore, Harris could fill in for free safety (a position that isn’t really natural to the other three safeties on the roster), and add great depth and special teams ability. I still believe Harris has a long term future as a solid starter and well worth the risk for the Redskins.

WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh- While Housh would be a great get for this receiving corps and better than Brizcoe I don’t really think the Skins will have a chance. I’m sure one of the real playoff contenders (Vikings, Chargers, Jets, Steelers ect.) will grab him up. If for some reason those teams pass on him he would be a good short term fix for Washington.

Albert Haynesworth Starts Plays Whole Preseason Game: On a day where all the starters and even a few key backups didn’t even dress, Big Al played in every quarter. Now while that didn’t probably sit too well with Haynesworth, hopefully it means that the Redskins are ready to start him next week in the season opener. And it should fully refute the asinine report from earlier in the week that said the Redskins might consider making Haynesworth inactive for week one. Now I don’t think his game last night was as impressive, but throughout the preseason no Redskins defensive lineman had more penetration and was more of a force than Haynesworth. And that was true whether he was playing against a starting offensive line or the 3rd string. It might not be easy for Redskins fans and coaches to admit, but Haynesworth is by far their most impact defender. Even if he isn’t getting sacks or tackles for a loss, he is collapsing pockets, occupying blockers, and forcing a few penalties. If the Redskins have any hope of upsetting the Dallas Cowboys next weekend, they will need Haynesworth to play. With any luck, last night’s game ‘worked’ him into the football shape the team is looking for.

Steelers Lose Another Quarterback: Pittsburgh will already be without Ben Roethlisberger for the first four weeks (at least), now may be without his replacement for an extended period of time. Byron Leftwich sprained his left knee yesterday and could miss a couple of weeks. The injury was serious enough that the team took him to the hospital for an MRI. While the extent of the injury is unknown, the quarterback job now falls on 3rd year pro Dennis Dixon, with veteran Charlie Batch as his backup. Dixon has had an up and down preseason, but has shown a good bit of promise these past two years. He came out of a spread offense at Oregon, and is equally capable of beating a team with his legs as well as his arm. He still needs to work on his decision making, but he has the upside. It might not be the most ideal situation for the Steelers, but with the right coaching and a little luck, they should be able to survive the suspension of Roethlisberger.

Vincent Jackson Could Be Dealt This Weekend: The Chargers seem like they will try to make a big push this weekend to trade their All-Pro Receiver Vincent Jackson. If they don’t deal him by Saturday, Jackson won’t be able to ‘report’ on time and will need to sit out the first 6 weeks (he has a 3 game league mandated suspension, and then would have the failure to report suspension). Jackson’s value will significantly decrease after this Saturday, so it is in the Chargers best interest to find a workable deal in the next two days. Seattle and the Vikings have shown some interest, and the Redskins and Rams have weak receiving corps, but I wouldn’t be surprised if a there is another team under the radar looking to make a move. The real issue for the Chargers is Jackson won’t bring back the kind of return they are looking for, and I think they would be lucky to get more than a 3rd round pick at this time. It will remain to be seen if the Chargers can work out an agreeable deal, but I have to think this gets done.

Rex Grossman: Grossman needs to have a strong game working with the starters. Not only to show that he can be a capable backup to McNabb, but it is important he gets this offense in sync so they can be ready for week 1. In addition a few receivers are counting on Grossman to get them the ball so they can earn a job.

Brandon Banks: Banks has shown a lot of promise so far, he needs to keep it up to earn a spot on the final roster. Another big game returning punts or making plays on offense will seal the deal for him.

Running back situation: This is Willie Parker’s week to shine, and the good news for him is he can’t be much worse than Larry Johnson last week. The young running backs might not get too many carries tonight but they need to continue to show something as I think both Torain and Williams have a legit shot at making it.

Anthony Armstrong: Armstrong has been impressive thus far in camp and preseason and if he continues to preform he could end up with a starting spot when the Redskins start the season. Armstrong seems to have a good grasp of this offense and I’d expect another strong performance from him.

Chris Horton and Reed Doughty: With Kareem Moore’s injury the backup safeties need to step up. Free safety isn’t a strength to begin with and now even less so without Moore starting. One of these guys will end up a starter when the season begins, but hopefully they will have earned it and not just because the Redskins don’t have any other options.

Darrel Young: Mike Sellers like Moore went down with an injury last week. While the team signed Carey Davis, Young will still start this week. A converted linebacker, Young has shown a lot of promise this year in camp and preseason. He will need to have a big game if he wants to keep a job and a spot on the 53 man roster. He likely won’t be judged in carries and catches, but in being a valuable lead blocker and protector of Grossman.

The Defense: So much of the story defensively is the Albert Haynesworth saga, which has some merit considering their most talented defensive player isn’t starting, but what has been ignored is the play of the defense. So far it has been a mixed bag, some solid stops and few points against the first team defense, put it hasn’t shown the killer instinct we are hoping for this year. The first team defense hasn’t generated a ton of pressure (now that is without Haynesworth) and that is a bit worrisome since they have gone against a weak Bills offensive line and pretty much the Ravens entire backup unit (since most of the starters were injured). I know people will say it is preseason and all vanilla, but plenty of other teams are getting more pressure on QB’s this preseason. This defense needs to step up and become a dominate force, if the Redskins hope to succeed this year.

By Guest Blogger Megan Shoup:

The big debate…how much do Preseason games really mean?  What are they worth or show or prove?  To me, and many other football fans, not much.  You don’t hold too much stock in preseason games or atleast the outcome.  But are the certain aspects that are worthwhile and give us as fans a sense of where are team is at?  In that case, yes.

The reason I write about this is because its frustrating for me as a Redskins fan, when last week we dominated the Buffalo Bills and looked amazing in every aspect of the game.  And this week against the Ravens, not so much!  But what’s frustrating is last week when I was excited, people were saying, “Its just preseason, it doesn’t mean anything.” Whereas this week, I’ve already heard after the loss and poor performance, “See, the Redskins still suck or they look awful”. Yes, they didn’t play well, but shouldn’t both games be “judged” the same?  If we’re going to be critical of the Redskins this week, then they should atleast get their credit for last week good performance.  Bottom line, I think the difference was playing the Bills and the Ravens…big difference.  But in both games they made some mistakes (more this week) and in both games the Redskins showed a lot of good things and promise…so that’s what I’ll take out of the first two Redskins preseason games.

Now back to the point…Here are my top 3 reasons why Preseason games have meaning and don’t have meaning…

3 Reasons Why Preseason Games Are Important:

-You get to see where your starters are at working together, with the playbook, etc.  How comfortable are they as a team?

-You get to root for young rookies to make the team that could be a difference maker (Brandon Banks).

-You get the bugs and kinks worked out.

3 Reasons Why Preseason Games Don’t Mean Anything:

-Certainly shouldn’t worry about the outcome, because a lot of the players playing in the second half will be coaching football soon, not playing football in the NFL.  It’s not your true team.

-Teams and coaches don’t gameplan, scheme, etc. as they would for a regular season game.  From what I hear, most teams keep it “Vanilla”.

-Your starters may not even be playing with the same intensity level to avoid injury.

So this leads me to the final question…

Is 4 Preseason games too much?  That’s a lot of games to avoid injury and be playing “vanilla”.  In my personal opinion, I’d love if the NFL went to 2 preseason games and 18 regular season games! What’s your thoughts?

How will the starters do?: McNabb and the rest of the starters will play the majority of the 1st half (if not it’s entirety). While they might not be running their best plays, it will be a good indication of how good this Skins team is against the Raven’s first stringers. The Redskins offense in particular will be of interest since, the wide receiver battle is wide open right now behind Santana Moss.

Can the first team defense stop a real offense? Last week the first team defense sort of looked good because of a few highlights, but really didn’t get the kind of stops and pressure you’d expect against a weak Buffalo team. In fact the Redskins 2nd team defense played better and got more consistent penetration against the Bills same 1st team unit. The starters have a much tougher challenge this time against a Ravens offense that was pretty good last year, and looked to get a whole lot better this offseason.

How will Larry Johnson and Willy Parker do?: Last week the young running backs stole the show, but now is the time for the veterans to come in and show what they can do. Johnson gets the start to get additional reps and Parker (who is fighting for a roster spot will be in as relief). How they play today will go a long way as to sorting out the running back situation.

How will Albert Haynesworth do?: Last week Haynesworth was the most disruptive player on the football field and looked like he could have a major impact on defense this season. This week he remains with the 2nd team, but the Ravens 2nd team offense might be a tougher challenge than the 1st team Bills offense he went up against last week, so it should be an interesting match-up.

What can Brandon Banks do for an encore?: Rookie free agent WR/KR Brandon Banks stole the show with an electric 77 yard put return for a touchdown. In addition he had a couple of other nice returns (though one was called back) and looked to be the Redskins answer at punt returner they have been seeking for years. Hopefully he gets some opportunities as a kick returner as well, and maybe even on offense late in the game. As it stands now he is a fan favorite and an early lock to make the team.

How will the rookies and young guys look in week 2?: While some of the rookies and young players might not have as much chance to play this week, they can still make an impact and win (or lose) a roster spot with their play. The receivers and corner back spots are pretty wide open after the starters, and need some young guys to step up and take a roster spot. The young running backs might not get a chance in tonights game, but will need to show utility on special teams. One young guy I’m really looking to step up is Jeremy Jarmon he is pretty buried on the depth chart, but has the potential (not to mention the youth) to have a bright future in this league.

How will the second team offensive line hold up?: John Beck’s Redskin debut turned into a nightmare, because this unit couldn’t keep the pressure off of him. This unit needs to perform better in tonight’s game. Not only do they need to perform better for their job security, but also so the team can properly evaluate the backup running backs, tight ends, and receivers. Last week it was impossible to see how the 3rd string receivers were since they didn’t have the time to run their routes properly. A lot of key decisions will be made from this unit and Coach Shanahan needs a better week 2 performance.

Now overall I take preseason performances with a grain of salt, but I do think the Redskins saw some individual and unit positives and negatives. Here is a quick run down of what I saw and what I was hoping to see:

Albert Haynesworth Is Pretty Good: Haynesworth didn’t record a single tackle or pass defense, but he had by far the best night of any player. Haynesworth might have been playing with the 2nd team defense, but he was playing against the majority of the 1st team Bills offense, and while his time was limited, he made a major impact. Haynesworth showed that if he is in a defense where he is ‘turned loose’ he is well worth his price tag. Haynesworth will also be his most effective when he is playing next to starting NT Kemoeatu and the rest of the first team defense (imagine how happy the linebackers will be with Haynesworth on that line).

Brandon Banks Is Pretty Fast: Banks is a little guy you got to like, and as a fan you like him a lot more after he broke that punt return for a touchdown. It might be early but I think the Redskins found their returner, and will need to create a spot for Banks on the roster. Banks is a threat to take the ball to the house every time he touches the ball. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to see Banks catch any passes last night, but if he shows any offensive potential he has to be a lock for a roster spot.

Young Running Backs Shine: So much was made this offseason of the Redskins veteran running back trio, but the only veteran running back we saw was starter Clinton Portis. Instead of Larry Johnson and Willie Parker, we saw 3rd year back Ryan Torain and rookie free agent Keiland Williams, and I don’t think any Redskin fan minded seeing the young guys. Torain and Williams combined for 113 yards and Williams added two touchdowns. Both players ran hard and did a lot of little things well. And both showed they at least deserve consideration for roster spots. It might be impractical for them to both make the roster over Johnson and Parker, but you have to consider the possibility. Torain and Williams have a lot of upside and also showed some ability blocking and catching the football as well. They are also cheaper and under team control for longer than Johnson and Parker. It is possible the Skins keep four backs, but that means another position would be weaker.

The Starting Offensive Line Looked Really Good: What’s most surprising is last night that good performance included RT Stephon Heyer (shocking I know). Heyer performed pretty well last night, especially in pass protection. Heyer also didn’t commit penalties which he was always notorious for. As surprising as it is, Heyer might now be a valuable backup offensive lineman. As for the rest of the starting o-line, Trent Williams looked really good as well and Washington might have a quality unit.

The Backup O-Line Is Struggling: It’s a good thing the starting unit was good, because depth could be a serious issue along the offensive line. Third string quarterback John Beck didn’t have a chance last night, as he was constantly under pressure. This unit will have to show more consistency if they want to have futures in the NFL.

All in all it was a good day for Redskin football and some young guys really stepped up for them. It is one game, but hopefully it is a sign of things to come.

In looking at the Redskins depth chart one thing that is hard to come by are rookie free agents, which isn’t too surprising since the Skins largely ignored bringing in many significant college players to minicamp. In fact in the 77 names on the depth chart only 5 are rookie free agents. Now I know most people will say what is the big deal, only a handful will make the team in their first year (if any at all), but it is a good cheap way to find some diamonds in the rough that the Redskins completely ignored. By comparison the Indianapolis Colts have 16 rookie free agents on their 80 man depth chart (this does include so players they picked up on waivers after they were cut by their original signing team). So the Colts who were basically one onside kick away from being Super Bowl Champions have space for 16 non-drafted players, and the Redskins who went 4-12 last year only have space for 5? This doesn’t make much sense to me. Now the majority of those Colts players won’t make the final roster or even the practice squad, but it shows the Colts were diligent in looking for future NFL talent. While I’m disappointed with the Redskins overall approach (to well everything, but particularly the draft and rookie free agency) I am happy with a few of the names the Skins brought in.

Kick Returner/? Brandon Banks: Banks doesn’t have a true position, though I’m sure if he makes the team he will learn a little wide receiver and running back, but he is a burner. He was one of the best kickoff returners in college football last season and could be a poor man’s Darren Sproles (probably closer to Stefan Logan in Pittsburgh). He will need to be extremely impressive in preseason to make the team, but the Skins have a major need there.

Running back/Kick Returner Keiland Williams: Williams faces a crowded backfield with 3 veterans and a former Shanahan draft pick ahead of him on the depth chart. Despite being the 5th running back (he’s not even listed as a back on the 4 deep depth chart), Williams could surprise and make this team. He has great size and if he shows some speed could become a dangerous combination. He isn’t a burner so it is surprising to see him listed as a kickoff returner, but he did lose some weight since college and might be able to handle the job. Despite being a rookie and not a fulltime starter at LSU, Williams is a pretty refined running back who does a little of everything well. At the very least I see a practice squad job in his future.

Tight End Logan Paulsen: Paulsen could have a solid chance of making the team, despite being a tight end. The Redskins have two starting caliber tight ends, but are looking for a blocking tight end to compliment them. Paulsen has to beat out Lee Vickers for the spot (and there is always the chance they only keep two tight ends), but he is a nice raw project for the position. If he shows he can be an effective blocker, his pass catching inabilities won’t matter. Whether he is on the active roster or practice squad I believe Paulsen has a good chance of being the Skins 3rd tight end.

Wide Receiver Shay Hodge: Hodge is a guy I happen to love, and he really came on his senior year at Ole Miss. He is athletic and has good size, though isn’t really known as a physical guy. He doesn’t have great straight line speed, but he always seems to play faster than he times. He probably isn’t really an option as a returner which will hurt his value, but could find roles on coverage units. The Redskins signed a number of veteran (though not very good ones) wide receivers this offseason so it is an uphill climb for Hodge, but he is already above Bobby Wade and Mike Furrey on the depth chart. Hodge is also one of only 3 receivers who stand taller than 6’0″ on the roster giving him a slight advantage. It might be a long shot, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Hodge made the final roster, I think he has a future in this league and hopefully it is with the Redskins.

Free Safety Anderson Russell: Russell got overshadowed at times at Ohio State, but he has good size and physical tools that he could end up latching on to a NFL team. His best value to Washington is he can play free safety, which is a bit of a stretch for a number of Redskins safeties. I’d say his chances of making the final roster aren’t that great, but he could end up getting a practice squad role.

Looking at the Redskins depth chart, I was very interested to see where the rookies will fit in, and wasn’t too surprised that only Trent Williams is listed as a starter. Now that isn’t because the Redskins are some deep playoff team with an All-Pro at every position. No, it is because once again the Redskins traded away their middle picks and didn’t trade any of their assets (Campbell, McIntosh, Rogers), or trading back in the 1st round to stock pile young talent.

I’ll include Jarmon on this list since even though he isn’t a rookie, he was the Redskins 3rd round pick. I’m not including McNabb on this list because they only acquired one year of McNabb, paid an additional pick next year, and finally he is an aging veteran. Even if he re-signs, you aren’t building for the future, you are riding out the end of his career (if it’s a Warner or Favre ending great, if it is Brunell or Bledsoe ending, it could get ugly). The Redskins did get value by trading for Carriker (just swapping spots), so I do give them credit there but he has been around for a couple of years so I won’t include him either.

OT Trent Williams: Williams is firmly entrenched as a starter, and by all indications he will be the blind side tackle when the season opens. With the acquisition of Jamaal Brown I would have considered easing Williams in, but if he can handle it that is what you drafted him for. By all indications Williams is meeting or even exceeding expectations of being the 4th overall pick, which is a good thing because he could really be what this draft is based off of.

DE Jeremy Jarmon: Jarmon intrigues me quite a bit, he has bulked up some and should be able to handle being a 3-4 DE and a nickel DT, but he is pretty buried on the depth chart. Now I understand that bringing in veterans who better understand the 3-4 was key, but I just hope that Jarmon will get a fair shot this year and a decent chunk of playing time. Next to Williams he has the best chance of becoming a very good starting caliber player (potentially even a star).

ILB Perry Riley: Riley was solid value for a 4th round pick though the Redskins did pass up more pressing needs to draft him. Riley so far looks like he will be the primary backup (and potentially replacement) for Rocky McIntosh at inside linebacker. Riley will probably have his biggest impact on coverage teams as a rookie, but this is an important preseason for him to establish his future.

FB Dennis Morris: Morris was initially left off the depth chart and even when he is on he is listed as 3rd string at a position that sometimes only gets one player to make the final roster. Morris is behind converted LB Darryl Young and I think he will at least make the practice squad but it will be an uphill climb for the 6th round pick. Morris has a lot of promise, but the roster crunch could leave him looking for a job.

WR Terrance Austin: The Redskins added a number of new receivers this offseason to go along with holdovers Santana Moss, Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly, so it could be tough to crack the Skins roster, but Austin has a fair shot. For one thing the Redskins have quantity not quality at receiver, and it wouldn’t shock me in the least to see one of Thomas or Kelly traded. For another thing Austin could secure a spot as a returner, which is a wide open competition right now. I don’t know if he makes the 53 man roster but a practice squad spot would be likely, given future need.

C Erik Cook: Cook right now is listed as a center, but I wouldn’t be shocked if his future is at guard. For one thing the Redskins have good depth at center in durable starter Casey Rabach and backup and former Shanahan draft pick Kory Lichtensteiger. Lichtensteiger can also kick out to guard, which has the least amount of depth on the offensive line. I would guess the Redskins want Cook to learn the offensive line calls as a center just in case but will keep him as a backup at all three interior line positions. He is a bit of a project, but could develop into a starter a few years from now.

OT Selvish Capers: I am a little surprised to see Capers listed as a 3rd string LT as opposed to a RT, since most people feel like that is his natural position in the NFL. Capers did play LT in college so maybe it is just a matter of easing him in. Capers is a great sleeper pick and could very well end up being the Redskins 2nd best player from this draft class. He is a raw talent and still has some things to learn, but 2-3 years from now he could be a fixture on the Skins line. I think it would be a major surprise if he doesn’t make the team.

In all I believe only Morris and Austin are really on the roster bubble, and both could find a spot if they can contribute on special teams. This won’t be a rookie class for the ages, but there is some future potential there in Jarmon and Capers to be top notch starters. Morris, Riley and Cook could all develop into starters as well (though I don’t believe all of these players will, just that they have the potential). Unfortunately outside of Trent Williams and some special teams help, the Redskins won’t get much impact this season from their draft class.