Washington Redskins: Predicting the Unpopular Saviors of the Skins' 2012 Season

Before the start of every NFL season, analysts and big-letter networks talk about the importance of certain players for each team. Chris Johnson is going to be a crucial piece for the Tennesse Titans, the Green Bay Packers will rely on the arm of Aaron Rodgers, the Minnesota Vikings will go as far as Adrian Peterson takes them and the most obvious list goes on. 

It's not that there's anything particularly wrong with calling out the superstars and mentioning that their play is directly correlated with their respective team's success during the season, but it's boring. It's borderline common sense. 

So, instead of going with names like Robert Griffin, London Fletcher and Ryan Kerrigan as required key contributors for the Redskins in 2012, I've done my best to name the not-so-popular players that could play a huge role in the team's success this season. 

Willie Smith

I'm not about to fall into the trap of believing that Jammal Brown will play 17 weeks, regardless of reports surrounding the right tackle's recovery from a hip injury last season. Whether it be yoga, pilates, water exercises or a combination of the three, Jammal Brown's health moving forward is shaky at best. 

By the end of the season, I predict that second-year tackle Willie Smith will have started more games on the right end than either Jammal Brown or Tyler Polumbus. What's more, Smith will play a significant role in the overall success of the offensive line. 

The offensive line in general will have a lot on them as a unit this season, but the bookends will need to adjust to a new and improved pocket—a wider and more threatening one at the hands of Robert Griffin III. 

No one should doubt Smith's ability. Head coach Mike Shanahan made him one of the team's first undrafted free-agent signees following the 2011 draft and he continues to mold in the system. 

Santana Moss

There's no arguing that veteran receiver Santana Moss is a popular name amongst Redskins fans, but it wasn't that long ago that people questioned whether the 33-year-old would return for his eighth season in Washington—myself included. 

Even with a fairly loud cap number and an aging body, Moss is expected back next season after Mike Shanahan recently said that he showed up to camp in great shape and 15 pounds lighter, according to CBSSports.com.

As the crafty vet with arguably the surest hands on the team, Moss could very well become Griffin's favorite and most reliable target. He is only one year removed from a career-high 93 receptions and no one should be surprised if Moss strings together something special in 2012.

If Griffin finds comfort in Moss, the twelfth-year receiver will play a key role in moving the sticks. 

Jarvis Jenkins

After drafting him in last year's draft and listening to Mike Shanahan and other Redskins coaches talk about him in only the highest regard, Jarvis Jenkins quickly became a popular young man in the DMV. 

Unfortunately, Jenkins' rookie campaign was over before it even began. He blew out his ACL during the preseason and was forced to miss the entire 2011 season. However, if there had to be any upside to the injury having happened, it was the fact that Jenkins had plenty of time to recover and rehabilitate. 

Despite my support for veteran defensive end Adam Carriker, I do believe that Jenkins will see ample time in the defensive line rotation and eventually start by midseason. If the 6'4, 310-pound Jenkins is as good as advertised by coaches, he can be a key cog in the Redskins defense in 2012. 

Will Montgomery

Again, the offensive line will be under a large microscope all season. That being said, there will be a lot of eyes on center Will Montgomery, in particular. 

With a rookie quarterback under center, a good relationship between he and his center will be required. Some may consider Montgomery a good plug-and-play backup all along the offensive front, but I am in strong belief that he is a center only. 

Besides being a big season for Montgomery as an (assumed) NFL starter, it's going to be even bigger for the success of the Redskins offense. Not only does he anchor the interior, but Montgomery also has to flawlessly blend with Griffin's tendencies.

Tanard Jackson

With 15 defensive backs on the Redskins current roster, it appears that coaches may address the secondary with a sort of platoon approach. Rather than spending big or additional cash on the position, the Redskins will stock up on affordable talent and let camp battles determine the starters. 

Hometown product Tanard Jackson was signed as a free agent by the Redskins, and he has big shoes to fill, assuming he becomes the starter. 

For years, (mostly) fan-favorite LaRon Landry held down the free safety position with intimidation, big hits and natural athleticism. Despite missing a number of games due to injury, Landry was a key part of the defense when healthy.

Needless to say, replacing him will not be easy.