Washington Redskins: Grading the Strength of Every Position Before Camps Begin

How do you have a winning season with a giant question mark at quarterback? That's the issue facing the Washington Redskins ahead of the 2015 NFL season.

Things are still uncertain under center where none of Robert Griffin III, Kirk Cousins or Colt McCoy has fully convinced. But their issues aren't the only ones looming over the franchise that's won just seven games in two years.

A refreshed offensive line needs to deliver. So does a secondary bolstered by new personnel at three of its four starting positions.

But if even two of those units come good, the Redskins can compete in this season's NFC East. The wide receiver corps is still top-heavy with marquee talent. Meanwhile, the backfield boasts a three-time 1,000-yard runner.

As for the defense, a new-look line is a source of optimism headed into training camp on July 30. If the beefed-up front plays to its talent, Washington's defense should enjoy significant improvement.

Of course, camp will provide some early answers to all of these questions. Before then though, here's how each position unit grades out.

Quarterback

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The RG3 saga is starting to get depressing now. In fact, it had already long since passed that point when ESPN.com's Mike Sando released the "Quarterback Tiers" project, where Griffin graded out as a fourth-tier signal-caller.

That prompted another ESPN writer, Kevin Seifert, to suggest Griffin can only save his career outside Washington. The main emphasis of his argument was how Griffin isn't being put in an offense by current head coach Jay Gruden that will help him succeed.

While that's an argument not entirely without merit, it may be time to acknowledge some of the problems are Griffin's fault. Basically, there's a middle ground between Sando and Seifert's articles.

To stop this middle ground being a barren wasteland where yet more seasons go to die, Griffin has to respond to coaching. Just for good measure, coaches have to adapt to Griffin.

New quarterbacks coach Matt Cavanaugh will play a key role in this process. He's the one who must iron out the many basic errors in Griffin's game.

So it's time to focus on drop, footwork, timing and release. A crash course in reading coverages certainly wouldn't hurt either.

If Griffin still can't make the grade, which is a distinct possibility, it will be Cousins and McCoy's turn to put things right. Neither could do that last season.

Cousins is the best passer on the roster. He has a strong arm, is accurate and spreads the ball around. Sadly, that generosity with his passes too often extends to the opposition.

As for McCoy, he has a great understanding of Gruden's system but lacks the athletic gifts to consistently and successfully put theory into practice.

All of this adds up to one thing: major uncertainty at the most important position on the team.

Grade: D

Running Back

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Alfred Morris' presence creates an element of deceptive strength at the running back position. Sure, he has topped 1,000 yards in each of his three seasons in the pros, but he's still under the spotlight.

Rick Snider of the Washington Post recently detailed why 2012's sixth-round pick is facing a make-or-break season:

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But after two straight declining years, Morris is every bit in the same succeed-or-seeya mode that Griffin faces heading into the 2015 season. Morris is even more vulnerable given that his contract ends after this year and his potential replacement, Matt Jones, was drafted in May.

"

What really makes Morris vulnerable is the change in the blocking schemes ahead of him. He established his stardom as a zone-stretch runner under previous head coach Mike Shanahan.

But Gruden, new general manager Scot McCloughan and new line coach Bill Callahan all favor more power principles. The latter was hired to implement those techniques this season, per Rich Tandler of Real Redskins.

Morris is already keen on the changes, according to Tom Schad of the Washington Times:

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It’s not new. I did all downhill in college with the Power I. Did a little inside zone, maybe a tad of outside zone, but mostly it was just downhill, so I feel like I’m better in downhill plays anyways. I’m excited for the new plays we put in, and some of the changes, slight changes, that we made, so I’m excited about it, but it’s nothing new.

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Morris certainly needs a big year. His contract is up after this season, and 2014 was his worst year as a pro.

If he doesn't excel in the adjusted ground schemes, Matt Jones is on hand to take his job. This year's third-round pick is a smashmouth bruiser who was born to batter defenses between the tackles.

Jones suits the type of rushing attack McCloughan saw when he was general manager in San Francisco, where Frank Gore was a punishing star for the 49ers. McCloughan saw the same style work with the Seattle Seahawks and the thundering steps of Marshawn Lynch.

Ideally for the Redskins, both Morris and Jones quickly get up to speed behind a more physical line expertly tutored by Callahan. Then the burgundy and gold will have a formidable one-two punch that will wear out defenses, control the clock and keep the ball out of the hands of turnover-machine quarterbacks.

Fullback Darrel Young can help with that process. He's a terrific blocker who needs to see the field more often in the new season.

Some speed to go with the brute force would also be nice. That's why ultra-brittle Chris Thompson and undrafted mini-marvel Trey Williams will engage in one of the more interesting battles of training camp.

Washington's offense needs an explosive and versatile option out of the backfield. So the winner of this battle will have a vital role to play this season.

Finally, Silas Redd ought to have shown enough last season to warrant staying on the roster. He's a capable cutback runner and useful receiver.

This position has the makings of a real team strength. But there are a lot of ifs involved.

Mostly, the onus rests with Morris, as well as Gruden toning down his pass-happy play-calling.

Grade: C+

Wide Receiver

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One of the most talented position units on the roster, the challenge at wide receiver is finding ways to maximize all the talent. It starts with finding a balance between premier playmakers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon.

The former is probably the standout deep threat in the NFL. Jackson proved that last season when he hauled in 13 receptions of 40 yards or more and averaged 20.9 yards per catch, per the league's official site.

The problem is that with Jackson around, Garcon's production suffered. He did still lead the team in catches after posting 68 receptions, but that total was way down on 2013's franchise single-season record 113 grabs.

The Redskins do plan to get Garcon, one of the NFL's best over the middle and after the catch, more involved, according to Liz Clarke of the Washington Post. That will be part of Gruden's plan to spread the ball around among the team's many playmakers this season, per Stephen Czarda of the team's official site.

One player who is set to benefit from that more expansive approach is second-year man Ryan Grant. A natural possession pass-catcher, Grant has impressed Gruden this offseason, according to ESPN.com's John Keim:

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But I won’t hesitate one bit whether he’s our starting Z, starting X, starting inside player, what have you. I think as a wide receiver he’s very polished and he’s just waiting his turn. He is ready to go, though. I promise you that. I love Ryan Grant and what he is and what he’s about.

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Grant's development is timely considering the question marks surrounding Andre Roberts and rookie Jamison Crowder. The former suffered with a bad case of the drops during his first season in D.C., per CSN Washington's Rich Tandler.

As for Crowder, the speedy fourth-round pick has the skills to thrive after the catch, particularly from the slot. But allegations of domestic violence have put his status in question, per Todd Dybas of the Washington Times.

There's ample options and talent at this position. These players can stretch the field and terrorize underneath coverage.

Of course, their skills could easily be wasted by the quagmire at quarterback. It would also help if Gruden and offensive coordinator Sean McVay work out how to share the targets more evenly.

Grade: B

Tight End

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Tight end is another position that should translate to a major strength. It would if Jordan Reed could actually stay healthy and deliver on his potential as a dynamic, roving matchup nightmare.

The emergence of a formidable blocker would also help. Niles Paul is attempting to solve that problem after bulking up this offseason, per CSN Washington's Tarik El-Bashir.

Hopefully, those extra pounds will make a difference along the line of scrimmage without limiting Paul's range as a pass-catcher. The one-time wide receiver had a career year in 2014, and like Reed, he can be moved around to attack defenses, both short and vertically, from a variety of positions.

In all honesty though, Paul won't offer the same level of quickness, moves and flexibility a healthy Reed brings to the offense. He's a coverage-beater thanks to sudden and fluid moves out of his break. With the ball in his hands, Reed is always a threat. He's also a natural outlet on third downs.

But he just can't get and stay healthy. Offseason knee surgery is the latest issue afflicting 2013's third-round pick who has already missed 12 games since entering the pros.

It doesn't help that Logan Paulsen is the only other credible option on the roster. A committed veteran, he is not the blocker his 6'5", 261-pound frame would suggest. He's also limited as a receiver thanks to middling athleticism and less-than-reliable hands.

Grade: C

Offensive Line

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Offensive line is actually something close to a strength in Washington headed into the new season. No, you didn't misread that sentence.

For the first time since Joe Gibbs' original stint in charge, the Redskins have actually paid close attention to things up front. That attention has translated to improving talent at both the personnel and coaching levels.

The most significant new face on the playing side is tackle Brandon Scherff. Smartly taken with the fifth overall pick in this year's draft by McCloughan, Scherff is being asked to solve the long-standing problem at right tackle.

It means a switch from the left side for the player who won the Outland Trophy, which is given to the best lineman in collegiate football, during his final year at Iowa.

The transition won't be without its problems. But Scherff will at least engender a welcome new attitude up front, according to ESPN.com's John Keim:

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Scherff struggled at times this spring with his adjustment to the right side, according to the coaches. That’s natural. But how will that unfold this summer? He had a terrific reputation as a run-blocker in college, but his pass protection was just OK. At times it wasn’t good (see Maryland, 2014). Was that because of his knee injury? Perhaps. But it's also why so many people I talked to in the league, from coaches to scouts, considered him a Pro Bowl guard but a good tackle (good is certainly doable for the Redskins). But I like the mindset of the players they’re bringing in; both Long and Scherff have some nasty in them.

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Keim's reference to Long is key. A third-round pick in 2014 who appeared in just five games as a rookie, Long is being counted on to make fans forget about previous starter Chris Chester.

Although many would be only too happy to banish Chester from their minds, his gallery of missed blocks and feeble pass protection is not an easy nightmare to expel.

Long's connection with Scherff will be vital to the success of this group in 2015. He does at least offer more size than Chester and a greater suitability for Washington's rediscovered fondness for power blocking, per Rich Tandler of Real Redskins.

That's also something that will better suit left guard Shawn Lauvao. He was a solid lineman with the Cleveland Browns who didn't show his best form in Washington, D.C. last season.

Fortunately, this line can still count on solid play from veteran center Kory Lichtensteiger and Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams. Yet the latter needs to be healthy enough to contribute during camp and get up to speed for the new season.

Of course, every member of the group should benefit from Callahan's presence. He's one of the marquee line coaches in football after building a young Dallas Cowboys' group into a dominant front.

Callahan doesn't have quite the same level of talent to work with in Washington. But he does have more than a few interesting building blocks, as well as a potential bookend combination in Williams and Scherff.

For the first time in what seems like an age, the O-line doesn't look like the weakest position on Washington's roster. 

Grade: C+

Defensive Line

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When trying to improve a particular position unit, a team usually has two choices. The first is to upgrade the personnel. The second is to change the schemes to better suit the players.

Well, McCloughan and the Redskins opted for both when retooling the defensive line this offseason. The results are a major cause for optimism headed into the new season.

McCloughan brought in tackles Stephen Paea and Ricky Jean Francois. They've been joined by nose guards Terrance Knighton and Jerrell Powe.

Of all the new recruits, Knighton is the prize acquisition. He's arguably the most intimidating mass of humanity plying his trade in the trenches in today's NFL.

Knighton gives Washington the one thing its 3-4 scheme has lacked since 2010, namely a marquee talent at its most important position. That's why many believe the ex-Denver Broncos behemoth will be the most important newcomer to the NFC East this season.

One writer who endorses that view is ESPN.com's Dallas Cowboys columnist Todd Archer: "I remember Bill Parcells talking about the importance of a space-eater at nose tackle in a 3-4. I believe Knighton gives Washington that type of player, which should free things up for those around him, like Jason Hatcher as well as Ryan Kerrigan."

While it's impossible to overstate Knighton's potential impact and value, it's easy to believe in an improvement from a player like Jason Hatcher. A major disappointment after joining the team last offseason, he will now be playing in a scheme that lets him do what he does best: get up the field and rush the passer.

New coordinator Joe Barry will run a one-gap 3-4 that will let linemen attack. Hatcher is welcoming the change, something he made clear during an interview with Redskins Nation host Larry Michael (h/t CSN Washington's Tarik El-Bashir):

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I think we’re going to be real aggressive. First of all, we’re going upfield. We ain’t going sideways no more. So we can make a play here and there. I’m excited about that. We’re just not holding a blocker. We’re the attacker now. That will be very good for us.

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That's great news for both Hatcher and Paea, who is another dangerous interior pass-rusher but one still transitioning from a 4-3 defense. The changes also suit players such as Francois and holdovers Chris Baker and Frank Kearse.

If there's one cause for concern, it's how well this line will hold up against the run. More specifically, it's how well the edges of this line will stand up to a capable rushing attack.

Hatcher, Paea and Francois can collapse the pocket, but none are noted for their ability to set the edge against the run. Since that's where Knighton is likely to force most backs, Washington needs its edge defenders to be stout in 2015.

Grade: B+

Outside Linebacker

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One-half of this position is in capable hands. Ryan Kerrigan continues to look like one of the few great decisions the Shanahan regime made.

Kerrigan has made significant strides every year since the Redskins drafted him in the first round in 2011. Last season, those strides led to a career-high 13.5 sacks.

He is a true playmaker on the edge. He's a dominant pass-rusher, solid against the run and has a knack for forcing turnovers.

The only problem is nobody else at this position shares those qualities. His fellow starter will either be Trent Murphy or rookie Preston Smith.

Murphy isn't much of a pass-rusher, but he can at least set the edge against the run. That could make him a wise choice to start alongside Hatcher and remove any concerns about the run defense.

But Smith may eventually be the more dynamic disruptor of the passing game. ESPN.com's John Keim believes Washington's coaches see Smith as the long-term starter on the outside.

Either way, one of the core positions along the front seven remains a big question mark on the eve of training camp. So does the depth behind Kerrigan and his mystery fellow starter.

Raw youngsters Jackson Jeffcoat and Trevardo Williams are the most likely candidates to be the next men up in 2015. Jeffcoat has enticing potential but must make the most of camp.

Kerrigan's presence alone merits a solid grade here, but he isn't enough to overshadow the lingering doubts.

Grade: C

Inside Linebacker

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If outside linebacker appears a little shaky, inside 'backer could be the unit that sinks the whole defense in the new season. There's one quality starter and sparse depth. To make matters worse, that lone quality starter is not without his own issues.

Keenan Robinson is the man in the middle who can be relied upon. He enjoyed an excellent 2014 campaign as Washington's leading tackler and the signal-caller for the defense.

He has the talent to join the ranks of the league's elite at his position. But that's only if he stays healthy, something he never managed before last season.

Robinson missed five games as a rookie in 2012 before sitting out the entire 2013 season. He made 13 starts in 2014 before being sideline for the final three games.

If he breaks down again, Washington will be in major trouble. The trouble will come from putting the spotlight back on fellow starter Perry Riley Jr.

He's taken several steps back during the last two years. Last season proved especially trying for Riley as he was routinely victimized in coverage. He has a lot to do to prove his growing legions of doubters wrong.

Sadly, the Redskins lack quality depth players who can really push Riley. Will Compton is popular with many fans because of his brave and tenacious approach. But he's still only a plodding thumper in the middle, one lacking the range to thrive in a 3-4.

Special teams captain Adam Hayward is unlikely to ever make an impact on the starting defense. Maybe fifth-rounder Martrell Spaight could, but he'll first have to turn more than a few heads during camp just to get on the field.

Not adding a more experienced presence to the numbers here, or at least a more high-profile rookie, was a mistake by McCloughan. It's one that a defense he otherwise masterfully retooled could come to bitterly regret if Robinson fails to stay intact.

Grade: D+

Cornerback

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If it's been an age since the offensive line was anything other than a welcome mat for eager and grateful pass-rushers, it's been almost as long since cornerback was a strength in Washington, D.C.

But this season's unit may just qualify. That's thanks to three key factors. The first is Bashaud Breeland's emergence and rapid development last season.

Taken in the fourth round in 2014, Breeland became a starter when DeAngelo Hall tore his Achilles and then promptly tore it again. Breeland quickly matured into the standout cornerback on Washington's roster, putting 2013 second-rounder David Amerson to shame in the process.

The ex-Clemson man is scrappy, smart and defiant. He can be a cornerstone for a coverage scheme based more on physical aggression than the meek surrender of big plays that has defined Washington's secondary in recent seasons.

The chances of an even better second year from Breeland will be aided by the arrival of former San Francisco 49ers starter Chris Culliver. ESPN.com's John Keim believes Culliver can be the lockdown cover man this defense has missed: "But Culliver is an outstanding player and will impact the passing game. The Redskins have lacked a corner who can buy the rush a little extra time to get free and Culliver should enable them to do so."

Breeland and Culliver can form an excellent starting duo. But for once, the depth may also be strong. That will depend on how well 31-year-old Hall bounces back from his injuries.

He's taking things slowly, according to CBS DC's Brian McNally. If he's healthy, Hall has the experience and flexibility to still be a key contributor.

Mike Jones of the Washington Post cited Hall's versatility to play in the slot or even free safety as a major reason why he can help. If nothing else, though, a fit Hall will give Washington three starter-ready cornerbacks. This position certainly hasn't boasted that strength in depth during recent seasons.

If Amerson can improve after a nightmare second season, things will only get better. He's already impressed new coordinator Barry, per Keim.

Yet given how often he's flattered to deceive during two pro seasons, it's best to take a wait-and-see approach with Amerson. If he continues to falter, rookie Tevin Mitchel may be in line for playing time.

At the top end of the depth chart, this is now a position brimming with talent and playmaking potential.

Grade: B

Safety

Pablo Martinez Monsivais/Associated Press

So the offensive line and cornerback look more like strengths than weaknesses, and now so does safety? Maybe it really is a brave new world in Washington.

Of course, not much is required for the safety spots to look better than last season. Watching Brandon Meriweather and Ryan Clark stumble though games was a painful experience in 2014.

McCloughan wisely didn't engage in half measures at a spot that's been the bane of the roster so often in recent years. He's recruited two potential new starters, but there are question marks regarding both.

Dashon Goldson will be the free safety, adding some experience, Pro Bowl pedigree and intimidating physicality to the position. At his best, Goldson is a true playmaker. The only trouble is nobody has seen his best since the 2012 season.

It would help Goldson's return to form if a definite starter stood out at strong safety. So far, Duke Ihenacho has been locked in competition with new boy Jeron Johnson.

McCloughan recruited the latter from the Seattle Seahawks. Johnson spent four seasons backing up Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas for the NFC West outfit. He saw the field on special teams and made a first and only start on defense late last season.

That's hardly a resume that promises an upgrade at a key position. Yet neither do the 14 starts that Ihenacho made for a Super Bowl-bound Denver Broncos team in 2013. He's a big hitter who has been exposed in coverage more than once.

Still, the starter next to Goldson on opening day will either be Johnson or Ihenacho. The rest of the depth chart is just too lacking to make that leap.

In fact, quality cover or the absence of it, is a concern. Rookie sixth-rounder Kyshoen Jarrett joins a motley crew including Trenton Robinson, Akeem Davis and Phillip Thomas.

Things do look a little better here. But remember, after last season the only way was up.

Grade: C

Special Teams

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The special teams was supposed to be better under Ben Kotwica's guidance last season. Yet there was still a catalogue of blocked kicks, botched fakes and feeble coverage.

At least punter Tress Way was a lone bright spot. The 25-year-old finished among the league leaders at his position.

If Way can be counted on, kicker Kai Forbath remains shaky. He kicks well at the notoriously difficult FedEx Field but inspires little confidence elsewhere.

What would really help Kotwica's unit is the emergence of an exciting returner. Crowder has the potential, as does Thompson. Both need to be on the field to realize it, though. Camp should provide a good indication of who is standing out in this area.

At least the coverage units figure to better in the new season. Hayward is back to full health and can make a real difference.

Kotwica also has some new personnel in the form of rookies like Jarrett and Spaight. But the most significant newcomer could be sixth-round wide receiver Evan Spencer.

Gruden has anticipated a big impact from the rookie flanker in this phase of the game, per Tom Schad of the Washington Times: "He’s going to be a demon on special teams."

Continuing that theme, Rich Tandler of Real Redskins believes Spencer's willingness to make an impact in football's third phase could give Washington something that's been lacking for a while: "The team has not had a wide receiver as a primary special teams player since James Thrash in the middle of the last decade."

Grade: D+

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New additions on both sides of the ball, particularly along the trenches, have made the Redskins stronger headed into camp.

Defensively, better players on the line and in the secondary will complement one another well. Tighter coverage will aid a more dynamic pass rush and vice versa.

On offense, all eyes should be fixed on how well Callahan and his line jell during camp. If that group clicks, a unit otherwise loaded at most of the skill positions can light up a few scoreboards once the real action kicks off.

All statistics and player information via NFL.com, unless otherwise stated.