Predicting Last 5 In, Last 5 out for Washington Redskins' Final 53-Man Roster
Making or missing the final cut for the Washington Redskins in 2015 is set to be particularly tricky business. The roster has been revamped this offseason and is now very competitive at every key position.
That will translate to some very tough decisions for head coach Jay Gruden and general manager Scot McCloughan, the toughest of which are likely to be at running back and outside linebacker.
As for the former, Washington's offense needs a dedicated third-down back. While bulldozing rookie Matt Jones might fill that void, Gruden will likely also prefer to keep a speedier, more explosive option around.
So it's safe to expect a fierce competition between a pair of pocket-sized burners. A roster spot awaits the winner, while the loser is likely to be shown the door.
At outside linebacker, a fourth edge-rusher is needed to complement Ryan Kerrigan, Trent Murphy and second-round draft pick Preston Smith. Again, there are two pass-rushers competing for that job, one of whom has enjoyed a productive offseason.
Find out who will be the last five players to miss the cut and the last five to feel its sting.
In: Evan Spencer, WR
1 of 10
Evan Spencer's chances of landing on the final roster are slim because of the sheer volume of talent at wide receiver. But the sixth-round pick is still a good bet to make the cut thanks to his expertise on special teams.
A proficiency in football's third phase is the main reason why McCloughan took the former Ohio State flanker off the board. It's something Gruden was quick to highlight at the time, per Tom Schad of the Washington Times: "When you watch him play, you look at his stats, you're like, 'Why would they draft him?' But this guy is a very tough football player. He's big, he's fast, he's physical. He's going to be a demon on special teams."
Spencer was soon put through his paces by special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica during Washington's rookie minicamp, according to Stephen Czarda of the team's official site: "I showed in college that I can do pretty much everything. And out here...I was doing kickoff coverage, doing some stuff on punt; I was just trying to get used to the techniques and stuff like that, so it's been a good couple of days."
Kotwica needs his unit to take some major steps forward in 2015. His arrival last season was supposed to herald a major turnaround for a group that's consistently been among the league's worst for years.
Sadly, things didn't exactly pan out that way. So if Spencer is as good as advertised as a playmaker on special teams, he'll certainly get Kotwica's vote.
That would commit the Redskins to carrying six wide receivers. The number is high, but Spencer would strictly be considered a core special teams player—think Matthew Slater for the New England Patriots.
If Spencer could be half as efficient as Pro Bowler Slater, the decision to keep him will look like a very smart choice.
In: Kyshoen Jarrett, S
2 of 10
Any safety drafted by the Redskins has a good chance to make a roster woefully lacking in talent at the position for much of the last eight years. So a sixth-rounder like Kyshoen Jarrett can make the grade, even during an offseason when Washington has added a pair of veteran safeties.
But while Jarrett won't necessarily push Jeron Johnson and Dashon Goldson for playing time, he can make a strong case for improving the team's depth. The likes of Duke Ihenacho, Phillip Thomas, Akeem Davis and Trenton Robinson are all vying for roster spots.
Aside from Ihenacho, no member of that group has any credible starting experience. So Jarrett is essentially part of a wide-open competition for places.
The rookie has done himself a few favors by making a solid first impression this offseason. Like Spencer, Jarrett has made a mark on special teams.
That's something Gruden has been impressed with, according to ESPN reporter John Keim:
"Kyshoen has done an excellent job, man. He's fast. He's flying around. He's making his presence known on special teams. I mentioned that the late-round picks [are] going to have to make their mark on special teams, and Kyshoen has done that."
Performing well on special teams is the extra dimension that potential role players need in order to stand out. The more Jarrett stands out in this area, the more he increases his chances of making the final cut.
In: Frank Kearse, DT
3 of 10
Frank Kearse is worth keeping around for a defensive line rotation set to be the key to a tweaked scheme this season. New coordinator Joe Barry is going to call a one-gap version of the 3-4 system Washington has been running since 2010.
The use of more one-gap techniques means greater license and freedom for linemen to attack and get into the backfield. Veteran Jason Hatcher has already endorsed the potential for playmaking in the new scheme, per Keim:
"You're expected to make more plays in this system. You can make more plays in the backfield, make a lot of tackles; as long as you're in your gap and do what you're supposed to do, it'll be fun. Just attack. You ain't holding up blocks no more. You can make a play here and there."
The description of the new system certainly fits what Kearse can do best. He showcased a flair for rushing the passer as a situational player last season. Kearse notched a trio of sacks and was very adept at splitting gaps.
Those are qualities Barry will need in the rotation during 2015. The ends in this year's scheme will be closer to 3-technique pass-rushers rather than two-gap magnets for double teams.
New signings Stephen Paea and Ricky Jean-Francois fit that mold. So does Kearse, a 6'5" 310-pounder who was a 4-3 lineman up until last season.
Now Kearse is an obvious fit for Barry's hybrid, attacking defense.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
In: Chris Thompson, RB
4 of 10
Chris Thompson has all the attributes Washington's offense needs in a change-of-pace option out of the backfield. The team's fifth-round pick in 2013 has legitimate game-breaking speed and quality receiving skills.
What Thompson doesn't have is the durability to put those talents to use often enough. The former Florida State star has made just six appearances during two pro seasons.
Yet despite the absences, the Redskins still have faith in Thompson's potential. He was given the "first crack" at winning the job of third-down back, according to Mike Jones of the Washington Post.
Gruden told Jones how he remains hopeful about what Thompson can do: "Chris [Thompson] came in last year at the end and did some things, and we're hoping that he can come back and stay healthy in the offseason and give us a little jolt back there."
Gruden has made it clear how a healthy Thompson could mean a lot to this season's offense, per Andrew Walker of the team's official site:
"Obviously, Chris Thompson has been battling through injuries throughout his career so far, but we have high hopes for Chris. We just have to make sure he stays healthy. That's been his biggest issue so far. If we can keep him healthy, he's a great option."
Gruden doesn't sound like a coach ready to give up on what one of his backfield weapons can do. That won't change even after the arrival of third-round pick Jones.
While he's shown a solid batch of core skills for third-down work, Jones will likely begin life as a short-yardage specialist. That's how he's been used so far this offseason, according to ESPN 980 reporter Chris Russell.
But even though Jones has impressed, he doesn't boast the field-stretching dynamism Thompson can offer. Keim has noted how Thompson still retains eye-catching speed.
Thompson can put that speed to excellent use as both a ball-carrier and pass-catcher. Thompson offers the flexibility to move around formations and attack defenses in a variety of ways.
It's the kind of value Gruden and offensive coordinator Sean McVay won't ignore come cuts time.
In: Jackson Jeffcoat, OLB
5 of 10
Jackson Jeffcoat finished last season as a surprisingly useful playmaker on the edges of Washington's defense. Yet his position has been put under serious threat by the offseason emergence of another rush linebacker.
Jeffcoat impressed coaches during the final weeks of the 2014 season thanks to a knack for making big plays. He registered his first pro sack in Week 16's win over division rivals the Philadelphia Eagles. One week later, Jeffcoat snatched an interception against bitter NFC East enemy the Dallas Cowboys.
He had spent much of the season on the team's practice squad, but actual production in genuine games is how players leave life on the fringes behind. Jeffcoat can do the same as long as he isn't consistently overshadowed by Trevardo Williams.
A former practice-squad resident with the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals, Williams also made a contribution for the Redskins late last season. Like Jeffcoat, Williams recorded a sack in the victory over the Eagles.
Williams obviously caught the eyes of coaches. He worked with the starting defense throughout OTAs, according to Keim.
Still, despite Williams' role this offseason, Jeffcoat just seems to have more upside. He's a natural pass-rusher who can thrive off the edge.
He showed solid versatility and the playmaking skill to be a factor in a hybrid, multiple-front defense. Those attributes make it worth giving him a few more chances.
Out: Will Compton, ILB
6 of 10
Will Compton is understandably a favorite among some fans. His try-hard demeanor and appetite for hitting are admirable qualities for any middle linebacker.
But Compton is also athletically limited. Not only that, but he also doesn't offer the core special teams skills other players at his position boast.
Specifically, returning veteran Adam Hayward will be tough to move off the roster thanks to his standing in football's third phase. He's the unit's captain and will play a vital role tutoring key rookies such as Jarrett and Spencer, per Rich Tandler of Real Redskins.
While Tandler believes Washington will carry five inside linebackers, Compton may still find it tough to be among the final numbers. Rookie Martrell Spaight is a force in the tackle box—one who could encourage Washington to part ways with Compton.
Spaight's college coach described the leading tackler in the SEC last season as a "player with an incredible amount of power in a short amount of time," per Czarda. Spaight has the same blue-collar qualities Compton offers.
Getting cut would be tough on a player who made 60 tackles a year ago. But this season is about getting quicker, tougher and, ultimately, better in every phase.
Phillip Thomas, S
7 of 10
Phillip Thomas was another member of Washington's skeleton crew on defense late last season. But extended playing time doesn't mean a guaranteed spot on an improved roster.
Just like Compton, Williams and Jeffcoat had their moments filling in for injured starters, Thomas also made some contributions. He was in on 27 combined tackles, including 19 solo stops.
But Thomas didn't get his hands on the ball often enough. In fact, he didn't do it at all—there were no pass breakups, interceptions, forced fumbles or fumble recoveries.
That's probably a pretty good indication of why Thomas has so far found it hard to make the grade since being drafted in the fourth round in 2013. A torn Lisfranc ligament set him back as a rookie. But injuries aren't entirely at the root of Thomas' struggles.
He won't make the final roster because of his lack of playmaking skill and general consistency.
CSN Washington's Tarik El-Bashir highlighted some of the flaws in the ex-Fresno State standout's game last season: "his brief tenure as the No. 1 strong safety was marked by inconsistent tackling and miscues in coverage."
El-Bashir also noted how Thomas will be hurt by a lack of proficiency on special teams. It all adds up to a player seemingly destined to be a victim of the final cuts.
Out: Kedric Golston, DT
8 of 10
Kedric Golston is another fan favorite whose time at Redskins Park may have run out. The experienced trench warrior simply isn't naturally explosive enough to be much of a factor in the new defensive scheme.
Golston has never been a dynamic playmaker who lives in the backfield—a mark of just seven career sacks since 2006 is ample proof of that.
Instead, the 32-year-old is a steady presence who can occupy blockers more often than he can beat them. His versatility might help his case, although the lack of dynamism is still an issue, per Tandler:
"It looks like he will survive a purge on the defensive line that saw three of his linemates from last year depart, although his presence on the 53 is not a sure thing. If he is still around he will play 15-20 snaps in the defensive line rotation, mostly at the end spots but perhaps some at nose tackle as well."
With Kearse, Jean-Francois and Chris Baker still around to play both on the edges or over center, Golston's place is far from assured.
Out: Austin Reiter, C
9 of 10
It's always tough for a seventh-round pick to make the final roster. But the task becomes tougher still when several other players are being auditioned at your position.
That is the challenge facing the last member of McCloughan's first draft class in charge. Austin Reiter could be an obvious deputy for starting center Kory Lichtensteiger.
Spencer Long filled in for the veteran anchorman last season. But Long has since been promoted to starting right guard following the long overdue release of Chris Chester.
So there's now an obvious void behind Lichtensteiger. But new offensive line coach Bill Callahan doesn't appear overly confident Reiter is the man for the job.
Why else would he be "cross-training" multiple guards to play in the middle? Liz Clarke of the Washington Post described the logjam at the position this offseason: "Nonetheless, Redskins offensive line coach Bill Callahan is taking no chances at the position, working out a half-dozen guards—essentially every guard and hybrid lineman on the 90-man roster, except Shawn Lauvao—at center, as well."
Covering all the bases is one thing, but if Reiter is up to scratch, why go through the trouble of working out players at different positions? If just one of those guards successfully makes the switch, Reiter won't have a place on the final 53-man roster.
Out: Trey Williams, RB
10 of 10
If Thompson impresses enough to win extended playing time this season, there'll be no place for undrafted rookie Trey Williams. Four is the maximum number of running backs the Redskins are likely to carry on the final roster, which is something that will leave an odd man out.
It's safe to consider Alfred Morris and Jones locks for the two primary spots, probably in that order. So that leaves a trio competing for a pair of key backup roles.
Three into two simply doesn't go, so Thompson, Williams and Silas Redd have to make the most of their opportunities this offseason.
Redd and Thompson have been catching passes and making runs, offering coaches examples of their versatility. That's a quality Williams is supposed to add to this season's offense as a roving mismatch.
But Thompson has greater experience and equal potential for big plays. Meanwhile, Redd has already shown a penchant for making solid gains as a smart and nifty cutback runner.
Turning loose as a ball-carrier could be Williams' best chance of making a late impression. Washington's ground attack lacks legitimate speed from the backfield.
It's a quality that line coach and running-game guru Callahan valued with the Cowboys last season. In particular, Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar each provided a vital complement to DeMarco Murray's power.
Williams can offer a similar change of pace, but so can Thompson. The health of each player will determine who gets the final roster spot.
The early bet goes in Thompson's direction.
While these predictions are early, the good thing about each is how they represent the increased depth of talent at vital spots on the roster. The fact that players like Golston, Compton and Williams are even candidates for the cuts is an indicator of the improved options McCloughan has made available to Gruden and his staff.
Rosters deep with talent are usually winning ones.
All statistics and player information via NFL.com.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
