The 5 Biggest Issues Facing Washington Redskins with OTAs Wrapped

Scot McCloughan's smart and steady work during free agency and the 2015 NFL draft has solved many of the Washington Redskins' main issues. However, there are still things none of McCloughan's moves could fix.

The elephant in the room that is Robert Griffin III's development, or lack thereof, is still the biggest issue facing Washington. This team now has enough talent in the key areas of the roster to win—only yet more mediocre play at quarterback will keep the franchise mired in losing.

Stepping away from the situation under center, the Redskins still need answers at some vital positions. Specifically, the team needs definite winners to emerge in competitions at strong safety, right guard, third-down running back and slot receiver.

Here are the main issues still facing the Burgundy and Gold now OTAs are wrapped.

Identifying a Starter at Strong Safety

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From one perspective, it's a little disappointing there is still a question mark hanging over a secondary that received a much-needed revamp this offseason. Another view is that it's a good thing to finally have credible options after years of weak starters and suspect depth.

Eventually, though, a definite starter will have to emerge between Duke Ihenacho and Jeron Johnson. OTAs were about giving each player a fair audition.

The pair alternated between working with the first-team defense and spending time with the depth players, according to Mike Jones of the Washington Post.

It's bodes well for the new season that both players have been displaying the right attributes for the position. Jones noted how: "The players possess similar skill sets. Both play with physicality and have done well against the run, and both are working to prove themselves as adequate in pass coverage while trying to improve."

Even in today's NFL, in which safeties are expected to share similar skill sets and be interchangeable, most pairings still form the classic mold. That's usually a physical hitter at the strong-safety position, while a player more adept covering in space roams the deep zones as the free safety.

Veteran Dashon Goldson's arrival will hopefully take care of the latter. At least new defensive coordinator Joe Barry and secondary coach Perry Fewell have two to choose from for the enforcer role.

Choose the Right 3rd-Down Running Back

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A natural third-down back is a must for a passing game that needs a safe checkdown target out of the backfield. Including that type of receiver in the offense is the quickest route to coaxing greater efficiency from the team's struggling quarterbacks.

Just like at strong safety, the Redskins are fortunate to have two viable options competing for this pivotal role. Both Chris Thompson and undrafted free agent Trey Williams possess the qualities classic third-down backs display.

They each offer legitimate, field-stretching speed and multiple moves, as well as a talent for catching passes. But durability issues loom over each player and their chances of making the final roster.

Thompson entered the pros with a history of back troubles during his time at Florida State. He hasn't been able to shake his problems, having made just six appearances in two years.

It doesn't help that Williams suffered an ankle injury that denied him the chance to use OTAs to convince coaches they can finally give up on Thompson.

Ultimately, health will be the determining factor in this battle. There's just so little to choose from between Thompson and Williams.

Both boast the niche skills Washington's backfield currently lacks. They can bring the same level of flexibility to the playbook.

In his very brief action last season, Thompson was moved around formations by head coach Jay Gruden and offensive coordinator Sean McVay. Meanwhile, NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein believes Williams "can be shuffled around the field as a mismatch weapon."

Thompson also showed off his speed, offering a tantalising glimpse of what he might be, during OTAs, per ESPN reporter John Keim:

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These practices, with no hitting or tackling, are designed for players with quickness to shine. But it still caught my eye how quick Chris Thompson turned the corner on one run. Quickness, of course, is his strength. Not sure what to expect from him this season. Running backs are the hardest to judge before the games begin.

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That's the level of versatility Washington needs in the backfield to help create matchup nightmares for defenses and make Griffin's job easier. But none of that will be possible unless one of Thompson or Williams can stay healthy and stand out during training camp.

If neither of those things happens, the Redskins would be wise to scour the waiver wire and consider a late swoop for either Pierre Thomas or Joe McKnight.

Find a Natural Slot Receiver

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As much as a sure-handed backfield receiver would be a boon for Washington's quarterbacks in 2015, a possession-style target from the slot would also be a massive help.

Once again, the Redskins have two very obvious candidates for the role. Fourth-round pick Jamison Crowder seemed to be a lock for the job.

He's been impressing coaches and onlookers for most of this offseason. ESPN's John Keim was wowed by the former Duke star's moves, flexibility and quickness:

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The rookie receiver had a sharp cut on a post—very sharp—and made a leaping catch as a safety approached. Now, maybe the safety levels him; maybe he doesn’t. But what impressed me is how Crowder feels the impending defender and how quickly he can land on the ground and cut.

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But off-field issues, specifically accusations of domestic violence, reported by the Washington Times, have cast a major cloud over the potential first-year playmaker.

Crowder was already facing strong competition from last year's fifth-round pick Ryan Grant. Almost forgotten after only minimal exposure to the first team and modest production as a rookie, Grant has been a solid performer during OTAs.

One person particularly enamoured with how Grant has been working is ESPN 980 reporter Chris Russell. He also noted how Grant has caught Gruden's eye:

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I mentioned Ryan Grant above when referencing David Amerson, but in addition to that, he had consecutive catches on each side of the field on what appeared to be out-routes. After the 2nd one, in which he flashed good footwork and body control, Jay Gruden praised him loudly for his good work. Grant is going to be a factor this year in my eyes.

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Grant is an intriguing case to ponder. He's blessed with exceptional hands, along with an innate knack for finding the voids in coverage.

But those skills were wasted during the ex-Tulane catch machine's first year in the pros. Grant made just seven receptions for 68 yards from two starts in 16 games.

It's foolish to overlook a player with such sure hands and a flair for getting open underneath. A diminutive flanker who can win over the middle on option routes presents an obvious target for quick and easy throws, the type of quick and easy throws Griffin needs to make more often.

Crowder's got greater big-play potential, but Grant may be the more reliable. Either way, the man under center for 2015 needs a natural slot receiver to aim for.

Decide Chris Chester's Replacement

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Waving goodbye to Chris Chester may be the best move the Redskins made this offseason. His failings at right guard consistently undermined both run blocking and pass protection.

But now Chester's gone, the onus falls on the coaches to find the right replacement. As with most positions up for grabs, there's a bevy of candidates.

Spencer Long, rookie Arie Kouandjio and Josh LeRibeus all offer the qualities new line coach Bill Callahan will covet for his scheme. They each boast the extra bulk and natural strength to thrive in a system more dedicated to power-based blocking than in recent seasons.

At the moment, Long seems like the obvious choice. Gruden hasn't been shy about expressing his confidence in the 6'5", 311-pounder's ability to make the leap from rotation player to starter.

Prior to the draft, Gruden described how he expects Long to make a "big jump" in his second year, per ESPN writer John Keim. More recently, Gruden has identified Long as a player perfectly suited to Washington's new mix of power and zone blocking up front, according to CSN Washington reporter Rich Tandler.

Long is the natural choice to start, but Kouandjio shouldn't be ruled out so easily. He played in a power scheme at Alabama and offers the same combination of moves, skills and brute force.

Given how Long made just five appearances and not a single start in 2014, he's not much further along than this season's rookie. Training camp will define how this competition plays out.

The smart money should stay on Long, but considering Callahan's history of quickly developing rookies into stars for the Dallas Cowboys, it might not be too long before he gets Kouandjio up to speed.

Improving the Quarterbacks

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You wouldn't quite say nothing else matters for the Redskins, but the franchise certainly won't return to the playoffs any time soon without major improvement under center.

Primarily, that will mean getting more from Robert Griffin III. Trying to condense this particular debate into a single slide is no easy task.

Injuries have ravaged Griffin's mobility almost to the point of making the read-option offense a no-go in Washington. That's a problem because Griffin doesn't have the footwork, recognition skills and accuracy to thrive from the pocket.

It doesn't help that Gruden wants a pocket-based system. Sadly, he doesn't seem too confident Griffin will ever be able to adequately put his plans into practice.

His praise has been faint so far this offseason, according to Real Redskins blogger Rich Tandler. That's a bad sign on the road to progress, especially when you consider how coach and quarterback took their pseudo feud public last season.

Yet nobody's demanding Gruden and Griffin like each other. Still, work has to be done.

So far, the early results aren't positive. Another report from Tandler described how Griffin has appeared far from polished during OTAs:

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Griffin looked fairly good most of the day but he made one ugly play. In 11 on 11 in the red zone the rolled to the right, looked, looked and when he was a few steps from the sideline he threw to the goal line. It was an easy interception for Bashaud Breeland.

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Of course, one play doesn't define a quarterback or even an offseason. What will is a full commitment to refining every rough edge in Griffin's game.

Hiring Matt Cavanaugh as his position coach was an excellent start. Gruden needs to let Cavanaugh work and resist the impulse to micro manage.

Most important of all, though, Gruden and McVay must devise a definite and clear scheme for Griffin to operate. It has to be one that allows room for Griffin's core strengths and hides what he can't do.

This isn't the franchise quarterback Washington hoped to get with the second overall pick back in 2012. Instead, the Redskins are stuck with a major work in progress, but it's one the team can still win with as long as concessions are made.

Solving this issue is the key to Washington's season. The other lingering issues are good problems to have. Selection headaches are welcome as a sign of a more talented, deeper and competitive roster.

That can only be good news for a franchise that's gone 7-25 over the last two seasons.

All statistics and player information via NFL.com.