Prediction of Redskins Rookies For Year 1

After the draft I looked at the potential of the Redskins rookie class, but now as we are a month away from Training Camp I wanted to review where the Redskins rookie class stands, and what should be possibly expected out them this year:

2nd Round: CB David Amerson

Reasonable Expectation: Assuming Josh Wilson is healthy, Amerson will be competing for the 4th corner role with Richard Crawford. Given his draft status and potential he should get that role. I expect the team will like to use him some in games to get him some experience, but he’s probably not a threat to take over one of the top 3 roles. The big question during camp will be if he works some in the slot since he never really did that in college. Amerson has intriguing open field ability and the team may look to him as a return option as well as a rookie.

3rd Round: TE Jordan Reed

Reasonable Expectation: Reed’s projection has definitely gone down due to all the missed offseason work with his injury. The expectation is he’ll be ready for camp, but it is clear that he will be behind. I would expect the Redskins to work Reed out in a limited set of packages (likely with him split out), so as to not put too much on him too soon. The Redskins will want to take advantage of his skill set, but expectations should be tempered at this point. If he gets 15-20 catches that should probably be a positive.

4th Round: S Phillip Thomas

Reasonable Expectation: The Redskins are expecting one of the rookie safeties to start, and that will likely be Thomas. Thomas has more versatility which the Redskins like in their safeties (though he may not be as natural at FS), and he showed less inconsistencies last season and at the Senior Bowl than Rambo. Thomas will have some growing pains, but should be a good improvement over what the Redskins had at safety last year.

5th Round: RB Chris Thompson

Reasonable Expectation: Thompson has big play ability, and could be a dangerous weapon in the Redskins offense. The real question is his health. He’s coming off an ACL injury and if he’s not ready to go by camp the team may try to stash him on the PUP list to start the season. If he’s healthy he’s likely to make the team. Though he could be a weapon on returns, he doesn’t have much experience there, so it may be tough to get him ready by the season. He should have a package of plays to take advantage of his elite speed and will get a couple touches a game.

5th Round: OLB Brandon Jenkins

Reasonable Expectation: Jenkins could carve out a niche as a situational pass rusher and the team has already talked about finding ways to get him on the field with Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan. His snaps will be limited (barring injury), but he should make the team and get a little playing time. His pass rush skills are a coveted skill set and one that the Redskins need to expand upon.

6th Round: S Bacarri Rambo

Reasonable Expectation: Jim Haslett expects at least one rookie safety on the field to start the season. While the favorite is likely Phillip Thomas, Rambo shouldn’t be counted out of the mix. Even if he’s not the starter he will likely earn some playing time to see if he can be the future at the position. In addition he should hopefully develop into a quality special teams player. Rambo should do well in zone coverage for the Redskins, though could struggle some if asked to play much man-to-man.

7th Round: RB Jawan Jamison

Reasonable Expectation: The practice squad is a real possibility, but Jamison has a reasonable shot at a roster spot if he stays healthy. He is a good fit for the zbs system installed in D.C. and has the field vision that Mike Shanahan covets. Two of the guys he’s competing for a roster spot are coming off injuries and it is possible the team could keep four backs. If he does make the team he will probably be pretty limited in his carries (especially early on), but should get an expanded role as the season wears on.