Four Things to Watch Until Training Camp Starts in Richmond

By Staff Writer John Manuel:

1. Health of Robert Griffin III:

No surprise as always but it is the health of Robert Griffin III.  Although he has been busy doing jumping jacks, attending events like the Kentucky Derby and giving his thoughts on Twitter, what happens with Griffin the next couple months will be key.  The good news is RG3 showed that he can thrive with just minimal work in the preseason games so Washington can be more patient.  Griffin can work on getting better and not having a setback while Kirk Cousins gets familiar with the first teamers during OTAs and probably into training camp.  Although Griffin’s recovery seems to be going well, no one really knows if he will be the proclaimed 100% to play status come August.

2. Additional Personnel Moves?

Will the team make any roster moves before camp to add any veterans?  The real question will be how will they find more money to do this and also be able to sign the top picks?  Josh Wilson and DeAngelo Hall already felt the pain and others may have to.  The good news is that the Redskins rookie contract pool is not that bad without have a first round selection but they still have to find the 2013 money to get their picks signed.  And could they find money for a veteran or two to add to the roster.  Most notably in the secondary where guys like Charles Woodson and Quintin Jammer are still out there.  Along with tackles like Winston Justice and Eric Winston, guys looking for decent money but continue to look.

3. Fast Track for New Secondary?

Can the Redskins fast track their three defensive back selections over the next month to be ready to be factors in training camp.  As of now it looks like David Amerson, Phillip Thomas and Baccari Rambo could have the opportunity to get significant playing time this season.  The secondary is a huge question mark and these guys especially Thomas and Rambo should be able to battle for playing time.  Although it would be a huge risk to have three rookies in a secondary, the Skins may have no options.  So it’s up to the rookies and also coaches like Jim Haslett and Raheem Morris to work these guys hard.  Good news is that it looks like they are coming in ready to work, especially Amerson.

4. Where do they go with Fred Davis now?

Davis is really going to be someone Shanahan and Allen have to be watching.  Much like Griffin his return to the field is going to be tough but he can surely make an impact.  Washington resigning Davis and drafting Jordan Reed has the Shanahans having visions of utilizing both in this offense.  Davis needs to rehab quick and be ready for August or the train may pass him by with Paulson and Paul on the roster.  Add to that now the continuous cap issues and Davis’ future is very up in the air.