What Can We Expect From the Second Year Players?

We all know what Robert Griffin III and Alfred Morris mean to the Washington Redskins, but how about the rest of the 2012 draft class? What can be reasonably expected from them this season, as the Redskins look to repeat as NFC East Division Champs?

3rd Round: G Josh LeRibeus

-LeRibeus heads into 2013 as the likely primary back-up at guard (at least LG) for the Washington Redskins. The team re-signed Kory Lichtensteiger despite him leading the team in penalties and generally struggling throughout the season, so it is a pretty fair indication that they didn’t believe LeRibeus was ready for a starting role. In limited time last year he held his own, but this preseason will be the big test for him. If Lichtensteiger were to go down there probably wouldn’t be much of a drop-off in production, but if Chris Chester were out it’s unlikely that LeRibeus could match that level of production.

4th Round: QB Kirk Cousins

-Cousins is currently the “starter” for the Washington Redskins as RGIII rehabs from his knee injury. Cousins will likely be the starter throughout camp and could even start the season depending on how Griffin’s injury heals. Though he is obviously not on Griffin’s level, Cousins should more than hold his own for however long he’s needed to start. He’s a strong leader, with a great work ethic and he should develop nicely heading into his 2nd year. He’s not the dual threat like Griffin is, which could cause some problems with the offensive line, but Cousins overall should be at least considered an effective potential starter.

4th Round: ILB Keenan Robinson

-Robinson could get an expanded role this season as a sub-package linebacker on passing downs. Both London Fletcher and Perry Riley struggled in coverage last year, but that has always been an area of strength for Robinson. Fletcher in general is more likely to get subbed out in an effort to keep him healthy and get the most out of him this season. Robinson will have some growing pains, but should give the Redskins some good minutes each week, particularly in coverage.

5th Round: OG Adam Gettis

-Gettis was a project when drafted and actually outplayed LeRibeus in Camp/Preseason last year. It will be interesting to see how he’s developed this year, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him at least on par with LeRibeus this year.

6th Round: OT Tom Compton

-Compton could face long odds to even make the roster, though there were some positive reports on him during the season the fact is he spent most of the season on the practice squad and then the rest of the year on the inactive list. While it would be nice for him to be the team’s RT of the future, that is not likely to occur this season. The best case scenario would be him squeaking out the final roster spot, but I think it is more likely that he ends up cut.

7th Round CB Richard Crawford

-Crawford showed a lot of promise last season as the teams punt returner at the end of the year, and could lock down that role this season. He should be a big upgrade over Brandon Banks in that department, as he has the potential to take one to the house and he likely won’t make the costly errors that Banks would consistently make. As for his cornerback work, Crawford is definitely buried on the depth chart and probably won’t see much work. That is just as well as it was clear that he was out of his element last season, despite some flashes of promise.

7th Round S Jordan Bernstein

-Bernstein is a longshot to make the team after tearing his knee up in week 1 last season. With the team adding a pair of safeties in the draft, even if healthy Bernstein would have a tough time making the team. The Redskins may try to keep him on the PUP list or IR given the injury, but the chance of him making the team is slim, and the chance of him contributing is even less likely.

What do you think? What can be expected of the 2nd year players this season?