Redskins Rookie Report after 3rd preseason game

1st RD. DL Daron Payne:

-Payne had one tackle with the first string and a couple other okay reps, but generally this was a down performance for the rookie. The Broncos first team offense moved the ball pretty easily and ran right through the Redskins defense. While Payne wasn’t on the field for every play during that time, he didn’t make much of an impact when he was out there. This performance doesn’t really diminish his season outlook, but it is reminiscent of his performance at Alabama. One week Payne would dominate and be unblockable and the next game you could barely tell he was on the field. Payne has the upside to be great, he just needs to show consistency.

3rd RD. OT Geron Christian:

-Another down game for Christian as he continues to struggle as a blocker both in the run and passing games. Christian has athleticism and long arms, but his technique and anchor are off. Defensive linemen have him on his heels too often and have shown to have effective counters to disengage when he gets his hands on them. While his roster spot is safe, he’s clearly not ready for any regular season action.

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4th RD. S Troy Apke:

-Apke had a below average game and a bit of a step back from the 2nd preseason game. He failed to bring down Emmanuel Sanders on a TD run and had a penalty on special teams. The missed tackle on Sanders was particularly bad as he got there and had a good shot on him, but he failed to wrap up and it cost the Redskins. On the positive side Apke did have four tackles and his speed was noticeable on a couple of the plays where he made the stop. This was a bit of a set back for the 4th round rookie, but he was a clear project player when he was drafted.

5th RD. DL Tim Settle:

-Settle didn’t do much in this game, but he did have a couple solid reps. He looks to be ticketed to being a role player as a rookie and that probably is the best fit for him. He did have his 2nd pass knocked down this preseason, showing nice instincts for an interior DL rookie. Settle is still better versus the run, but it’s nice to see that he can clog some passing lanes even when he’s not getting pressure on the QB.

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6th RD. LB Shaun Dion Hamilton:

-Of all the rookies, Shaun Dion Hamilton probably had the best third preseason game with 6 combined tackles and once again showing good instincts. Hamilton has shown a lot of progress so far in his first camp and definitely has the potential to be a long term starter. He probably won’t get much of a chance as a rookie, but don’t be surprised if he starts pushing for a starting job next offseason.

7th RD. CB Greg Stroman:

-Stroman didn’t do much in this game, but I don’t think it impacts his overall outlook on the team. He did give up a couple plays where he looked out of position, but the 7th round rookie is still likely to make the team. He did get a couple kick-off return opportunities and could be in the mix for that role to start the season.

7th RD. WR Trey Quinn:

-Quinn was coming off a very strong 2nd preseason game performance, but struggled to build on that this past week. Quinn just had 1 catch on 4 targets for 2 yards and he dropped an easy catch in the game. On Special Teams Quinn got the only two punt returns of the game and managed just a total of four yards. While he’s still likely to make the team, he will need a strong final week of practice and 4th preseason game to ensure that he does.

6th RD Supp. CB Adonis Alexander:

-This was our first look at Alexander in the preseason and overall it was a pretty solid game for him. He had 2 tackles and a pass defensed and looked pretty good in coverage. He clearly has a ways to go, but this was a solid first look at the Redskins supplemental pick. There is definitely some upside here and if the Redskins can be patient and unlock it, they should be well rewarded down the road.

UDFA: Danny Johnson:

-Johnson continues to show that he’s worthy of a roster spot and has probably put himself in a position to be the 4th corner on the team. Johnson like much of the Redskins didn’t have his best preseason work, but he looked okay in coverage. He still looks to be the top corner among the rookies and that could propel him to that 4th corner role. Even without injuries Johnson could be in line for over 200+ snaps this season, so he needs to be ready.