Redskins Rookie Reports: Preseason Game 1

Ryan Kerrigan: Considering Kerrigan made a position change and missed most of camp so far I though he looked pretty good. He faced a lot of media scrutiny from the broadcast booth and some reporters, but I thought he performed well. He didn’t dominate, but he flashed a lot of potential. Sure he got sucked in a couple times, but we say Brian Orakpo, London Fletcher and Adam Carriker get sucked in on some plays as well. I think Kerrigan will continue to develop and be a good piece on this team as a rookie.

Jarvis Jenkins: Jenkins didn’t start, but he got a lot of playing time filling in for Carriker, Stephen Bowen, and four lineman sets. He looked quite good and won the battle a couple of times. He got some solid pressure, and filled up holes for running lanes as well. If he keeps this up in preseason he could be a starter by week 1.

Leonard Hankerson: Hankerson had a rough first game, as he dropped an incredibly easy one, and got his hands on another that he could have reeled in. I don’t think it is a huge concern for the long term with Hankerson, but his sure hands from this past year at Miami aren’t showing themselves. He might not produce much as a rookie, but he was easily the Redskins most physically imposing WR.

Roy Helu: Helu flashed good speed as the Redskins 3rd back, and looks to be a nice weapon going forward. He never got in a rhythm like the other backs, but he looked pretty good. He definitely looks like the Redskins homerun hitter.

DeJon Gomes: Gomes who hadn’t distinguished himself much in camp had a couple real nice plays in last night’s game. He shows some good potential and looks to be well on his way to getting a roster spot.

Niles Paul: Paul just had one catch last night but it was a big one. He also blocked well on a couple other plays, which is always an added bonus for a receiver.

Aldrick Robinson: Robinson had a rough day muffing two punts, but the return game is a new area for him so it was kinda expected that he might struggle. He didn’t get any real pass opportunities, so that will be key going forward.

Evan Royster: Royster looked simply great last night, he ran with authority, and showed good vision. He constantly fought for extra yards, and in fact was the Redskins 2nd back last night, above the higher drafted Helu. Originally thought to be just a practice squad type of guy, if he keeps running like that the Skins will keep him. He did duck his head a couple of times in pass protection that forced the QB to be hurried, but overall it was a good game.

Brayden Thompson: Thompson didn’t seem to be on the field much so there was nothing distinguishing about last night, other than that salient fact.

Maurice Hurt: Hurt looked pretty good as the 2nd team guard, and overall kept the Redskins offense moving. He looks to have a good shot of making this team and if he keeps up his play he could unseat Kory Lichtensteiger down the road.

Markus White: White has been considered somewhat of an afterthought in camp so far, but I thought he looked really nice last night. He got some good penetration, wasn’t completely lost in coverage and fought off blockers to pursue the ball carrier. A real solid performance that could help him make the team.

Chris Neild: Neild was another one that didn’t really get on the field at all. He plays a need position at NT so he will be one to watch, but nothing was determined last night.

Willie Smith: Smith was the Redskins top signed undrafted free agent player, and he has established himself as the 2nd team RT. He played pretty well last night and given his camp so far he looks like he is well on his way to locking up a roster spot.