Washington Redskins: Final Player Evaluations (Offense)

The offense was consistently inconsistent. From being shut out in Toronto against the Bills to keeping up with the mighty Patriots until the final minutes of the game. Kyle Shanahan has been the frequent scapegoat much of the season, for his head-scratching play-calling and their use of the recently departed Ryan Torain.

Rex Grossman was Rex Grossman. By the way, I’ve gotten so sick of that phrase, “You know what you are going to get with Rex." Even though it’s completely true, I just wish there was a better way to analyze his play other than just saying “typical."

John Beck was a disaster. Santana Moss and Anthony Armstrong definitely regressed after a very successful 2010 season, and we may have seen the end of the Chris Cooley era.

Well, Roy Helu, Leonard Hankerson and Evan Royster far exceeded expectations when given opportunities. Jabar Gaffney and Fred Davis had career years. Trent Williams finally started showing why he was the fourth-overall pick, and Darrel Young appears to have the fullback position locked up for years to come.

Even though the Redskins took a step back in regards to their overall record, I am more confident in the future of this team versus last year with young talent starting to blossom on the field. Below are my player evaluations of each offensive player and whether or not they should be retained for the upcoming season.

Quarterback: Rex Grossman

Job Status: Retained (Second String)

I am praying/begging that Rex is not the starting quarterback next year. He understands the offense and appears to have the backing of his fellow teammates. However, the Redskins cannot survive another 16 games with him behind center.

That being said, I am more than confident with Grossman as the team’s backup. While he doesn’t seem like the mentoring type for a new quarterback coming in, he has years of experience and can fill in if called upon.

Quarterback: John Beck

Job Status: Retained (Third String)

I know John Beck was pretty bad in his brief stint as the starter this season. Before everyone immediately dismisses him, please take note for the other aspects he brings to a locker room.

He’s an intangible guy that works extremely hard in improving his game as well as his teammates'. This is why I want to keep him. If Mike Shanahan has somewhat of a brain he’s going to draft his potential franchise quarterback or sign someone like Matt Flynn from Green Bay.

A player of Beck’s caliber is the kind of influence that has knowledge of Kyle Shanahan’s offense that the young player will need to be surrounded by.

Running Back: Tim Hightower

Job Status: Retained (Rotational)

Tim Hightower is not going to be the Skins 1,000-yard running back next year. Just because he will not be the featured back as he was before his injury this season, he can still play a vital role in the offense.

He will be used in pass protection, goal line situations and is a reliable pass catcher. This is all under the assumption that he can recover from his knee injury, but despite Helu’s and Royster’s success right now, Shanahan likes to rotate his backs, and Hightower could serve as the veteran of the unit.

Running Back: Roy Helu

Job Status: Retained (Starter)

Even though he hasn’t played an entire season, you can’t help but get excited for someone like Roy Helu. He substantially exceeded expectations in his rookie season, and one can only hope for improvement going into the future.

Barring Mike Shanahan’s odd depth charts, Helu appears to be the primary back for next season. Typically, workhorse running backs have an outrageously short career span, so I can see Shanahan’s willingness to use other backs in support of the Nebraska product.

I know this is certainly premature, but a player of Helu’s caliber has been something Redskins fans have been wanting for years. It seems he can break one loose at anytime, which is something Clinton Portis couldn’t even do. Expect a lot of No. 29 jerseys in the stands next season.

I will say it is alarming that Helu was banged up toward the end of the year after only a few games as the featured back; I'm certainly hoping it’s just a fluke.

Running Back: Evan Royster

Job Status: Retained (Rotational)

Being a Washington, D.C., native, I am always partial for the local products that have made it to the professional level. For those who don’t remember, Royster was frequently mentioned in the Washington Post’s “All Met” section.

Judging one’s performance after two games as the starter is unrealistic, but it’s hard not to imagine what Royster can expand on after his rookie season. He’s a precise runner who has a great first step and makes cuts when needed. 

The combination of Helu and Royster seems to be a landmark of the offense for the foreseeable future, and this is one of the few positions on the roster that really seems to be complete.

Fullback: Darrel Young

Job Status: Retained (Starter)

Fullback is a thankless job. They are underpaid, low-round draft picks (if drafted at all), they are ramming into the defense at full speed and they are asked to play special teams too.

While it has been occupied by veteran Mike Sellers for years, when healthy, Darrel Young filled in dutifully. Toward the end of the season, his progress stood out with the production from Helu and Royster.

Over time, I would like to see Young transform himself into a reliable pass catcher, similar to what Sellers became, which will be an added bonus.

Most likely, he’s going to be the starter for years to come, in another effort to become a youthful team.

Fullback: Mike Sellers

Job Status: Released

I love Mike Sellers. How can you not love such an intense and hardworking player who did all of the dirty work for a variety of running backs?

Even though he took a backseat for the younger Darrel Young with the utmost class, Sellers is nearing the end of his career and it’s time for the Redskins to look for a rookie to fulfill his duties.

Wide Receiver: Santana Moss

Job Status: Retained (Starter)

I thought last season Santana Moss was one of the best receivers in the NFC, and his numbers proved that. He may not have the same burst he once had or be a downfield threat, but he has solidified his position in the slot with superior route running.

Bothered by injuries this season, Moss has definitely regressed, which unfortunately happens to professionals when they reach their 30s. Nonetheless, I still think Moss can remain a productive starter in this league, as long as rookie Leonard Hankerson recovers from his injury.

Wide Receiver: Leonard Hankerson

Job Status: Retained (Starter)

All it took was one game in Miami for Redskins officials and fans to see what Hankerson is capable of. He’s a ball-attacking physical receiver who can run a variety of patterns.

Hankerson is going to need some time to develop, after only playing two full games. He may not start right away next season, but I would expect him to have a potential breakout year.

Hankerson's success is extremely vital to the offense for the future. I’ve always said that I would love to see what Moss, Fred Davis and Chris Cooley can do when a very talented receiver is in the lineup with them.

Wide Receiver: Jabar Gaffney

Job Status: Retained (Depth)

Regardless of Gaffney’s role next season, you know exactly what you get from him. He’s a solid possession type receiver who runs excellent routes and has a nose for the first-down marker.

Here’s what I envision for the receiving corps next year: a heavy dose of Leonard Hankerson, Santana Moss in the slot and Jabar Gaffney to fill in the rest. While it’s not a threatening group, it has a mix of reliable veterans and a high-potential second-year player.

Mike Shanahan has made an emphasis on youth at almost every position besides receiver. I would like to see a combination of both young and veteran players, which is a necessity for our potential new quarterback.

Wide Receiver: David Anderson

Job Status: Released

The Redskins didn’t have high expectations when they signed David Anderson in the middle of the season, as he was originally signed to the roster to fill Santana Moss’s role while he was out with his injury. However, he made a few plays during his brief tenure.

Despite the plays he made, I still don’t see Anderson being retained by the Redskins going into next season. He doesn’t play special teams, and I assume Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen would prefer to see one of their draft picks fill that void.

Wide Receiver: Donte Stallworth

Job Status: Released

In all seriousness, I didn’t understand the Donte Stallworth signing this offseason, however, I will admit he surprised me with his production. Stallworth is not the quality starter he once was, but he has filled in serviceably and provided a spark on occasion.

Although I consider his season to be an overall success, I still don’t see much of a future for him. He’s closing in at the end of his career. I wouldn’t have an issue if Stallworth is welcomed back to training camp on a tryout basis or barring injuries, but the receiving corps already has its veteran players.

Wide Receiver: Niles Paul

Job Status: Retained (Depth)

I am a big Niles Paul fan. He’s James Thrash reincarnated. He’s been very impressive on special teams and as a run blocker. He’s still going to need to develop as a dependable receiver, but I doubt Paul was drafted to be a standout wide receiver.

All that being said, I believe it’s safe to say that Niles Paul has done everything to solidify himself a roster spot next year.

The reason why I compare him to James Thrash is that he does all the little things that go unnoticed, which is a vital role to have on the team.

Wide Receiver: Anthony Armstrong

Job Status: Indifferent (Tryout Basis)

It’s hard not to root for someone like Anthony Armstrong. He’s come from the gutter of professional football to establishing himself as a legitimate deep threat and overall productive wide receiver in year one of the Mike Shanahan campaign.

Armstrong’s second season was a major disappointment. He wasn't able to create separation between his defenders, and Jabar Gaffney has emerged as a more consistent player.

I loved what Mike Shanahan did this past training camp and that was create competition at almost every position. While many fans will be calling for Anthony’s head, I don’t see the problem with seeing if he can improve going into next season on a tryout basis.

Wide Receiver: Terrence Austin

Job Status: Released

The second-year pro went into the season with a lot of momentum as he shined in the preseason. Although I didn’t expect Austin to produce heavily this year, he did not performed well in his limited opportunity.

Additionally, Terrence Austin did not see any time as a returner during Brandon Banks’ struggles. Considering strong preseason play can only take you so far, I doubt he will be in a Redskins uniform next year.

Wide Receiver/Return Specialist: Brandon Banks

Job Status: Released

One could argue the plays Brandon Banks made last year might have been the biggest factor in what was an overall good offense. He was a threat to score at any time, however, his play this year steadily declined.

Sure the kickoff being moved to the 35-yard line made Banks' job harder, but he hasn’t shown the same burst he had virtually all of last season.

One of his biggest problems is that he’s extremely undersized, which is why he’s not used on the offense, thus leading to his potential release.

In general, the Redskins do not have a great offense. When you don’t have a great offense, you look for a spark or a momentum changing play that can get the team moving, which is the reason a consistent returner is a major need for the Redskins going into the offseason.

Tight End: Fred Davis

Job Status: Retained (Starter)

I know, I know. He’s an idiot for getting suspended. He’s now going to be labeled as a “character issue." I don’t care. Before his suspension, Fred Davis was playing at a Pro Bowl level. On an offense with few playmakers, Fred Davis is imperative to the Redskins offense next year, especially with a new quarterback.

Re-signing Fred Davis needs to be a major priority going into the offseason. He’s young, healthy and is obviously productive in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.

Tight End: Chris Cooley

Job Status: Retained (Second String)

Arguably the most beloved Redskin of the Daniel Snyder era, not only putting up Pro Bowl statistics, but remaining loyal to the organization that drafted him, Cooley needs to retire a Redskin.

The NFL is a copycat league, and I’m sure offensive-minded coaches throughout will take note of what New England is doing with Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. I’m not comparing Chris Cooley and Fred Davis to those two players, but there is no reason the two can’t co-exist on the field together.

I would only hope Cooley is brought back under one condition: to restructure his contract. He’s a highly paid tight end, but he’s not going back to putting up 90-plus catches a season anymore, especially when he would have to share them with his teammate, Davis.

When he’s healthy, Chris Cooley remains a valuable threat to the offense, and it’s about time for Kyle Shanahan to devise a scheme utilizing the team’s assets.

Tight End: Logan Paulsen

Job Status: Retained (Third String)

With Chris Cooley being put on injured reserve and Fred Davis getting suspended for the final four games of the season, Logan Paulsen had a major opportunity in being the starter. Well he’s proved that he’s not starting material.

Logan Paulsen’s future with the Redskins will not go past being the third-stringer who can be used in goal line situations and on special teams. Blocking tight ends like Paulsen aren’t highly regarded like players of Fred Davis or Chris Cooley’s caliber.

I would still bring back Logan for depth purposes and his familiarity with the coaching staff, just as long as he’s not the starter again.

Left Tackle: Trent Williams

Job Status: Retained (Starter)

First of all, Trent Williams is an idiot too. There is absolutely no excuse to test positive for marijuana when you are a professional athlete. What’s sad about this is that before his suspension, Williams finally showed the Redskins what he’s capable of.

After never being 100 percent in his first year as a left tackle, Williams appeared to get better game after game, neutralizing some of the best pass rushers in the NFL week after week. I hope Williams learned from this embarrassing punishment, and he can now start playing at the Pro Bowl level I believe he has the talent to do so.

You can argue that other than quarterback, the left tackle position is the most important on the offensive side of the ball. The Redskins have made a major investment in the second-year pro. The physical talents are there—now we need to see if he can mature as a professional and become one of the leaders of the team.

Right Tackle: Jammal Brown

Job Status: Retained (Starter)

In his two years in a Redskin uniform, Jammal Brown has been decent at best. The former All-Pro left tackle in New Orleans has suffered numerous injuries upon his arrival in D.C. and has been outplayed by superior pass rushers.

Despite all of those shortcomings, I foresee Brown retaining his job as the starting right tackle by default.  Willie Smith isn’t ready to be an everyday starter yet, and Tyler Polumbus is not starting material.

Continuity on the offensive line is imperative to the growth of an offense as a whole. He was signed to a contract extension this past offseason, so I would expect his return.

However, it wouldn’t surprise me if Brown is released in the offseason. He obviously hasn’t lived up to expectations, and the Redskins will not take a huge salary cap hit if they choose to part ways. I think it’s a 50/50 at this point.

Offensive Tackle: Shaun Locklear

Job Status: Released

The Redskins signed Locklear during training camp to provide veteran depth along the offensive line, as he can play both right and left tackle. He had plenty of opportunities with Jammal Brown and Trent Williams missing games, and he was eventually beat out by an undrafted rookie free agent.

He’s obviously lost a step since his days as a starter in Seattle; therefore, if the Skins wish to have a veteran lineman for depth purposes, they will need to look elsewhere.

Offensive Tackle: Willie Smith

Job Status: Retained (Depth)

Willie Smith struggled in the Week 17 loss against the Eagles. All things considered, Smith proved why he was one of the highest rated undrafted free agents entering training camp.

Just look at some of the pass rushers he had to go up against during his brief tenure as the starter: Jared Allen, Jason Pierre-Paul, Andre Carter and Trent Cole. Three out of four of those defensive ends are playing in Hawaii this year. Despite some hiccups, I felt Willie Smith filled in admirably, especially since he went undrafted, and he was playing the most important position on the offensive line.

Is Smith ready to become a dependable starter? Not yet. He is unpolished and will certainly need more reps and familiarity with the speed of the game. I see Willie filling the role that Stephon Heyer once occupied, (I know he was terrible, but humor me please) by learning how to play both right and left tackle and fill in sparingly if the starters get nicked up during a game.

Right Tackle: Tyler Polumbus

Job Status: Indifferent (Tryout Basis)

I would like to see what Polumbus can do with a full season behind him in the Redskins offensive scheme. Now I don’t expect him to start, but he might be the answer as the backup veteran.

What football minds love about backups is their versatility, and Polumbus’s ability to play both tackle and guard might be the reason he will still have a job next season.

I’m not saying he needs to be retained, but bringing him back to training camp to provide some much needed competition seems to be the most realistic.

Left Guard: Kory Lichtensteiger

Job Status: Retained (Starter/Second String)

Just when Kory Lichtensteiger appeared to turn the corner as a valuable starting guard, he suffered a devastating injury early in the season.

I know I sound like a broken record in regards to competition throughout all positions; the same should be applied for versatility. (He can play center too.) Whether or not Lichtensteiger can come back from his injury or not, I would like to see him compete for a role on the roster next year.

The need for quality depth along the offensive line is extremely important. Injuries to lineman have become almost inevitable year after year, which is why quality players need to be relied upon for emergency situations, even if that means more money needs to be spent on them.

Right Guard: Chris Chester

Job Status: Retained (Starter)

Chris Chester has been OK—nothing great, but he hasn’t been a liability, unlike of some of his teammates along the offensive line. I was initially surprised to see him signed to a relatively large contract after being primarily a backup while in Baltimore.

Anyway, Chester will enter in the second year in Burgundy and Gold, and I would be completely shocked if he is not the starting right guard for the 2012-2013 season.

Left Guard: Maurice Hurt

Job Status: Retained (Second String)

After Maurice Hurt was selected in the seventh round, I’m sure Mike Shanahan and company didn’t expect him to start for half of the season. Just like most rookies, Hurt certainly had his ups and downs.

Similar to Willie Smith, it’s hard to have a high expectation level for a late-round draft pick who's thrown in the trenches after injuries decimated the offensive line.

Once again, despite gaining valuable experience in his first season, I still don’t think Maurice has done enough to become a starter; however, he can be used for depth purposes.

Center: Will Montgomery

Job Status: Retained (Starter/Second String)

Can the Redskins improve at the center position? Absolutely; can they survive with Will Montgomery occupying that role? I would say yes.

Montgomery is due to be a free agent this offseason, and I doubt that teams will be getting in line to pay him for his services, so I would expect him to return to Washington.

As mentioned before, I love how Mike Shanahan has competition at almost every position, which is why I was confused that no one was brought in last year to compete with Montgomery as the starter. Anyway, I would prefer Montgomery to return and have him compete for his position next season.

Center: Erik Cook

Job Status: Released

Erik Cook was given a brief opportunity to start after the Lichtensteiger injury. (Montgomery moved over to guard.) During his chance, Cook was a disappointment.

I highly doubt there is any significant future with Erik Cook as a dependable player for the Redskins, so I envision his slot to be found elsewhere, preferably in the draft.

Speaking of the draft, even though Matt Barkley’s decision to stay at USC may have hurt the Redskins, I still expect the Redskins to be very aggressive in drafting their quarterback of the future. After selecting the quarterback, an interior lineman is the next position I would like to see addressed.