Washington Redskins Training Camp: Week 1 Stock Report
Robert Griffin III has taken some baby steps on the road to being a competent NFL quarterback. At least he has if you believe some of the latest reports emanating from the Washington Redskins training camp.
But while Griffin has impressed some at Bon Secours, a few of the men in front of him are having a tough time. In particular, rookie offensive tackle Brandon Scherff is enduring a rough introduction to life at the pro level.
At least the O-line's marquee new coach Bill Callahan is busy whipping it into shape and can still count on Trent Williams, the Pro Bowl left tackle who has impressed his new boss.
Defensively, another prominent rookie isn't exactly rekindling memories of Dexter Manley and Charles Mann. Meanwhile, a once touted draft pick now finds himself practically propping up a suddenly wafer-thin depth chart in the secondary.
Read on for a more detailed stock up, stock down accounting from Washington's first week of camp.
Stock Up: Trent Williams, OT
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Callahan knows he has a ton of work to do to improve a line that's consistently been one of the worst in football for about as long as anyone can remember. But he also knows he has at least one stable building block already in place.
After only brief work at camp, Callahan certainly sounds grateful to have Williams around. He hasn't held back in his praise for No. 71, per Mike Jones of the Washington Post:
"I love Trent and the way he works. He’s adopted everything that we’ve asked him to do. He’s receptive, he’s open, and he’s the type of pro that wants to know more. ... Players like Trent, that are instinctual, that have really good anticipation and have athleticism to react naturally, you can always learn things about that.
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Callahan may sound as though he needs to go easy with the grease gun, but he'll be fully aware of the value of a player such as Williams. The fourth-overall pick in 2010 represents a rare thing in Washington, namely a sure thing along the O-line.
Entering this offseason, if the Redskins had announced they were signing four new starters alongside Williams, few would have questioned it. But keeping Williams at his current dominant level or better is as important to improving the front as finding solutions at the other four spots.
After an offseason foot injury robbed him of OTAs, it's great to see Williams back in action, and better still, to hear he's impressing his new position coach. This player is the linchpin of Washington's run blocking and Griffin's blindside protector.
That makes him just about the most important player on this offense headed into the new season.
Stock Down: Brandon Scherff, OT
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Washington's top draft pick is finding it tough getting to grips with the demands of pass protection. He's been giving up inside moves and losing the edge against Washington's outside pass-rushers.
ESPN.com's John Keim detailed some of Scherff's early struggles. He first noted how Trent Murphy "had one strong rush" against Scherff, "quickly beating him inside in full-team work."
Then, Keim described how premier pressure specialist Ryan Kerrigan schooled Scherff on the variety of ways he can be beat at the pro level:
"Ryan Kerrigan made it look too easy versus Brandon Scherff in one-on-one work. A rip move worked the first time. The second time, Kerrigan used another rip move to the outside. Scherff tried to hold on, but Kerrigan turned and Scherff fell to the ground.
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While the more easily defensive among you yell about how Kerrigan is a top player who logged 13.5 sacks last season and should be expected to beat a rookie, consider this: Was Scherff drafted to dominate mediocre opponents?
Did new general manager Scot McCloughan use the fifth-overall pick on the ex-Iowa linchpin and pass on Leonard Williams for a player whose struggles can be excused every time he faces a good player?
The answer to both questions is a resounding no. Of course, it's natural for Scherff to have some bumps in the road. It would be kind of weird if he didn't.
But the issue is how far along the road those bumps last. Let's be clear: Washington needs Scherff to make the grade quickly.
There's a gaping hole at right tackle, one that must be at least adequately filled this season. It will be more than a little concerning if Scherff is unable to do that.
Which is why you have to at least raise an eyebrow at reports Scherff played right guard with the first team during the latest practice. Morgan Moses took his place at tackle, according to Keim.
While Keim noted this shuffling may just be a natural part of the evaluation process, Jones, writing for the Post, referenced how many scouts felt Scherff is better suited for guard in the pros. That was a common theme prior to the draft.
But the Redskins were counting on Scherff playing tackle while Spencer Long lined up at guard. Yet as Keim stated: "Both Long and Scherff have had a tougher time adjusting to pass protection."
There's two ways of looking at this one.
If Washington's coaches are already contemplating a position change for the team's top pick, it might be time to get a little concerned about Scherff. But on the other hand, putting good players in their best position is what smart coaches do. So what if it takes a little longer, even it stable organizations probably get this determination right first time?
Callahan has already stated how evaluations are ongoing in the search for the best front five possible, per Jacob Feldman of the Washington Post. That's reasonable coach speak for this time of year.
But it would be better to read Scherff is winning a few battles. Actually, Rich Tandler of Real Redskins says he's won at least one:
"Brandon Scherff looked good in one-on-one drills against Stephen Paea. Once it looked like the defensive end had the slip on him but Scherff recovered and got in front of him. One local analyst, a former NFL player, said that he was satisfied that Scherff will be able to hold his own once the games start.
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Yet you don't draft a player fifth overall to simply "hold his own once the games start." Let's have some reports of Scherff dominating the trenches.
Yes, Kerrigan is expected to beat him. But isn't beating quality pass-rushers the expectation for Scherff?
Stock Up: Morgan Moses, OT
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If Scherff's stock has dipped, Moses' has only risen. He's gone from forgotten and injured to healthy and working with the starters.
Not only that, but Moses hasn't wasted his chance. He's looked good at right tackle, according to Keim:
"Moses is off to a good start in camp, coming off a Lisfranc injury last season. The Redskins still don’t consider him 100 percent, but they do want to see how he looks with the first offense. ... Moses has done a better job this summer of staying low and playing with more balance and power.
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As if to echo Keim's thoughts, Jones noted similar positive aspects for the Post: "How did Moses look versus the starters? Pretty solid. Two different times, he did a good job of riding Ryan Kerrigan and steering him wide and away from the quarterback. Moses did well in the run game as well."
Moses' sudden surge is one of the more intriguing developments at this year's camp. Although it's only a small sample size and in a simulated environment no less, his performances have given the Redskins a timely reminder.
It's a reminder that they rated Moses highly a year ago. He was the first of the team's two third-round picks on team president Bruce Allen's watch in 2014.
At 6'6" and a beefy 314 pounds, the former Virginia ace has good size, combined with solid move skills in space. Those qualities make him a good fit for the combination ground scheme Callahan will call this season, a system sure to incorporate power plays alongside a steady diet of zone runs.
Just as important, Moses has long arms, as in go, go gadget arms. They are the best friends of any pass protector and certainly give him an edge on the edge over Scherff.
Callahan may still be evaluating players and positions, but Tandler suggests Moses at tackle and Scherff at guard could be more than just an experiment: "There is a possibility that it will become permanent so the situation bears watching."
Of course, that will depend on Moses. He couldn't stay healthy as a rookie and was maybe too in awe of the speed of the pro game at times.
But if Callahan can get him up to speed, Moses could be one of the surprise packages of this season.
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Stock Down: David Amerson, CB
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David Amerson has gone from Washington's top pick in the 2013 NFL draft to fourth on the cornerback depth chart. Although he seems upbeat despite the demotion, according to Liz Clarke of the Washington Post, maybe Amerson should be a little more concerned at just how far he's fallen.
Actually, maybe Washington's coaches are the ones who should be worried. They may need Amerson more than they were hoping this season.
Injuries and a suspension have already shredded the cornerback rotation faster than Amerson gave up a big play in 2014. Okay, maybe not that fast, but you get the idea.
Rookie Tevin Mitchel was lost for the season then released, per ESPN's Keim. Bashaud Breeland, a budding star, was hit with a one-game suspension then suffered an injury set to make him miss at least a month.
Suddenly, prospective starters Chris Culliver and DeAngelo Hall have been feeling rather lonely. Those issues have put Amerson back in the frame, but as luck would have it or just the way his career is going, he was next to be bitten by the injury bug.
Although his injury was later revealed to be a mild shoulder sprain, per Keim, it's still done Amerson few favors. This is one camp when he needs to stay available and at full speed.
Given the holes that have opened up all over the depth chart, he could play himself back into a prominent role. It hasn't happened yet though, one more reason why his stock remains down.
Stock Up: Chris Thompson, RB
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Finding a running back who can add some explosive qualities to both phases of the offense remains a priority for head coach Jay Gruden this offseason. The running game needs some legitimate speed, while the pass attack needs a versatile and dynamic pass-catcher out of the backfield.
Two obvious candidates are vying to make this niche role their own. But as it stands, undrafted rookie Trey Williams is having to watch Chris Thompson shine.
The oft-injured third-year pro has made a positive impression on his head coach, according to Jones, writing for the Post:
"Chris Thompson drew praise from Jay Gruden for the way he’s emerging as a third-down back. The injury to Matt Jones has led to more opportunities for Thompson. It’s still hard to envision Thompson filling this role full time, given his small frame and his injury history. Can he really hold up for a full season? And can he do a serviceable job in pass protection? There’s no denying that Thompson can serve as a valuable weapon. He’s a good receiver, and the way he accelerates after the catch is impressive. (Team-wide, it’s a close race between he and Jamison Crowder when it comes to that zero-to-60 time after the catch.) But Thompson has gotten knocked backward in pass protection numerous times. Stay tuned.
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The note about competence in pass protection may be a little misleading. While being able to identify and deck blitzing defenders is not only relevant, but vital for third-down work, it shouldn't be something players like Thompson and Williams are judged on.
After all, the pair are mini marvels. Thompson stands 5'8" and weighs 193 pounds, while Williams can't quite go eyeball to eyeball with him at 5'7" and 195 pounds.
A player like Thompson gets on the field for what he can do with the ball in his hands, for the way he can be moved around formations to create coverage mismatches, for the threat he poses in space.
He's shown some of those qualities during this year's camp, with Tandler describing one particular example for his Real Redskins blog: "Martrell Spaight had good coverage on Chris Thompson, but the back made a good catch and was able to turn upfield."
Why downgrade Thompson because of what he's physically incapable of doing when he can do so much more to help this team score points, you know, those pesky things that actually win games?
Gruden and offensive coordinator Sean McVay can always stick fullback Darrel Young in the backfield on third downs and split Thompson out wide. Alternatively, they could even flex a tight end off the line into the backfield to try and add some blocking prowess.
Washington has lacked a dangerous, big-play scat back for far too long. Thompson showcasing his big-play skills is a positive sign he may be able to finally offer a solution.
Let's just leave his injury history hanging in the air for the moment.
Stock Down: Preston Smith, DE/OLB
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Preston Smith cost the Redskins a second-round draft pick this year. The decision was made to boost a pass rush that recorded just 36 sacks a year ago, as well as helping to replace Brian Orakpo.
But the moment McCloughan indulged the risk and controversy of signing veteran Junior Galette, it sent a clear message about Smith's progress. Make that lack of progress.
The ex-Mississippi State D-lineman hasn't exactly made much during camp. In fact, Jones has already stated Smith is "a little further behind in his development than coaches initially anticipated."
Galette's presence might ease the pressure on Smith, but a player can't improve unless he's, you know, playing.
Smith's struggles may go back to the problem Bleacher Report analyst Michael Felder saw when the player was drafted. Specifically, the problem of him not being an outside linebacker.
Drafting a player for a position he doesn't fit and perhaps guessing wrong on Scherff: Suddenly the 2015 draft is looking like it might not be so kind to the Redskins.
Just another offseason in Washington.
Stock Up / Stock Down: Robert Griffin III, QB
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There's been enough good and bad to put Griffin in something of a gray area now the first week of camp is in the books. In short, his week started brightly but has ended in tame fashion.
Dealing with the latter first, Griffin suffered issues with accuracy during the latest practice session. Jones detailed the problem: "Robert Griffin III’s accuracy was off, one time the ball slipped out of his hands as he tried for a pump fake. He missed Pierre Garcon deep after Garcon had beaten Chris Culliver handily."
Griffin basically blew hot and cold, or cold then hot, then cold again in this case, according to Tandler:
"On his first pass during team work, Robert Griffin III had Reed wide open but the pass was too high. Later in the same session he heated up, hitting DeSean Jackson deep down the middle. The receiver found a soft spot in the coverage and Griffin fired the ball to him about 20 yards downfield. All in all it was a so-so day for Griffin, who misfired on several passes.
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While it's never great to read the most excused quarterback in the NFL is still missing throws he should make, some issues have to be expected. You can't point out Griffin is limited as a pro passer and then be surprised when he can't hit open receivers between the numbers.
It has to be remembered just how much work still needs to be done to get RG3 up to scratch as an NFL starter. In terms of the essentials of his position, the Redskins might as well be grooming a rookie.
What that means is some peaks and valleys are inevitable. It's a long process, but Griffin hasn't spent all of it stuck in the valley.
He's made some progress in key areas, at least according to his teammates. Williams thinks he's making quicker decisions with the ball, per Liz Clarke of the Washington Post.
At the same time, middle linebacker Keenan Robinson told MMQB.com's Peter King how Griffin is being smarter in the pocket: "He was a one-look guy who would take off and run pretty fast. Now he scans the field and stays in the pocket and makes big throws.”
They are the key areas where Griffin just has to get better. Again, it's a process. Some progress is a start. The next step is showing progress on a consistent basis.
That could be the mantra for the whole of this rebuilding roster.
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