Washington Redskins' Projected Final 53-Man Roster, Pre-Training Camp Edition

Having beefed up nearly every vital position, the Washington Redskins are entering the 2015 NFL season with a roster better equipped to compete in the NFC East.

A big key for the refreshed group is the revamped trenches on both sides of the ball. New general manager Scot McCloughan made fortifying the lines an offseason priority.

The result is an offensive front certainly bigger than last season's 58-sack-surrendering revolving door. Greater size and increased toughness is also evident along a defensive line that will lead the charge for a more attack-oriented scheme under first-year coordinator Joe Barry.

This is now a roster constructed in the image of the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks teams McCloughan helped build in the past. The Redskins aren't up to scratch with those teams talent-wise just yet, but this group does at least look deeper and better than 2014's unit.

Here's an early look at how things stand on the eve of training camp.

Quarterbacks

Pablo Martinez Monsivais/Associated Press

(3) Robert Griffin III, Kirk Cousins, Colt McCoy

A strange season lies ahead for Robert Griffin III. In many ways, the fate of this team is all on him, the way it has been every year he's been in the league.

Yet an emphasis of McCloughan's first offseason in charge has been to build a better framework around 2012's second-overall pick. It's a process that's played out at both the personnel and coaching levels.

The offensive line has been strengthened, which is a major need for a quarterback who rarely gets rid of the ball in less time than it takes to watch a feature-length film.

New line coach Bill Callahan will also inspire a greater emphasis on the ground game, something sure to make life easier for the man under center, as will the presence of a dedicated quarterbacks coach. Matt Cavanaugh has been working with Griffin on improving the laundry list of fundamental flaws that have plagued his development.

Even the restocked defense should ease the burden on the former Heisman Trophy winner. In theory at least, Griffin won't be under pressure to put 28-30 points on a scoreboard every week just to keep games close.

Yet even though the supporting cast around him is stronger than those of the last two years, the onus is still on Griffin. Only his improvement can make the increased talent count. Additional weapons, better protection and a tougher defense will be meaningless if Griffin is still turnover happy, hesitant in the pocket and inaccurate through the air.

Maybe the improvements elsewhere on the roster will mean less pressure on Griffin. That would help because he already knows head coach Jay Gruden won't hesitate to ditch him in favor of either Kirk Cousins or Colt McCoy.

The former is a more accurate passer and spreads the ball around more than Griffin. Meanwhile, veteran McCoy has the best grasp of Gruden's offense.

There's enough talent for this team to win in 2015. But one of the passers in this group—preferably Griffin, the franchise's so-called Chosen One—must step up.

Running Back/Fullback

Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

(5) Alfred Morris, Matt Jones, Chris Thompson, Silas Redd

FB: Darrel Young

Griffin isn't the only member of the skill positions under pressure headed into the new season: Alfred Morris is also feeling the heat.

His production has steadily deteriorated since his explosive 2012 rookie season. Now he's preparing to run behind a different style of blocking besides the zone-stretch techniques that helped make him a star.

Morris also faces genuine competition from third-round pick Matt Jones, who could be the replacement in waiting for Morris, who's set to be a free agent in 2016.

The bonus with Morris is that he's always acted like a player who won't shy from a challenge. It wouldn't be a major surprise if Morris' response to the increased pressure is a career year.

Like every back on the roster, he'd certainly benefit from a few more carries. Gruden and offensive coordinator Sean McVay were pass-happy in 2014, but that pattern can't repeat itself this season.

A greater emphasis on the running game should create a punishing one-two punch between bruising duo Morris and Jones. It should also mean more of fullback Darrel Young, a talented and versatile playmaker too often left on the sideline during recent seasons.

That's what the top end of the pecking order looks like. The rest of the depth chart will appear settled once a natural third-down back emerges.

Chris Thompson and undrafted rookie Trey Williams are the main contenders. The latter is certainly an intriguing candidate thanks to some legitimate game-breaking speed. But Thompson may be the more versatile player. He boasts solid skills as a receiver and can also be a factor in the return game.

Of course, all of that hinges on 2013's fifth-round pick finally staying healthy. It says a lot, however, that after just six appearances in two years, Gruden still isn't ready to give up on Thompson, according to Andrew Walker of Redskins.com.

To complete the picture, Silas Redd should stick around for one more year. He was solid in spot duty after joining Washington as a rookie free agent in 2014.

Redd is a decisive cutback runner and a decent receiver. He's certainly worth keeping around as a supplemental ball-carrier.

This can be one of the strongest position groups on the roster, provided the players on the depth chart are used. That will mean making heavy doses of Morris and Jones a feature of the weekly game plans, throwing some passes to Thompson and Young, as well as giving Redd a few carries.

Wide Receivers

Evan Vucci/Associated Press

(6) DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, Andre Roberts, Ryan Grant, Jamison Crowder, Evan Spencer

While Gruden needs to involve his running backs more, he also can't forget about some of the overlooked talents at wide receiver. That means not only remembering Pierre Garcon is still around but also making him a bigger part of the passing game.

Fortunately, Gruden has made it clear they'll be more of No. 88 in the new season, according to ESPN reporter Britt McHenry. Mike Jones of the Washington Post reported the Redskins have even engineered a position switch to make the franchise's single-season receptions leader more of a factor.

More Garcon is great news for any quarterback asked to throw a pass this season. Initially an inconsistent deep threat when he first broke through with the Indianapolis Colts, Garcon has steadily refined his game.

During his time with the Burgundy and Gold, he's become one of the most proficient receivers in the NFL going across the middle. Garcon has sure hands and always manufactures yards after the catch.

The 28-year-old presents a big and easy target for Griffin and is one who will surely be a key to the success of Washington's passing game.

But more Garcon needn't rule out the customary output of big plays from DeSean Jackson. While Garcon floundered, outspoken speedster Jackson thrived during his first year in D.C.

He caught 56 passes for 1,169 yards, averaging 20.9 yards per reception. As one of the top deep threats in football, Jackson could be even more dangerous now that he's moving to the side of the field that favors his big-play potential, according to Fox Sports (h/t the Jones of the Washington Post): "In most offenses, including Gruden's, the X wide receiver is responsible for making big plays and occasionally operating clear out routes. The Z wide receiver tends to run more short and intermediate high-percentage routes."

Jackson and Garcon are one of the best combinations in the NFL, but the dynamic duo would certainly benefit from an improvement by Andre Roberts.

The former Arizona Cardinals third pass-catcher struggled at times last season. He caught just 36 passes and scored a mere two touchdowns during a debut season defined more by key drops than production.

But Roberts is too talented not to produce. It would help if he was used more as a deep threat, something better suited to his natural skill set.

When it comes to possession work, the Redskins have two clear options. Fourth-round pick Jamison Crowder has the speed, dynamism and instincts to be useful from the slot.

Gruden thinks the 5'8", 185-pounder is a natural for the role, per 247Sports.com's Jamie Oakes, but off-field troubles have already dampened the enthusiasm surrounding the ex-Duke star.

Ryan Grant has emerged as one of the more impressive figures of this offseason. The second-year, sure-handed receiver has wowed Gruden with his smart route running and ability to work the middle.

The ideal scenario should involve keeping both Grant and Crowder on the roster and having the pair push each other for playing time and catches. One is sure to emerge as the intermediate-range catch machine Griffin needs.

Finally, sixth-rounder Evan Spencer earns a spot mostly because of his special teams chops. Gruden is anticipating the former Ohio State ace will make a real impact in football's third phase, per Tom Schad of the Washington Times.

The 6'2", 208-pounder is also the only flanker on the depth chart with the type of size most teams covet in the modern era.

This might be the most intriguing position group on the roster. The talent is undeniable. There's also every type of receiver an offense needs to challenge coverage, stretch the field and keep defenses guessing.

If only Washington had quarterbacks worthy of the weapons they are asked to throw to.

Tight End

Nick Wass/Associated Press

(3) Niles Paul, Jordan Reed, Logan Paulsen

This is another position loaded with depth and talent—at least on paper.

Washington should boast one of the strongest contingents of tight ends in the league. In terms of receiving threats, the NFC East club probably already does.

Both Niles Paul and Jordan Reed are move-style playmakers who can attack defenses from multiple positions. But lingering questions hover over this athletic duo.

Neither is particularly prolific in the red zone, although Reed certainly has the potential to be a major threat inside the 20. Paul recorded a single touchdown reception last season, a 2-yard grab against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2. It was the only blot on his copybook during an otherwise breakout season.

Paul needs to find pay dirt more often in 2015. He also needs to improve as a blocker, something he's working on. That's meant a commitment to beefing up from the one-time wide receiver conversion project, per ESPN's John Keim. Paul has added pounds to his frame while retaining his core flexibility, according to CSN Washington's Tarik El-Bashir.

The extra bulk should prove vital in a Callahan-called running scheme where tight ends will be expected to block more often.

As for Reed, just getting and staying on the field should be his priority. Washington's man of glass couldn't even make it through OTAs without cracking, per NFL.com Media Insider Ian Rapoport.

The great shame with Reed is that he has the core skills and versatility to be a major weapon in this offense. Even though he's only entering his third season, it's already getting tiresome waiting for him to breakout.

The third man of this group is Logan Paulsen. Washington's coaches will naturally be reluctant to ignore his 6'5", 261-pound frame in a blocking scheme more dedicated to power concepts this season.

Health is the big issue here. If Reed can stay healthy and Paul proves 2014 was no fluke, the Redskins will stay strong at this position. 

Offensive Line

Pablo Martinez Monsivais/Associated Press

(9): Trent Williams, Shawn Lauvao, Kory Lichtensteiger, Spencer Long, Brandon Scherff

Morgan Moses, Arie Kouandjio, Josh LeRibeus, Tom Compton

There's a lot of change up front headed into the new campaign. Of course, that's not a bad thing considering what an unmitigated disaster the offensive line has been in recent years.

Callahan is now being tasked with cleaning things up. That's good news given his reputation as perhaps the best line coach in the game.

Callahan is already being touted as the most significant addition to the coaching staff, per CSN Washington's Rich Tandler and Tarik El-Bashir.

Central to his rebuilding efforts will be a completely overhauled right side led by rookie tackle Brandon Scherff. Drafted fifth overall, the best lineman in college football last season is expected to add some toughness and physicality to a group that was powder puff in 2014.

Scherff certainly doesn't play the game soft, and his cause will be aided by Spencer Long, who's been promoted to right guard ahead of Chris Chester, who was thankfully shown the door.

Long will add more beef to the interior, something that's vital in the blocking scheme Callahan has planned. He intends to utilize plenty of power concepts, according to Rich Tandler of Real Redskins: “I think when you have balance in your running game, whether it’s the gap scheme, the zone scheme, using your draws, using wide zones, or tight zones, or whatever that may be I think it just keeps the defense off balance and it plays to your players’ strengths.”

It will help Callahan to have Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams fully healthy and up to speed. The dominant edge-setter has been struggling with an ankle problem this offseason.

Williams must mend quickly, while Shawn Lauvao just has to be better than he was last season. He's a scrappy road-grader at left guard and must use his power and tenacity more to his advantage this term.

At least Kory Lichtensteiger is a steady presence over the ball. He responded well after moving to center full-time in 2014.

For this group to be better, the combination on the right side has to click and deliver. That's likely to be a process, one not without its growing pains.

Scherff has found switching from left to right tackle tough, Gruden was quoted as saying by Tandler, writing for CSN Washington: “We moved him over to right tackle and he had some struggles, but the thing about Brandon that I’ve noticed already is he takes coaching extremely well.”

Meanwhile, Long hardly inspires much confidence after he failed to beat Chester out of the lineup as a rookie.

Depth won't be in short supply with tackles Tom Compton and Morgan Moses around. Moses may also see time at guard alongside fourth-round rookie Arie Kouandjio.

The ability to play center should keep Josh LeRibeus around for another year.

This line is certainly bigger and deeper than last season's unit. How much better it will be will come down to Callahan's coaching and Scherff's transition to the pro game.

Defensive Line

Pablo Martinez Monsivais/Associated Press

(6) Jason Hatcher, Terrance Knighton, Stephen Paea

Ricky Jean Francois, Chris Baker, Frank Kearse

Gruden wants the D-linemen in Washington's 3-4 scheme to attack gaps this season instead of just controlling them, per ESPN's John Keim. That shouldn't be a problem with Jason Hatcher and new signing Stephen Paea at ends.

Both are classic, 3-technique interior pass-rushers. So is Ricky Jean Francois, another new signing who figures to be a key swing player this season.

Gruden's "shoot-the-gap" defense should also guarantee a spot for Frank Kearse. He showcased a flair for splitting gaps and collapsing the pocket from the inside in 2014.

While the men on the outside have been given license to attack, it will be the big man in the middle who makes it all possible. Landing Terrance Knighton was one of the coups of free agency.

He gives this defense what it's lacked since 2010, namely a dominant two-gap nose guard. Knighton will fill running lanes and keep multiple blockers occupied and off the linebackers. His presence almost guarantees a stingy and fearsome run defense.

Knighton can also be kept fresh by rotating with close friend Chris Baker. He's never been consistent at any one spot, but the 6'2", 325-pounder certainly has the ability to dominate. Having Knighton on the team can hopefully help bring out the best in Baker.

His presence, along with Paea's, Kearse's and Francois' ability to slide over center, likely means there'll be no use for camp body Jerrell Powe. It will also mean the depth chart looks lean in terms of numbers but certainly not in terms of talent.

If there's one concern with this group, it's that it might be soft against the run on the edges. Neither Hatcher, Paea nor Francois are strong on the ground.

That means there's a lot of pressure on Knighton to anchor the front and create plays for others. Fortunately, that's been his forte. 

Outside Linebackers

Tim Sharp/Associated Press

(4) Trent Murphy, Ryan Kerrigan

Preston Smith, Jackson Jeffcoact

This position will either be a surprising strength or a one-man show dedicated to the talents of Ryan Kerrigan. There won't be any middle ground.

For outside linebacker to be a strength, a definite replacement for Brian Orakpo needs to emerge.

A first-round pick in 2009, Orakpo was a frustrating talent. He couldn't stay healthy and wasn't always consistent. But at his best, Orakpo was the game-changing edge-rusher every 3-4 scheme needs.

That moniker now belongs to Kerrigan after he notched 13.5 sacks in 2014. He's improved every year since entering the pros in 2011, but he must quickly put offseason knee surgery behind him.

Kerrigan will be under less pressure if either Murphy or second-rounder Preston Smith quickly emerges as Orakpo's successor. The former should have the inside track thanks to a more complete game featuring a knack for repelling the run and the ability to play in space.

Yet while those are useful skills for base defense, Murphy has to offer more as a pass-rusher. He tallied just 2.5 sacks during eight starts as a rookie last season.

If that number doesn't improve, Smith will be beating down the door for more paying time. He's a tricky rush end, versatile enough to create pressure from multiple spots.

But the bulky, 271-pound converted D-lineman isn't the most naturally explosive. A lot of focus is sure to be on Smith's transition to the edge during training camp, per Rich Tandler of Real Redskins.

The final member of the rotation should be Jackson Jeffcoat. Sure, Trevardo Williams has had his moments during OTAs, per ESPN's John Keim, but Jeffcoat offers greater upside thanks to his flexibility and natural rush skills.

If Murphy breaks out or Smith is a rookie hit, this group will be dominant. Counting on both those things happening is likely the stuff of dreams, but one member of the rotation must step up to ease the burden on Kerrigan.

Inside Linebackers

Patrick Semansky/Associated Press

(5) Keenan Robinson, Perry Riley Jr., Will Compton, Martrell Spaight, Adam Hayward

This position will be fine as long as Keenan Robinson remains upright. Sadly, that's a big if for a player who's missed 24 games in three years.

In fairness though, Robinson did make 13 starts in 2014. His performances marked him out as a budding star. CBS Sports' Pete Prisco even recently dubbed the smart, roving tackling machine as the most underrated player on the roster.

Robinson is the undisputed leader of this front seven. As for Perry Riley Jr., he's not even a sure-fire starter following a challenging 2014 season.

Playing on a new contract and working in a scheme that didn't always do him many favors, Riley endured some nightmare episodes in coverage. The 27-year-old is now under immense pressure to revive his career.

Redskins fans should be pulling for a Riley revival because there's not much behind him. Will Compton may have a burgeoning fan club, but honest hustle can only take a linebacker so far.

Compton will never be afraid to hit, but he'll also never be much of a factor in space as a covering defender or as part of the blitz schemes. That's why it's worrying that he's the obvious next man up behind Robinson and Riley.

Rookie Martrell Spaight led the SEC in tackles a year ago, but it's a long road from fifth-round pick to being starter ready. As for Adam Hayward, he's here for special teams work. If the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers rotational 'backer is playing a big role on the defense, this team is in trouble.

If one position group could unhinge McCloughan's revamped unit, it's inside linebacker. Not enough attention has been paid to adding talent to the ranks.

If Robinson stays healthy, it won't matter, especially if Riley also returns to form. But if neither of those things happens, hold your breath and pray for 2016.

Cornerback

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

(5) Chris Culliver, Bashaud Breeland, DeAngelo Hall, David Amerson, Tevin Mitchel

In truth, every team has ifs to answer at each position during this stage of the offseason. It's no different for the Redskins at cornerback.

If several things happen, this position should be a real strength on this season's defense. The first if involves Bashaud Breeland.

If 2014's fourth-rounder proves his solid rookie season was no fluke, he could develop into a star in the making. Breeland certainly has the size and tenacity to be a key figure in a secondary that should be more physical (surprise, surprise) and aggressive in the new season.

The same is true of free-agent arrival Chris Culliver. He enjoyed a career year with the San Francisco 49ers in 2014, snatching a quartet of interceptions, while breaking up an additional 14 passes.

If all goes according to plan, Culliver and Breeland will form a formidable, press-style duo that will make life a nightmare for receivers on the outside. But whether they will or not isn't the end of the questions at this position. In fact, it's just the start.

The next: Can David Amerson finally do something, anything, to justify his status as a former second-round pick? Like Breeland and Culliver, the 6'1", 205-pounder has the bulky frame a more rough-and-tumble defensive backfield demands.

But where will Amerson be a factor in 2015? Will he work the slot or stay on the outside, where he's been routinely burned for two years?

Amerson's role and eventual future with the team could be decided by DeAngelo Hall's health. The 31-year-old is taking a steady approach to seeing the field again following a season during which he tore the same Achilles tendon twice, per Brian McNally of CBS DC.

If Hall makes it back whole, he's a good bet to win the job as the team's third corner. Then, Amerson will be duking it out with sixth-round pick Tevin Mitchel, another big-bodied cover man, for sub-package work.

Breeland and Culliver should make this a scrappy and opportunistic group. Yet it seems likely to surrender its share of big plays as well. Without significant improvement from Amerson, depth will also appear shaky.

Safety

Pablo Martinez Monsivais/Associated Press

(4) Dashon Goldson, Duke Ihenacho, Jeron Johnson, Trenton Robinson

Once a major weakness on successive rosters, safety now appears strangely settled. Maybe that's just wishful thinking.

But it'll be more than just blind optimism if free safety Dashon Goldson turns the clock back on a career that's stalled in recent seasons. A Pro Bowler in San Francisco after McCloughan drafted him, Goldson bottomed out during two dismal years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

If he returns to form, Goldson can be the stabilizing presence and deep-lying enforcer Washington's secondary has lacked for a long time. His job will be made easier by competent play at the strong safety spot.

Duke Ihenacho and ex-Seattle Seahawks depth player Jeron Johnson are competing for the job. Both are fierce hitters and more than useful on special teams.

Training camp should provide a fascinating insight into the state of play for this particular position battle. Whoever loses out is sure to be the top deputy in the rotation.

Johnson can also play free safety, as can Trenton Robinson, who was brought back this offseason. Their versatility could well condemn rookie sixth-round choice Kyshoen Jarrett to starting his pro career on the practice squad.

This is a group that won't be shy about laying the wood. Ideally, they'll be supported by greater pressure up front and tougher coverage on the outside.

But the biggest difference will come from the type of scheme the safeties are put in. Too often under previous defensive coordinator Jim Haslett safeties were left on islands in obvious coverage mismatches.

That has to change under new play-caller Barry. He must ensure safeties form a consistent shell that helps keep the game in front of them.

It'll mean more Cover 2 structures and less pressure schemes that demand single-high looks and underneath man coverage.

Special Teams

Michael Perez/Associated Press

Kicker: Kai Forbath

Punter: Tress Way

Long Snapper: Nick Sundberg

Good coverage and solid blocking may still elude Washington's special teams, but at least the kicking chores are reasonably well tended. Kai Forbath has his critics, but he does know how to negotiate the notoriously treacherous surface at FedEx Field.

Meanwhile, punter Tress Way was one of the stars of the team in 2014 (you know you're in trouble when that's the case). His smartly directed and consistently booming kicks were the only thing coordinator Ben Kotwica could cite as proof of the improvement this unit made on his watch.

Kotwica still needs a dynamic return man to emerge. But with Crowder and Thompson on the roster alongside Jackson and Roberts, finding one should be easier than in recent seasons.

The Redskins have certainly improved this offseason, even if the albatross created by the mess at quarterback looms like a shadow over the team's chances in 2015. But despite the problems under center, there's enough talent on both sides of the ball for Washington to be in the 7-9, 8-8 or 9-7 mix.

The ceiling can even be slightly higher if Griffin finally gets it together.

All statistics and player information via NFL.com.