Redskins Rookie Roundup: 2nd Preseason Game Report

Ryan Kerrigan: Kerrigan looked a lot more comfortable in week 2, and it helped earn him his first sack. He is still not perfect in his reads and with his pass rushing, but a lot of development has already been made. He’s going to be the starter come Sept. 11th, and probably for a long time afterwards.

Jarvis Jenkins: Jenkins had another strong game as he was a replacement starter for Adam Carriker. Jenkins was tough against the run, never giving an inch, which allowed the linebackers plenty of freedom to come in and make the play. Jenkins showed a good push again against the pass as well, which tied up blockers and helped collapse the pocket. The best part is Jenkins didn’t even have the mental lapses he had last week where he got pushed around a few plays. Really good all-around game here.

Leonard Hankerson: I know, I know he dropped another pass, but he also made three catches and flashed some big play ability. Yes he needs to look the ball into his hands, but the talent is there, so any debate about him not making the roster should end right now. Hankerson still has some work to do, but he is going to be fine. His size/speed combo is unmatched on this team. Although he might be the 4th or 5th WR given his drops, he is a lock to make it.

Roy Helu: WOW! Helu, had a mixed bag in game one, with a couple nice runs and then a few others were he looked just average. Game two is a different story as he absolutely dominated the game. Helu did everything right, and showed fantastic speed, power, vision, balance and cut back ability. Helu ran hard and really showed that he deserves quite a few carries this season. Helu can be a major weapon this year, and I think the number 2 job is his to lose.

DeJon Gomes: Gomes had another strong game. He’s not perfect, but he makes big plays and should be a great addition on special teams as well. He has should a good instinct when blitzing and gives the Skins a solid young safety to develop behind their starters. I think he is well on his way to locking down a roster spot.

Niles Paul: Unfortunately the 2nd team offense wasn’t too effective so Paul didn’t get the chance to show himself as a receiver. He had one ball thrown his way, but it was a bad throw. Paul did get a chance to return some punts and he did alright. He had four returns for 39 yards (9.8 average), including a nice 20 yard return. I thought he did a real nice job returning the ball especially since one of his returns saw multiple defenders right there, and probably would have been a fair catch in a regular season game.

Aldrick Robinson: Robinson didn’t get to play in last night’s game.

Evan Royster: Royster didn’t get to play in last night’s game.

Brandyn Thompson: Thompson got some significant playing time and he looked pretty good for a 7th round rookie. He had a nice interception and was pretty good overall in coverage. He’s fighting for the 5th corner job, but if he continue to shines like that he could earn it. If not he should be a target for the practice squad.

Maurice Hurt: Hurt didn’t have as solid of a game, but he did hold his own at times. I think he still is well in the mix to make the team as the 8th or 9th lineman, and if not will be signed to the practice squad if he makes it through waivers.

Markus White: Once again White looked very good and comfortable blitzing from his outside linebacker position. He got a good pass rush on a number of plays and also did a good job holding up at the point of attack. That is a tough thing for a converted OLB to do on rushing plays, but he played his part very well.

Chris Neild: Neild got his first looks last night, and had a mixed performance. His first series or so he got zero penetration and even got pushed back a couple of plays. He did do well sticking with those plays and not giving up, but overall he was raw. As the game wore on, Neild fared a lot better and got some push up front. It is a game that showed some promise. Overall he is still firmly on the roster bubble, but it was a nice first taste of the NFL for the rookie.