7 Players Most Responsible for the Washington Redskins' Success in 2012

Another entertaining piece for the offseason, predicting the Redskins' players most responsible for the team's success in 2012 is no easy task. 

Not only are we in the dark regarding players' progression and development, but we don't even have a final lineup at this point. For all we know, I could be predicting guys that don't even make the team. 

No need to bash me for poor subject. For football fans (especially Redskins fans), this is what the summer is all about. 

7. DeAngelo Hall

With all of us fully expecting solid production out of the Redskins defensive line this season, we're only hopeful that the secondary can show up and make some plays. 

Perhaps because of an unfriendly contract and a shallow free agent market at the position, DeAngelo Hall returns as the Redskins' so-called No. 1 corner. He is also the secondary's top playmaker. 

Regardless of the team or philosophy, creating turnovers is a crucial part to success. If the front-seven is applying pressure, the secondary needs to take advantage of it. That very well could start with DeAngelo Hall. 

6. The Other Inside Linebacker

With Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo holding down the edges and London Fletcher maintaining most of the inside, the Redskins are left with a small hole in the middle of the defense at the other inside linebacker position. 

Fortunately, the Redskins have options. The One Man Gang, Lorenzo Alexander, is capable of playing inside, and he'll likely receive plenty of practice there.

Perry Riley has been around long enough for coaches to start asking more of him, possibly as a starter. Even free agent addition Jonathan Goff could make a run at the spot. 

As most will say, "three out of four ain't bad." But solidifying the linebacker corps is an important part of a defense that is naturally better up front than in the back. 

5. Tanard Jackson

As I've preached since his signing, there is reason to get excited for safety Tanard Jackson and his reunion with new defensive backs coach Raheem Morris. 

That said, Jackson is filling a huge role on the Redskins defense. Although LaRon Landry was often injured over the last few seasons in Washington, he remained a staple on the Redskins roster and a fierce defender in the box. 

The strong safety position is also a concern, but if Reed Doughty gets the starting job, I don't think it'd send any fans over the edge of FedEx's 400-section. It'd just be, well, Reed Doughty.

Can Tanard Jackson resurrect his career in Washington? How effective is he at filling the void that may actually be larger than it appears, both on and off the field?

4. Trent Williams

For being one reefer hit away from losing the whole season, left tackle Trent Williams isn't nearly the flight-risk he may appear to be. Yet, Williams' play on Robert Griffin's blindside and his ability to do so effectively will go a long way in 2012. 

Williams' athleticism at the left tackle spot with an overly athletic quarterback like Griffin seems like a perfect match. But, how will Williams adapt? In college he blocked for Sam Bradford. In the NFL, he has blocked mostly for Rex Grossman. Not necessarily a couple of scramblers. 

Nonetheless, I have confidence in Trent. 

3. Robert Griffin III

Surprisingly, rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III won't have the entire weight of the team on his shoulders. Don't get me wrong, he'll carry a lot, but he's already an upgrade without ever having tossed an NFL pass. 

Even if Griffin struggles in his rookie season, I can't see it being anything near that of people beginning to call him a bust. His attitude and work ethic alone set him apart from that label. 

If Griffin shows development in his decision-making, improvement in his pocket presence and finishes the season throwing less than 20 interceptions, his 2012 rookie campaign is a success. 

2. Jammal Brown

Although not the blindside, right tackle Jammal Brown has a lot to prove in 2012. 

After battling a series of nagging injuries, Brown has been rehabilitating all offseason in order to make a full recovery by the first week of the 2012 season. Still, fans have every right to question Brown's durability through an entire 17-week schedule. 

The good news, depending on your confidence level, is that the Redskins have some depth along the offensive line that can step in and play right tackle in the unfortunate case that Brown goes down. But, how comfortable are coaches with Willie Smith? Tom Compton?

A season-long healthy Jammal Brown goes much further than some may realize.  

1. Kory Lichtensteiger

Despite being a natural runner, Robert Griffin III will hear his fair share from Redskins coaches about "pocket presence". He may be able to get out and beat edge-rushers, but no one will stand to see Griffin taking heat up the middle due to poor interior line play. 

Starting left guard Kory Lichtensteiger went down hard last season with a torn ACL. Although making a full recovery, skepticism of his play in 2012 is expected. 

Will Lichtensteiger return to form? Will his knee hold up all season long?

Griffin's speed and athleticism may appear to make things easier for the offensive line, but the interior must play at the top of their game every single week. Without proper protection, Griffin will undoubtedly face a larger climb than he needs to.