Predicting Washington Redskins Two-Deep Depth Chart, Pre-Training Camp

The speculation surrounding the depth chart of the 2012 Washington Redskins is an entertaining jumble. With training camp having not yet begun, no one can predict injuries, mishaps or any unfortunate contractual disagreements.

However, there are those positions that seem to come with a firm grasp and the others that make the offseason so entertaining. The following is one couch potato's prediction.

Quarterback

Originally, I was going to make a joking case of why Rex Grossman should be the Redskins' Week 1 starter. Then I realized just how un-comical nightmares can be.

Starting the 2012 season will be none other than Robert Griffin III.

Coming to the Redskins as one of the most hyped athletes to ever step foot on the Washington sports scene, Griffin will be expected to use his highly-coveted intelligence to get a firm grasp of the playbook over the summer and be well-prepared for battle come September.

Although backing up Griffin should probably be fellow rookie Kirk Cousins—based firmly on talent—head coach Mike Shanahan will likely side with the veteran Grossman and develop Cousins in the third QB role.

While I believe that Grossman's greatest spot on the team is suiting up as any other opponent, I will admit that I am not disgruntled over his backup role. Grossman knows the offense and can step in in the unfortunate case of an injury. But anything more than a temporary plug could send Redskins Nation into violent protests.

Running Back

The Redskins backfield is typically the position where I receive the most argument, based on my opinion. But it's hard to say that anyone starts over Roy Helu in 2012.

As a rookie last season, Helu demonstrated his versatility out of the backfield and became a valuable asset to a Redskins offense that searched for explosiveness and playmaking ability all season.

Assuming he's healthy, Tim Hightower likely gets the nod over second-year player Evan Royster as the Redskins' No. 2 running back.

Although always weary of recovering knee injuries, reports tend to indicate that Hightower has made a very good recovery. And given his running abilities, in combination with his pass-blocking, Shanahan likes to utilize Hightower as much as he can.

Tight End

Because of its intrigue and potential, the tight end position is one of my favorites for the Redskins in 2012. With that said, though, it could also flop if some players don't behave and others can't stay healthy.

Fred Davis is the obvious starter at tight end, serving as the Redskins' only playmaker last season and coming into this year on a one-year prove-me deal.

If healthy, fan favorite Chris Cooley will certainly return, as he would serve as a great partner for Griffin. And he's by far the team's best blocking tight end.

Converted wide receiver Niles Paul is being tried at tight end, and I wish nothing but the best for him. He plays with attitude and tenacity, and he has the blocking ability to be a very effective hybrid.

Finally, if the Redskins are even able to retain four tight ends, Logan Paulsen likely returns after showing some potential as a blocker and coming up with a few big catches last season.

Wide Receiver

The Redskins front office made it their mission this offseason to address the wide receiver position and did so by adding playmakers that bring speed and yards after catch to a team that was once fairly described as slow.

Serving as the vertical threat should be new addition Pierre Garcon. With the speed he has to get behind secondaries, Garcon should mesh well with Griffin—who had a receiving threat at Baylor with a similar style.

On the other side should be Leonard Hankerson. With good size and big hands, Hankerson has the advantage over most defensive backs. He showed glimpses of what could be when he was given playing time last season, but injuries cut his year short.

The Redskins' other free agent wide receiver signee, Josh Morgan, should control the slot position. Morgan is physical off the line and he's always looking for extra yards.

And now that veteran wideout Santana Moss has shown up this offseason in such good shape, Redskins fans can expect him to make his presence felt whenever given the opportunity. Moss is versatile in the sense that he can play both inside and outside, but his sure hands are the biggest security blanket for a rookie passer.

Offensive Line

The Redskins helped address their offensive line this offseason, but they also have some youngsters from last season who showed enough promise to keep them around.

Starting up front should be (in order from left to right): Trent Williams, Kory Lichtensteiger, Will Montgomery, Chris Chester and Jammal Brown. However, it's the furthest from a sure thing.

In fact, the only guys that I would consider "locks" along the front line are Williams and Chester. If Lichtensteiger suffers as a result of his injury last season, he could be replaced with, say, Maurice Hurt or rookie Josh LeRibeus.

If coaches feel that Montgomery is best suited as a backup center, he could be replaced by LeRibeus, Erik Cook or an undrafted free agent like Grant Garner.

And then there's Brown, who literally can't shake the injury bug. If he struggles or can't make the opening week roster as a healthy lineman, guys like Willie Smith or Tyler Polumbus are scratching for their chances. Unfortunately for Brown, and fortunately for the Redskins, both Smith and Polumbus have potential.

Defensive Line

Arguably the team's deepest position, the Redskins' defensive line has a positive outlook for the 2012 season.

Starting up front should be Adam Carriker and Stephen Bowen on the ends, with Barry Cofield holding down the center nose tackle position.

Although Carriker was re-signed this offseason, I have mentioned numerous times that second-year man Jarvis Jenkins could eventually move into that starting role, and that would come as a surprise to no one.

Along with Jenkins will be the recently re-signed Kedric Golston holding down the other backup end position, and second-year player Chris Neild backing up at nose tackle.

The Redskins struck hot last offseason when they shored up the majority of their defensive front. They signed Cofield and Bowen in free agency, drafted Jenkins with a higher-round pick and landed Neild as a late-round sleeper.

Linebackers

After re-signing London Fletcher, the Redskins' linebacking corps is pretty set.

Sophomore Ryan Kerrigan will hold down one end of the four-man crew, with Brian Orakpo on the other end and the veteran Fletcher plugging the inside spot. Next to Fletcher at the other inside position, however, remains in question.

The Redskins could easily go with Perry Riley, as he has shown progression in his three years in Washington. But I have a feeling they end up going with the recently signed Jonathan Goff. He is coming into his fifth season, he has good size for the position and he comes from a versatile New York Giants defense.

Backing up the starters should be Markus White and Rob Jackson on the ends. And on the inside, expect to see Perry Riley, Lorenzo Alexander and rookie Keenan Robinson.

As a fan, there's a lot to confident about in the Redskins' front seven. If injuries present themselves, however, it could be a long season for the linebacker group.

Secondary

It seems like it's going to be a fragile position for the Redskins this season, but the secondary has been addressed.

Expecting the same starters from last season, I have DeAngelo Hall as the team's "No. 1" and Josh Wilson on the other side.

Then, in order to throw a small wrench in things, I have veteran Cedric Griffin backing up one side and undrafted free agent Chase Minnifield backing up the other.

Minnifield slipped some kind of bad thanks to an awkward injury report come draft time, but assuming a full recovery, the Virginia alum can flat-out play.

At the safety position, I have Tanard Jackson and Brandon "DWI" Meriweather as the early favorites to start. Reed Doughty can seemingly play for any coordinator, so he should return, as well as second-year player DeJon Gomes for the other safety spot.

With the expected emergence of Minnifield and second-year player Brandyn Thompson, I wouldn't be surprised to see former corner Kevin Barnes be permanently moved to the backup safety position, too.

Special Teams

Bringing in a kicker like Neil Rackers to challenge Graham Gano was a good idea. But in the end, I still think the Redskins kicker position is Gano's to lose. He sticks it out in camp and makes the roster.

Sav Rocca is expected to return in typical Pro Bowl fashion. The Redskins can be comfortable knowing that they have one of the best punters in the league. But if the offense works as planned, perhaps we don't see much of Rocca all season. And that's a good thing.

Unfortunately for Brandon Banks, I think the Redskins go with a different return man this season. Not only has the kickoff return become less significant, but the team also has players with returning abilities that can offer much more at other positions.