Players to Watch Tomorrow in Tennessee

RB Roy Helu Jr.:

-While Helu’s spot is basically locked, it will be good to see him get some work. Last preseason and early season before going on IR he was banged up and not effective. Having him as another running/receiving threat in this offense could be big for this team’s development. Morris probably won’t play much if at all, so  Helu should get some work with the 1’s and 2’s.

RB Jawan Jamison:

-The Redskins are likely to only keep 3 RB’s and the top two spots are pretty set. Jamison is battling fellow rookie Chris Thompson, who is likely to not play (or if so will be very limited), so this could be Jamison’s chance to move up the depth chart.

TE Niles Paul:

-This is year two of the TE conversion and Paul needs to show that he’s more than just a solid blocker and great special teamer. With Jordan Reed sidelined, and Fred Davis probably going to take it a bit more easy, Paul should have plenty of chances throughout the game. Expect him to line-up in the backfield as a lead back some as well.

WR Aldrick Robinson:

-Robinson is likely a lock on this roster, but his role is definitely up in the air. If he can prove to be more than just a deep threat it will help get him on the field more. Another key thing will be his blocking. The Redskins are a running team and also have a lot of screen passes in their game plan so they really want their receivers to be able to block. If Robinson can do that it will help him have a more significant role on this squad.

WR Leonard Hankerson:

-This is Hankerson’s first full offseason since coming into the league and now there are no more excuses. He is basically a lock for a roster spot, but his role on the team is up in the air. He should get work with both the 1’s and 2’s, and have a number of chances to prove himself.

WR Skye Dawson:

-Of the UDFA’s Dawson has the most buzz in training camp, though he faces long odds of making the roster. If he can wow in preseason though the Redskins may just find a way to get him on the roster. In addition to being a receiver, Dawson needs to help himself in the return game as well.

LT Tom Compton:

-The Camp report on Compton has been up-and-down, but he still has a good shot of making the team based on his youth and Trent Williams dealing with a wrist issue that could nag him all year. Compton should get the start and quite a bit of playing time in this game to prove himself. So far his pass blocking has been the biggest question mark so that will be most interesting to watch tomorrow night.

OG Adam Gettis:

-With Maurice Hurt on PUP and Josh LeRibeus ailing (I’m assuming he doesn’t play), Gettis could have a shot at the top back-up guard spot. Gettis has missed some time as well so he needs to have a strong rest of camp/preseason to earn a spot. Last year he would get overmatched at times, so it will be interesting to see how he fares this season.

RT Tony Pashos:

-Right tackle figures to remain an issue this year with Tyler Polumbus, so if  Tony Pashos can beat him out it would be a positive thing for the Redskins. He’s been solid in camp so far, but he will need to prove it in the preseason to unseat Polumbus.

DE Chris Baker:

-Baker is moving to more of a fulltime role for the first four weeks of the season and this is going to be his test to see what he can do. He dominated in the first preseason game last year versus third teamers, which helped earn him a spot on the team. This year though he probably won’t play as much, but he’ll go against more 1st and 2nd teamers.

OLB Brandon Jenkins:

-Jenkins has had a big camp so far, and now he’ll be tested by someone other than Jeremy Trueblood. If Jenkins could develop into that third situational rusher, the Redskins can really do some special things. Hopefully Jenkins gets a good bit of playing time and the chance to line-up on both sides of the ball. His run defense will also be interesting to watch.

CB David Amerson:

-Amerson looks to get the start with D-Hall out for the game. Depending on what Titans receivers are playing this can offer a number of interesting match-ups. Kenny Britt will offer the size match-up, Nate Washington the deep speed and Kendall Wright the quickness. Also interesting could be if he ever faces Titans 2nd rounder Justin Hunter, who got the best of Amerson in college a couple times last year. The real thing to look for is Amerson’s physicality, getting off blocks, tackling the ball carrier and jamming receivers. These were all question marks based on his play last year, that he will hopefully start to answer.

CB Chase Minnifield:

-Minnifield is having a good camp so far by all accounts and could definitely force his way onto the Redskins roster. He probably won’t be with the starters much, but he should get plenty of work versus the 2nd and 3rd units. Obviously the individual match-ups are important, but I also want to see his awareness, particularly against the run. Little things like jamming receivers and how his footwork is will be key.

S: Bacarri Rambo:

-Rambo is  in line to start this season, but like a lot of guys on this list I want to see him get in some extra work. He’s going to have to be ready to help out versus receivers like Calvin Johnson, Dez Bryant and Brandon Marshall this year (and many more stars), so hopefully he gets a good amount of playing time to iron out the bugs. I’ll be most interested when Rambo is playing the single high safety and has a greater responsibility.

S: Phillip Thomas:

-We know Thomas will start in preseason and hopefully he gets more work than just with the starting unit. I would like to see Thomas get to play most of the first half, and get the reps in. The Titans have some decent young receivers, even with their second unit so he should get a couple good match-ups (the QB play though will likely leave a lot to be desired). I’ll also be looking at how he recognizes the run and what angles he takes. Though don’t expect him to see much of Chris Johnson.