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Now that the draft and rookie camp—that allowed some additional player tryouts and signings to happen—are done, and the Redskins are likely done adding players to the roster and it's time to have a guess who will and won't make the roster.
Obviously this is pure wild guess work at this point because no mini/training camp or preseason games have happened and the tangent of injuries or late additions via trade have happened. Not to be put off though, I'll do this several times over the offseason in order to monitor the camp battles as they go on.
Quarterback
(3) Jason Campbell, Todd Collins, Colt Brennan
No surprises here, Brennan may get closer to Collins as the No. 2, but 2010 looks more likely.
Running Back
(5) Clinton Portis, Ladell Betts, Rock Cartwright, Dominique Dorsey, Mike Sellers
Four of last year's backs return and are joined by former CFL star Dominique Dorsey who might be the "Darren Sproles" type everyone will now want.
Tight End
(3) Chris Cooley, Fred Davis, Todd Yoder
Same as last year.
Wide Receiver
(5) Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle El, Malcolm Kelly, Devin Thomas, James Thrash
It's possible others are kept if performances dictate. James Thrash as the veteran gets the nod at present and the best chance the likes of Roydell Williams and D.J. Hackett have to make the team is injury.
Offensive Line
(9) Chris Samuels, Derrick Dockery, Casey Rabach, Randy Thomas, Stephon Heyer, Jon Jansen, Jeremy Bridges, Chad Rinehart, Edwin Williams
The right tackle job is open at this point, but I think Spehon Heyer wins it. Edwin Williams has a shot as an undrafted free agent to make the squad as the backup center.
Defensive Line
(9) Albert Haynesworth, Cornelius Griffin, Andre Carter, Phillip Daniels, Brian Orapko, Kedric Golston, Renaldo Wynn, Anthony Montgomery, Lorenzo Alexander
Orapko will also see some time as a linebacker. Alexander is being asked to do what Demetric Evans did last year and play both end and tackle. The last three are the ones who will have to hold off any challenges from players outside looking in at present.
Linebacker
(7) London Fletcher, Rocky McIntosh, H.B. Blades, Chris Wilson, Cody Glenn, Robert Thomas, Alfred Fincher
This promises to be one of the most interesting battles of the summer. The outside linebacking spots are very much up for grabs. McIntosh should secure one, but who'll play on the other side. Orapko is being promised some time there, Chris Wilson is making the trip back from the defensive line to try linebacking and H.B. Blades got plenty of action there last season. Fincher looks to be around for special teams and at this point Cody Glenn makes it as the highest place rookie from him and Robert Henson.
Cornerback
(5) Carlos Rogers, DeAngelo Hall, Fred Smoot, Kevin Barnes, Justin Tryon
The first four should be locks although Fred Smoot could be pushed by rookie Kevin Barnes and if he is then potential may challenge experience for a lesser role. Justin Tryon makes this version of the prediction, but he is very much on the edge after a disappointing rookie year.
Safety
(4) Laron Landry, Chris Horton, Kareem Moore, Reed Doughty
Doughty returns from IR but could see a strong challenge for his spot. Possibly a fifth safety rather than a fifth corner is kept due to Greg Blanche's use of the cobra (three safety) package.
Kicker
(1) Shaun Susiham
Suisham had a terrible second half of 2008 and faces a challenge from the strong-legged Dave Raymer, but at this point, Suisham is on top until moved.
Punter
(1) Hunter Smith
Smith has Dirk Johnson to beat out, but he is a quality veteran who should solidify the position for the 'Skins in '09.
Long Snapper
(1) Ethan Albright
Actually faces a challenge from fourth-year man Jeremy Cain, but should easily survive.
Practice Squad
(8) Chase Daniels, QB; Marko Mitchell, WR; Robert Henson, LB; Lendy Holmes, S; Darrel Young, LB/S; Eddie Williams, FB; Derek Walker, DE; Robert Agnone, TE
The practice squad is full of prospects I think can really push for roster spots come camp. Robert Henson could be a special teams demon and that is always a good way to earn a roster spot. Derek Walker could find a spot on the DL if he can show his apparent lack of special skills doesn't matter and that, like in college, he just manages to produce. Chase Daniels gives Jim Zorn another QB development project to work with.
At this point, favor fortunes the veterans or incumbents until camps and preseason games begin.
The practice squad is full of prospects I think can really push for roster spots come camp. Robert Henson could be a special teams demon and that is always a good way to earn a roster spot. Derek Walker could find a spot on the DL if he can show his apparent lack of special skills doesn't matter and that, like in college, he just manages to produce. Chase Daniels gives Jim Zorn another QB development project to work with.
At this point, favor fortunes the veterans or incumbents until camps and preseason games begin.
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