Early Offseason Roster Prediction: Defense

Based on my Defensive Roster Construction breakdown here are the players I see making the 53 man roster.

Offense | Defense

Defensive Line: 7

–Stephen Bowen, Barry Cofield, Jarvis Jenkins, Adam Carriker, Chris Baker, Kedric Golston, Chris Neild

-I know most think that just six defensive linemen are enough, but it is one of the more highly injured position groups in the NFL and the Redskins could use some extra depth here. For the last two years injuries have led to Bowen and Cofield to play more snaps then should be expected of them. That has perhaps kept them from playing up to their potential as they’ve been overworked. With the extra depth you could cut their snaps by maybe 10-15% and get more productive defensive linemen overall. Jenkins I believe will start ahead of Carriker given how the latter is dealing with a set back from his injury and may not be ready to start the season. The concern on Carriker’s health is another reason to keep 7 defensive linemen.

Linebackers: 8

OLB- Brian Orakpo, Ryan Kerrigan, Brandon Jenkins, Darryl Tapp* (replaced by Rob Jackson when his suspension is up)

ILB- London Fletcher, Perry Riley, Keenan Robinson, Bryan Kehl

-No real shock here with the starters, but I do believe that Brandon Jenkins spot should be pretty well locked down. He’s a young pass rusher with a ton of potential and unlike both Tapp and Jackson, he’s under team control going forward. When Rob Jackson gets back from his suspension, I expect Tapp to be the odd man out. Looking inside I think Robinson will claim the top ILB depth spot and get some work filling in for both Fletcher and Riley. Kehl should make the team over Muckelroy due in part to his special teams ability. He might not be on Lorenzo’s Alexander’s level, but he’s probably the best the Redskins have among the linebackers, which should help him lock down a spot.

Defensive Backs: 9

CB-Josh Wilson, DeAngelo Hall, E.J. Biggers, David Amerson, Richard Crawford

S- Brandon Meriweather, Phillip Thomas, Reed Doughty, Bacarri Rambo

-I know 10 DB’s is a popular theme, but I just don’t see the value here. There are really no other CB options outside the top 5 and safeties like Jordan Pugh and DeJon Gomes have yet to show their worthiness for a roster spot and would likely have zero chance for playing time. Wilson, Hall and Biggers should play the majority of the CB snaps, with Amerson sprinkled in on the outside periodically to give him some work. Meriweather and Thomas should get the primary work at safety, but I expect both Doughty and Rambo to be used sporadically some as well.