Predicting the Redskins 53 Man Roster After The Browns Preseason Game

Quarterback: (3) Robert Griffin III, Kirk Cousins, Colt McCoy

-The Redskins need 3 quarterbacks between their roster and practice squad and with no one else in camp it is tough to see them relying on a random UDFA to be the 3rd QB this year. So McCoy stays with the Redskins and offers them a guy who’s been around the league a bit more and can give RGIII and Cousins some extra advice.

Running Back: (4) Alfred Morris, Roy Helu Jr., Evan Royster, Lache Seastrunk

-No changes here. The top two backs are set and Royster’s versatility should earn him a spot on the roster. The final spot comes down to Seastrunk and UDFA Silas Redd. Redd has clearly outplayed Seastrunk, but Seastrunk has the greater upside and that might be enough to keep him on the roster. The other factor the Redskins have to consider is the fact that Seastrunk would be more likely to be poached off waivers or even the practice squad, while Redd could end up being stashed there for a year.

Fullback: (1) Darrel Young

-This is an easy decision for the Skins, Young is one of the better fullbacks in the league and is very versatile, not only is he a lock to make the roster, but the Redskins will find a lot of ways to keep him involved in the offense.

Tight End: (3) Jordan Reed, Logan Paulsen, Niles Paul

-No surprises here really, the three holdovers from last season are far ahead of the other tight ends on the list and barring an injury are all pretty well set to make this team. So far not only has a 4th tight end not challenged any of the incumbents, but they haven’t shown they are even worthy of consideration for a roster spot.

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Wide Receiver: (5) DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, Andre Roberts, Santana Moss, Ryan Grant

-I decided to go with only 5 receivers to start the year, mainly because I couldn’t find a compelling reason to keep a 6th. The Redskins top 4 spots are set with veterans and guys the Redskins know they can count on. Rookie Ryan Grant has had a great camp and should be able to contribute when called upon as well. Next on the list is Aldrick Robinson, but he doesn’t really do anything that the top 5 guys can’t account for and he doesn’t help on special teams. The Redskins should just start the year with 5 receivers and add a 6th when Leonard Hankerson comes off the PUP list (likely from the corner position).

Offensive Line: (9) Trent Williams, Shawn Lauvao, Kory Lichtensteiger, Chris Chester, Tyler Polumbus, Mike McGlynn, Morgan Moses, Spencer Long, Josh LeRibeus

-No changes here for this group. Even though Chris Chester’s play has been poor, the starters seem pretty locked into roster spots. Mike McGlynn offers good interior depth and Morgan Moses and Spencer Long are top rookies and should have jobs. Josh LeRibeus has outplayed the rest of the back-up linemen and should get the 9th spot. The really interesting thing is that this leaves the Redskins thin at OT and deep in the interior as all three back-up interior linemen can play guard. The problem is neither Tom Compton or Maurice Hurt has come close to outplaying LeRibeus.

Defensive Line: (6) Jason Hatcher, Barry Cofield, Jarvis Jenkins, Chris Baker, Kedric Golston, Chris Neild

-No surprises with the top 4 guys as they will be the primary rotation of defensive linemen on this team. Golston’s leadership, veteran experience and special teams work also is likely to earn him a spot as well. The final spot will likely come down to Chris Neild and Clifton Geathers. Neild could win the job since he’s a more capable nose tackle, and can back-up Cofield in that role. Sure Baker and even Jenkins can play there some, but I don’t think the Redskins ideally want them there, which opens up the need for a more traditional NT. What could get interesting is when Stephen Bowen is ready to come off the PUP list. Do they keep 7 DL at that point or cut Neild then.

Linebacker: (9) Brian Orakpo, Ryan Kerrigan, Keenan Robinson, Perry Riley, Trent Murphy, Rob Jackson, Will Compton, Adam Hayward, Akeem Jordan

-The top 5 guys listed are locks, and the Redskins will also keep likely three of Compton, Hayward, Jordan and Darryl Sharpton. I think Sharpton is the odd man out right now. Compton and Hayward appear to be ahead of him and Jordan has more experience and contributed with a big ST’s tackle. With Sharpton dealing with an injury he’s clearly falling behind. Rob Jackson is in the lead for the other OLB job, but Gabe Miller had a nice game versus the Browns and could sneak into the competition.

Cornerback: (6) DeAngelo Hall, David Amerson, Tracy Porter, Bashaud Breeland, E.J. Biggers, Chase Minnifield

-Hall, Amerson and Breeland are set in stone, and then the question becomes do the Redskins keep 2 or 3 back-up corners. Tracy Porter is a veteran with a two year deal so the Redskins are likely to keep him, though injuries have slowed down his camp. Biggers is another veteran who brings a lot of things to the table. He’s solid in coverage, and maybe more consistent than a rookie like Breeland (especially early on). Biggers can also back-up the FS position and play solid special teams as well. I went with an extra corner here since Minnifield has shown some potential and there is an extra roster spot available.

Safety: (4) Ryan Clark, Brandon Meriweather, Phillip Thomas, Trenton Robinson

-I think the top 3 spots are pretty well set here, and the only question is whether the Redskins keep Robinson or Bacarri Rambo as the back-up FS. Robinson gets the edge here. He doesn’t have the upside of Rambo, but he’s a far superior special teams player and he might be more consistent at safety right now. Rambo still goes for the big hit and doesn’t take proper angles.

Kicker: (1) Zach Hocker

-I think this battle will go right down to the wire, but Hocker seems to be in the lead and at the very least has the tie-breaker of being handpicked by the Redskins ST coach.

Punter: (1) Robert Malone

-Haven’t been blown away by either punter, but it seems clear that Malone is in the lead.

Long Snapper: (1) Nick Sundberg

-Easy decision as he’s the only long snapper on the team.