Assessing Every Washington Redskins UDFA's Chances of Making Final Roster
When you use 10 picks in the draft and bring 13 rookie free agents on board, it's proof you're willing to explore every opportunity to get better. That's the necessary reality facing the Washington Redskins this offseason as new general manager Scot McCloughan retools a roster that's won seven games in two years.
Of his undrafted haul, McCloughan scores points for bringing former Clemson defensive end Corey Crawford on board. He has an excellent chance of making the final roster thanks to the team's current threadbare options at the edges of its hybrid 3-4 defense.
Another unheralded first-year prospect to watch has to be diminutive and explosive running back Trey Williams. He can offer niche skills to earn a spot in the third-down offense.
Both Crawford and Williams have an obvious fit on either side of the ball. But that's not the case for at least three of the rookie free agents set to try to impress at Redskins Park.
Find out the prospects for making the final roster of each of Washington's undrafted recruits as they enter the team's rookie minicamp, per Michael Phillips of the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
The list reads from the least to the most likely to make it.
Ty Long, K, Alabama-Birmingham
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Recruiting another kicker needn't be read as a strange move even after the Redskins gave Kai Forbath a new deal during free agency. Still, it's common for teams to regularly create competition at a position where perfection is craved but never achieved.
Kickers always seem to be under the glare of an unforgiving spotlight in Washington. It doesn't help that the franchise hasn't had a dependable choice since the days when Chip Lohmiller was Mr. Automatic. Just to be clear about how long ago that was, the Redskins were Super Bowl champions when Lohmiller was at his peak.
Ty Long's chances of finally providing Washington with a worthy successor are slim at best. For all of Forbath's failings, he is at least used to kicking on the notoriously treacherous surface at FedEx Field.
The veteran has also gotten used to fending off competition. Last offseason, Forbath sent seventh-round pick Zach Hocker packing.
Long may be no more credible as a challenger after a disappointing final season at the collegiate level. ESPN.com's John Keim detailed some of Long's struggles at Alabama-Birmingham: "He was 13-of-17 this past season, with three misses from 40 yards or longer. In 2013, five of his misses were from 47 yards or longer."
That's hardly the ideal track record to bring to a fight for a roster spot at the pro level. Long, therefore, is the least likely undrafted free agent to make Washington's final roster.
Tyler Rutenbeck, WR, Dubuque
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Not many first-year prospects entering the NFL this offseason face a tougher road defying expectations than Tyler Rutenbeck. Not only did he slip through the cracks during the draft proper, but Rutenbeck needs to convince coaches he can make the jump from Division III ball to the pro level.
That won't be easy on a Redskins team already amply stocked at wide receiver. Not only are Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson quality starters most teams would envy, but Andre Roberts and Ryan Grant also offer solid depth.
As if all that wasn't enough, McCloughan added two more names after he used mid- to late-round selections on Jamison Crowder and Evan Spencer. Of the incumbents who may feel threatened by Rutenbeck, Grant seems the most likely.
Drafted in Round 5 a year ago, Grant joined the Burgundy and Gold with a reputation for safe hands and the ability to get open underneath. But the ex-Tulane star caught just seven passes for 68 yards without a single touchdown grab as a rookie.
Grant rarely showed many explosive qualities after the catch. As a result, he doesn't look like a viable source for big plays.
That wasn't a problem for Rutenbeck during his last two seasons at Dubuque. He was particularly prolific as a junior in 2013, "pacing Division III in receiving touchdowns (22) while also averaging more than 125 yards per game and nearly seven receptions per game," according to Stephen Czarda of Redskins.com.
Yet despite a penchant for gaudy production, Rutenbeck is a long shot to make the final roster. Not only is he competing at a crowded position, it's also hard to see a former Division III player standing out for a GM who puts a premium on players from the SEC, per CSN Washington's Rich Tandler.
Quinton Dunbar, WR, Florida
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Quinton Dunbar is one of those players who have the raw physical skills that will always entice teams. But the 6'2", 201-pound flanker also lacks the intangibles and good practice mentality that turn potential gems into solid pros.
Specifically, Dunbar endured major trouble holding on to the ball while with the Gators. He also lacks the ideal playing strength to consistently separate from physical, press-style coverage.
In fairness, Dunbar tried to address the latter concern during the offseason, a process he described to Fox Sports Florida. Yet while he offers potentially explosive speed as a pass-catcher and returner, Dunbar looks like just one more body destined to be overlooked amid this team's logjam at receiver.
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Reggie Bell, WR, San Diego
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As a smart receiver who runs precise routes, has good hands and isn't unwilling as a blocker, Reggie Bell is a natural fit for the slot. Any wideout competing for work there with the Redskins in 2015 has at least a small chance of earning a roster spot.
Andre Roberts arrived from the Arizona Cardinals last offseason seemingly as a dream fit to consistently make catches over the middle and use his speed to stretch inside coverage.
But Roberts' debut in D.C. was a lackluster one. He didn't make enough catches in clutch situations and rarely posed as a breakaway threat. His struggles and the lack of reps given to Grant meant Washington's passing game missed a vital element.
This offense needs a possession-style target who can provide a quick read for struggling quarterback Robert Griffin III. Bell fits the mold thanks to his sure hands and intelligent movement out of his breaks.
But the former University of San Diego standout is unlikely to turn short-range catches into long gains. A lack of top-end speed ensures that, per ESPN.com's John Keim: "He was productive in college, but he's not a burner having run the 40-yard dash at his pro day in 4.6 seconds."
Of course, combine numbers rarely tell the whole story about a player. But it's easy to think Bell's sluggish strides will leave him lagging behind in a battle for the slot also set to feature Crowder.
McCloughan has already waxed lyrical about the ex-Duke burner's athletic dynamism, per Tom Schad of the Washington Times:
"Excellent. Excellent. For an undersized guy he has a chip on his shoulder. He’s a really good punt returner and he is a receiver first, punt returner second. He’s going to come in here and you put him in the slot and he’ll be tough to cover. He’s a football player."
It's safer to expect Crowder and Grant's presence will convince the Redskins they can get by without a catch machine like Bell.
Dyshawn Davis, ILB, Syracuse
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One of the more common reasons for a player to go undrafted is not fitting the specific mold at a particular position. Even in the modern NFL era of hybrid defensive schemes and "Joker-style" skill players on offense, pro coaches still don't like having to scratch their heads and work out exactly where player "X" fits.
That's one reason why an undersized linebacker such as Dyshawn Davis doesn't hear his name called during the draft. To be more accurate, Davis is more of a safety-sized linebacker.
At 221 pounds, he played to his hybrid tag during his collegiate days at Syracuse. But in the pros, Davis will be wise to settle on one position.
His probable choice can even strengthen his chances of making the roster in Washington. Following the Syracuse pro day, Davis declared a willingness to operate as a strong safety, per Jon Mettus of The Daily Orange.
That willingness gives him a chance to stick for a team short of ample depth at both safety positions. CSN Washington's JP Finlay described the wafer-thin depth chart at safety:
"Behind Johnson and Goldson, it's trickier to predict who stays in Washington. Trenton Robinson, Akeem Davis and Duke Ihenacho are guys that will flirt with the cut line, but Robinson and Davis have shown the ability to make plays and big hits, particularly on special teams. Ihenacho is a former starter on a strong Broncos defense. Philip Thomas, a draft pick of the Shanahan regime, has battled injury and poor play in his time with the 'Skins.
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For a team that never seems to not be looking for ways to get better on special teams, Davis' speed and appetite for hitting could also boost his chances. Yet it's important to note the Redskins did go to the trouble of bringing both Duke Ihenacho and Trenton Robinson back during free agency.
Along with the decision to draft Kyshoen Jarrett in Round 6, those choices don't make it seem as though McCloughan is ready to welcome a new safety. At the very least, the battle for two to three roster spots is going to be intense—perhaps too intense for an undrafted 'tweener.
Connor Halliday, QB, Washington State
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You know McCloughan is really committed to exploring options to help the team improve at every position when he didn't shy away from adding to the depth chart at quarterback.
Connor Halliday joins the landscape currently dominated by Robert Griffin III and his inability to stay healthy and master the nuances of a pro-style playbook. Griffin's struggles wouldn't even be an issue if head coach Jay Gruden could choose a competent replacement between Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy.
The former spreads the ball around more than any other quarterback on the roster. The fourth-round pick in 2012 is also a better pure passer.
By contrast, McCoy seems to have the best grasp of Gruden's scheme. Unfortunately, the ex-Cleveland Browns starter will never stretch the field with his arm.
A quarterback situation posing this many questions makes sense of the decision to bring Halliday on board. An accurate passer during his days at Washington State, Halliday is certainly comfortable putting the ball in the air.
That's only natural after his time spent directing an offense so pass-happy he once aired it out 89 times in a single game, according to Tom Schad of the Washington Times. But while Halliday got used to making quick throws in college, his basic mechanics are still uninspiring.
NFL.com's Lance Zierlein chided him for inconsistent footwork and rushing his decisions under pressure. But for all his faults, Halliday's experience as a passer could be a major bonus and even encourage the team to waive one of its two incumbents behind Griffin.
But Halliday will first have to beef up, something Gruden is anxious for him to do, per Mike Jones of the Washington Post. Halliday is one of the more intriguing first-year free agents added to the roster, but he certainly faces a tough task landing with and staying on the team.
Tony Jones, WR, Northwestern
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Tony Jones continues the offseason theme of McCloughan adding players to vie for a role in the slot. At 5'11" and 201 pounds, Jones boasts good size for the position, though his hands often let him down at Northwestern.
But what Jones does offer is useful potential after the catch. NFL Draft Scout's Dane Brugler (via CBS Sports) detailed Jones' talent once he gets the ball in his hands: "Jones has excellent burst in his cuts and is at his best on crossing routes when he can catch in stride and be dangerous after the reception. He can be slowed down by defenders too easily, but has the short-area foot quickness to create some separation and the balance to shake off would-be tacklers."
His acceleration and shiftiness are also assets in the return game. But like the other pass-catchers added during the post-draft process, Jones joins a densely populated corps of wideouts.
His ability to work from the slot and feature on special teams is already offered by both Crowder and Spencer. So it seems unlikely Jones avoids the final cut, even if he'll put up more of a fight than Rutenbeck and Bell.
Takoby Cofield, OT, Duke
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Washington's desire to get bigger along the offensive front is certainly no secret. Like Gruden, McCloughan favors a power-based ground scheme that demands beefier, more physically dominant blockers.
That's why Bill Callahan was brought to town to coach an O-line revamped following the selections of tackle Brandon Scherff, guard Arie Kouandjio and center Austin Reiter.
In this context, it's no surprise the draft itself wasn't the end of McCloughan's search for mammoth road-graders. He's also added Takoby Cofield to the mix.
At 6'4" and 310 pounds, he certainly offers the size to fit in the new schemes. As an indicator of the regard Cofield is held in at Redskins Park, the team even waved goodbye to Xavier Nixon to make room for him, per Andrew Walker of Redskins.com.
Using numbers compiled by the team's public relations staff, Walker noted how Cofield thrived at the crucial left tackle spot on a Duke line adept in pass protection: "As a senior in 2014, earned third-team All-ACC honors after starting all 13 games for an offense that ranked first in the ACC in sacks allowed per passing attempt and second in sacks allowed per game."
A team that surrendered 58 sacks last season should welcome any blocker capable of repelling pressure. The issue becomes more relevant when you consider the lack of quality depth at both tackle spots.
Neither returning veteran Tom Compton nor 2014 third-rounder Morgan Moses displayed much competence in this vital area last season. If Cofield can turn a few heads at Washington's rookie minicamp, he could be a surprise inclusion on the final roster.
Brey Cook, OL, Arkansas
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When you're looking for offensive line depth, you really want swing players capable of operating at multiple spots. Brey Cook fits the bill after acting as a utility option at Arkansas.
He spent time at right tackle for the Razorbacks last season but projects well for a switch to guard, according to ESPN.com's John Keim. Cook is noted for his strength in the trenches, a quality more than welcome in a system now based more on drive blocking than agility and zone techniques.
Like a lot of positions on the roster, the Redskins have a host of options along the O-line, both at starter and depth levels. Shawn Lauvao, Chris Chester, Spencer Long, Kouandjio and Josh LeRibeus are set to compete at guard. Meanwhile, Trent Williams, Scherff, Compton, Moses and Cofield will battle it out at tackle.
But quantity doesn't necessarily imply quality on a unit that's been the bane of the team for the last five seasons. So a blocker as versatile as Cook has a real chance to score a roster spot.
Devin Mahina, TE, Brigham Young University
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Devin Mahina rates higher than expected on this list despite the ample talent Washington already boasts at the tight end position. Jordan Reed and Niles Paul are both prolific "move" targets, while 6'5", 261-pound Logan Paulsen possesses, in theory, the beef to help out as a blocker.
But Mahina may be able to supplant the latter if he shows his worth as a blocker during minicamp. That's because Paulsen hasn't always packed the punch his solid frame is supposed to house.
A 250-pounder, Mahina isn't as big as the veteran, but he did see plenty of time as a blocker in college. ESPN.com's John Keim noted how BYU rarely involved tight ends in the pass attack.
McCloughan encouraged tight end-heavy offensive sets when he ran the show for the San Francisco 49ers. During that time, he drafted both Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker for a roster littered with tight ends and fullback-conversion types.
Mahina may latch on with a Washington offense being built the same way.
Terrance Plummer, ILB, Central Florida
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Any inside linebacker with a bulky frame and a willingness to hit has to merit a long look for a place on the depth chart in D.C. Terrance Plummer, all 6'1" and 236 pounds of him, is joining a position group with only one credible starter and paper-thin depth.
Keenan Robinson is the in-house star in the making at the heart of Washington's linebacker corps. He put some of the injury woes that dogged his first two years in the pros behind him last season.
Robinson still missed three games, though, evidence of the worrying brittle streak that could still hold him back. Frankly, new defensive coordinator Joe Barry had better hope Robinson is ever present in 2015. If not, the struggles of disappointing incumbent Perry Riley Jr. will be more exposed.
Sadly, there isn't another obvious starter on the roster. That's likely why McCloughan used a fifth-round pick to select Martrell Spaight. It's also why Plummer has made his way to town.
He should be encouraged by the presence of Will Compton, a willing but limited backup who made the team as an undrafted free agent. Compton even started five games last season.
Plummer may offer more as a highly active rover in the middle. The UCF official site details how he earned the "Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week thanks to 17 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a break-up."
That all-action effort was indicative of Plummer's style and production at the collegiate level. Sports Illustrated also noted how Plummer didn't sulk after not receiving an invite to the combine. Instead, he worked to improve his coverage skills at the renowned Tom Shaw's Performance Training Center.
Plummer also reportedly impressed New England Patriots boss Bill Belichick, a definite master at identifying talented linebackers.
If Plummer can display his knack for productivity during offseason workouts, he's surely a good bet to make the roster, even if he initially spends his time on special teams.
Trey Williams, RB, Texas A&M
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Adding qualities not already present at a key position has to make you a strong candidate to make the final roster. So it goes with elusive and diminutive speedster Trey Williams.
As a swift and shifty scat-style back, Williams is a natural for sub-package schemes on offense. In particular, the 5'7", 195-pounder seems ideal for third-down work.
That's a view shared by NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein, who dubbed Williams a player who can be "shuffled around the field as a mismatch weapon." As a comparison, Zierlein offers Kansas City Chiefs utility playmaker De'Anthony Thomas.
He's an apt comparison for the type of skills the Redskins must add to their third-down schemes. Specifically, this offense needs a change-of-pace runner with the quicks to complement the brute force offered by Alfred Morris and third-round draftee Matt Jones.
Washington's passing game also needs a backfield receiver who can be moved around formations and turn short receptions into big plays. Considering Williams has merited comparisons to the modern era's quintessential scatback, Darren Sproles, per Sports Illustrated's Ben Glicksman, he's a good bet to turn heads during rookie minicamp.
That would rate as bad news for incumbent Chris Thompson, another pocket-edition ball-carrier vying for time on third downs. But if Williams really stands out, it would be fantastic news for a backfield that needs an X-factor for football's money down.
A skill for returning kicks is just one more string to Williams' bow and another boost to his chances of making the roster. While Crowder and Roberts will vie to return punts, Washington has lacked a specialist for kickoffs since the days when Brian Mitchell donned a helmet.
After Silas Redd made the roster a year ago, Williams could become the second undrafted runner to earn Gruden's seal of approval.
Corey Crawford, DE, Clemson
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If there's such a thing as a sleeper in the undrafted process, Corey Crawford is it. McCloughan earned a steal when he plucked the former Clemson pressure specialist off the rookie free-agent market.
Of all the players listed here, Crawford is in the best position to earn a roster spot. He's a strangely versatile athlete in the sense that he's a thickly built end who actually shows potential as a standup rush linebacker.
CBS Sports' Derek Stephens and Rob Rang noted how Crawford impressed when moved off the line: "Was asked to rush out of a two-point stance, showing the balance and steady acceleration to potentially handle a stand-up OLB role in a 3-4 alignment."
That level of flexibility could prove invaluable in Washington's multiple-front defense this season. McCloughan already gave Barry a versatile front-line agent of destruction in the form of second-round pick Preston Smith.
Like Crawford, Smith also has the frame of a three-point trench warrior, coupled with the range to thrive moving around in space. What held Crawford back was frankly middling production during his final year with the Tigers. He notched a mere two sacks, per cfbstats.com.
But it's still worth giving Crawford a long look. If he can make the grade as a rush linebacker off the edge, he'll bolster the depth at one of the key positions on Washington's defense.
Ryan Kerrigan is a keeper at one spot, while Smith and Trent Murphy will vie for time on the other side. But there's only Jackson Jeffcoat, another undrafted free agent who made the team and contributed last season, as notable depth.
But even if Crawford and his rather plodding pace off the edge can't survive on the outside, perhaps he'll fit as a rotational end behind 32-year-old Jason Hatcher. Considering 31-year-old Kedric Golston is still part of the rotation, the Redskins should try to get younger if they find a talented enough prospect.
Recent History Bodes Well for This Group
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Washington has represented a pretty decent landing spot for rookie free agents during the last few seasons. Silas Redd made the team out of the original crop chosen by Gruden and then general manager Bruce Allen in 2014.
He got some reps at running back and wasn't overlooked on special teams. Redd was joined by Compton, who'd been hanging around since 2013 and finally stuck last season.
The Redskins also wisely gave Jeffcoat another chance to prove himself after the player with excellent blood lines for rushing the passer was dumped by the Seattle Seahawks. He showed some promise as a playmaker late last season, logging a sack and snatching an interception during the team's final two games.
But the most notable example of an undrafted success story currently on the roster belongs to fullback Darrel Young. He's gone from linebacker-conversion project to one of the best, and sadly still overlooked, players at his position in the NFL.
Young recently described what his first exposure to life in the pros was like, per Jake Kring-Schreifels of Redskins.com:
"I was a tryout guy actually. I didn’t get a call for free agency. I didn’t get a signing bonus. So my mindset, I came in and didn’t have a sticker on my helmet. The guys who had stickers, names on the back of their jerseys, [were] the guys they signed in the draft and free agent guys, so my mindset was to get my name on the back of my jersey and move forward then.
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Young's history may be a good omen for former Alabama quarterback Blake Sims, who's not an unofficial free-agent addition. But he's been offered a tryout as a possible conversion to running back, per NFL.com Media Insider Ian Rapoport.
Of those handed deals already, Crawford and Williams have the best chances to avoid the final cut. Meanwhile, Plummer, Mahina, Cook and Cofield lead the group who could yet surprise.
All statistics and player information via NFL.com, unless otherwise stated.
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