Updated 53-Man Roster Projections for Washington Redskins Post Preseason Week 3
How do you solve a giant hole at quarterback? Simple. You ditch the failed starter who cost you a boat load of draft picks and build an offense to protect the flawed backup who still has at least a better grasp of how the position should be played.
Shoving Robert Griffin III through the exit door at Redskins Park and ushering in the Kirk Cousins era is going to dominate every news cycle focused on the Burgundy and Gold between now and the start of the season.
To say the least it's complicated. But hey, that's what's cuts day is for, right?
Lost in the quarterback riddle is Washington solving the futures of several roster hopefuls. Among them, a second-year pass-rusher used Week 3 of the preseason to play himself into a roster spot.
Meanwhile, one of 2015's undrafted rookies reminded coaches he could still offer a lot to this season's running game.
Find out what Washington's 53-man roster projections look like after Week 3 of the preseason, starting with the not-so small issue under center.
Quarterback
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Starter: Kirk Cousins
Backup(s): Colt McCoy, Robert Griffin III
Could it really be about to happen? Could the RG3 era really be close to a merciful end? Could the Redskins actually be preparing to make the one move that gives them a chance of winning in 2015?
It's not easy to type with your fingers crossed, but I'll try and breakdown this quagmire somehow. Washington's about-turn over the concussion Griffin suffered against the Detroit Lions in the team's second preseason game may have been the final straw with this epic draft bust.
NFL Media reporter Jeff Darlington, via the league's official site, suggested the clearance then non-clearance to play Griffin received ahead of the Ravens game was simply "the result of bad communication as opposed to a greater conspiracy."
Head coach Jay Gruden appeared to endorse that view after the game in Baltimore, per CSNMidAtlantic.com's Rich Tandler: "It had nothing to do with our doctors, nothing to do with our trainers, it was league-mandated independent doctors."
Yet almost in the same breath, Gruden refused to confirm RG3 as the team's starter once he returns from injury. Honestly, how could he after the way Cousins played against the Ravens?
His performance merits the starting job, according to Deron Snyder of the Washington Times. He wrote, "[Cousins] mostly looked the part following the first drive against Baltimore and finished 20-for-27 for 190 yards and one touchdown. He sensed pressure. He got rid of the ball quickly and on time. He spread the wealth."
Hear, hear.
Now a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter and Dianna Marie Russini states the Redskins are trying to trade Griffin, clearing the path for Cousins to keep the starting job, noting, "The Redskins even have had trade conversations about Griffin with a handful of NFL teams, but have found no interest, and it remains unclear whether ownership would allow Washington to trade him, sources said."
Despite an apparent split between coaches and ownership, even talking about dumping No. 10 is a step in the right direction. The fact coaches and ownership can be divided on one player is unhealthy for a franchise and further proof RG3's days on the roster should be numbered.
It may even be a lot more simple than Schefter and Russini believe. Mike Jones and Mark Maske of the Washington Post state owner Dan Snyder isn't standing in the way of a Griffin trade deal. "Two people with knowledge of the team’s planning each said Snyder is not blocking his front office and coaching staff from trading Griffin. One called an ESPN report that suggested that '100 percent wrong.'"
Things needn't be so complicated. This roster has the talent to win some games in 2015, even push close to .500 or just beyond. But none of those things will happen with Griffin as the quarterback.
Cousins performed well in Baltimore. So did veteran third-stringer Colt McCoy. Take your pick, Redskins, and move on from RG3 and all that dysfunction.
Running Back
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Starter: Alfred Morris FB: Darrel Young
Backups: Matt Jones, Chris Thompson
This is still Alfred Morris country. That's despite the starting runner struggling somewhat in his last two games. ESPN's John Keim noted how the starters didn't exactly thrive on the ground against the Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens.
But if No. 46 hasn't quite been firing on all cylinders, rookie deputy Matt Jones certainly has. This year's third-round pick followed impressive showings against the Cleveland Browns and the Lions with another solid effort in Baltimore.
Jones ripped off 57 yards on seven carries. Once again, he displayed good initial burst through the line and awesome power at the second level.
His efforts so far this preseason prompted ESPN's Louis Riddick to make this bold statement about how the former Florida man compares to Morris. While that's debatable, Jones has definitely made it clear he can add a lot to last season's 19th-ranked running game.
Where things get really interesting is in the third-down, change-of-pace role. Chris Thompson appeared to be a lock with first-year free agent Trey Williams getting only sparing work with fellow fringe players.
But Williams used Week 3 of the exhibition slate to show Gruden the extra dimension he can bring to this ground game. The ex-Texas A&M pocket-edition dynamo rushed for 39 yards on nine carries.
Granted, he did rip off 17 on a single rush, meaning he averaged fewer than three yards on eight other carries. Admittedly though, lightning-in-the-bottle runners can be a bit feast or famine in terms of their production.
More than his numbers, Williams showed excellent cutback skills, a major asset in any rushing scheme. This is a player who has speed and knows how to use it.
Washington's backfield rotation hasn't had that kind of option in recent seasons.
If you want to put the brakes on the Williams hype, consider his role in pass blocking, an area Thompson has shown improvement in during this preseason. Yet that may not be as big an issue if there's a change at quarterback.
Combine that with Thompson's sketchy injury history and Williams will be one of the toughest cuts Gruden has to make. But he'll still make it according to Tandler, who believes Thompson is a "mortal, lead pipe lock." Tandler also thinks the practice squad could be in Williams' future.
Ultimately, this choice will hinge on how much Gruden values Thompson's supplementary skills.
Wide Receiver
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Starters: DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, Andre Roberts
Backups: Ryan Grant, Jamison Crowder, Evan Spencer
Just like running back, the primary positions pick themselves at wide receiver. That means DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon as the No. 1 and No. 2 choices.
It also means, whether you like it or not, Andre Roberts as third receiver. Where the picture really brightens is when you consider the fourth and fifth options.
Simply put, few teams around the NFL boast fringe receivers with as much potential as Ryan Grant and rookie Jamison Crowder. The former has excelled this preseason while Jackson has been sidelined by injury.
Against the Ravens, Grant and his excellent hands reeled in five catches for 64 yards. He proved himself a reliable clutch target who also boasts some big-play capability.
After the game, 106.7 The Fan's Grant Paulsen tweeted that team members "rave about" Grant and his ability to play. Consider last year's fifth-round pick a lock for this season's 53.
Crowder will be the same. A fourth-round pick by new general manager Scot McCloughan, the ex-Duke standout has all the attributes needed to thrive from the slot.
He's quick out of his breaks, elusive in the open field and sure-handed. Crowder proved the latter quality by snatching his first touchdown as a pro, from a pass that bounced off Roberts, against the Ravens.
The talent of the first five means there's likely no spot for Rashad Ross, who's proved very useful this preseason. But if Washington keeps a sixth wideout, rookie Evan Spencer and his special teams chops makes more sense.
This is one of the best receiving corps in the league. At least, it will be if the right quarterback is tasked with getting them the ball.
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Tight End
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Starter: Jordan Reed
Backup: Derek Carrier, Tom Compton
Keeping Jordan Reed upright can turn the tight end position from an injury-hit disaster to a major strength. That's the level of talent 2013's third-round pick possesses.
After returning from yet another injury, Reed made a couple of nice receptions for positive yards in Baltimore. They prompted CSNMidAtlantic.com's Tandler to offer the now-mandatory reminder about the player's health.
It is always a good idea not to get too excited by Reed's potential. After all, this is a player who has missed 12 games and made just six starts in two years.
Yet with Niles Paul and Logan Paulsen both done for the year, there's no denying the Redskins need Reed in 2015. The team also traded for former San Francisco 49er Derek Carrier.
He likely sticks as Reed's backup. Carrier's presence and how often Washington has used reserve tackle Tom Compton as a blocking tight end this preseason, means there'll be no place for Ernst Brun, Devin Mahina, D.J. Williams, Chase Dixon and Je'Ron Hamm.
At least one of that group should be retained on the practice squad for if—or when—Reed breaks down again.
Offensive Line
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Starters: Trent Williams, Shawn Lauvao, Kory Lichtensteiger, Brandon Scherff, Morgan Moses
Backups: Willie Smith, Arie Kouandjio, Josh LeRibeus, Spencer Long
Willie Smith may have no business not appearing on the list of cuts following his horror shows against Detroit in Week 2. But with Compton being forced into playing more tight end, at least in a blocking capacity, the Redskins need a natural tackle for depth.
The fact is there aren't any other options on the roster with starting experience and the versatility to play on both sides of the line. Rookie Takoby Cofield and youngster Ty Nsekhe haven't done enough to guarantee knocking Williams off the roster.
In terms of the other depth options, Spencer Long and Josh LeRibeus can play center or either guard spot. Rookie Arie Kouandjio will also be in the mix.
The starters will be newly extended Trent Williams, Shawn Lauvao, Kory Lichtensteiger, Brandon Scherff and Morgan Moses. This group did nothing to shame themselves against a tough Ravens front.
Depth may concern some, especially with Smith sticking around. But no team in the league can lose starting O-linemen and not have its quarterback feel the difference pretty quickly.
Defensive Line
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Starters: Jason Hatcher, Terrance Knighton, Stephen Paea
Backups: Ricky Jean Francois, Kedric Golston, Chris Baker, Frank Kearse
There's a theme developing here with position groups picking themselves. It continues with the defensive line.
The primary starters will be Terrance Knighton at nose guard flanked by Jason Hatcher and Stephen Paea at ends. It's a very solid group.
Depth should be the same with the only question really being how many linemen Washington opts to keep. As things stand, seven is a safe number.
Veterans Ricky Jean Francois, Chris Baker and Kedric Golston all share two things in common. They can each play over center or on the edge.
Yet none of this trio offers much in terms of a pass rush. So Frank Kearse, who logged three sacks as an interior rusher a year ago, should be kept in the fold.
Versatility usually holds most sway with coaches when cuts are being made. It will here, which means outright 0-technique Jerrell Powe will find himself out of work.
Linebacker
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Starters: Preston Smith, Ryan Kerrigan (OLB) Perry Riley Jr., Keenan Robinson (ILB)
Backups: Jackson Jeffcoat, Trent Murphy (OLB) Will Compton, Martrell Spaight (ILB)
Things could get crowded here in a hurry. It's easy to imagine the Redskins keeping up to five players at both the outside and inside rotations of their linebacker corps.
Dealing with the outside first, Ryan Kerrigan is the only lock as a starter. He needs a capable bookend to emerge.
Second-round pick Preston Smith has looked sluggish on the practice field, but excellent in game situations. He's made a strong case to start. That case has been helped by 2014 second-round choice Trent Murphy making little impact this preseason.
But it's the performances of less-heralded options that should have Washington's coaches excited. It was great to see Jackson Jeffcoat produce big numbers against the Ravens.
He grabbed an interception and recorded a strip sack in Baltimore, per Keim. The latter also reported how Jeffcoat has used this offseason to explore methods, including martial arts, for improving his range of movement.
That work looks good to coaches. So do the results on the field which have so far been spectacular.
It's a similar story for Houston Bates, another undrafted edge-rusher. He had his first quiet game this preseason, registering just a single assist.
That's bad timing with cuts imminent, but Bates is still tied with Jeffcoat for the team lead in sacks with three. The latter's late show in Baltimore will push the ex-Louisiana Tech D-end onto the practice squad.
On the inside, Perry Riley Jr. and the ultra-aggressive Keenan Robinson are unchallenged as the starters. In Riley's case, that's not a good thing. So Will Compton should get a reprieve to hang around as the next man up in the event of another Riley slump.
That leaves rookies Martrell Spaight and Terrance Plummer on the brink. Both are hitters who can offer a lot on special teams. Remember this unit has already lost its captain, linebacker Adam Hayward.
I've gone for Spaight since McCloughan used a fifth-round pick to bring him on board.
Secondary
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Starting Cornerbacks: Chris Culliver, DeAngelo Hall, Bashaud Breeland
Depth: David Amerson, Justin Rogers
Starting Safeties: Dashon Goldson, Duke Ihenacho
Depth: Jeron Johnson, Trenton Robinson, Kyshoen Jarrett
I liked what I saw from DeAngelo Hall against the Ravens. The veteran showed he can still track a receiver deep and locate the ball in the air.
Hall will be a prominent part of the cornerback rotation because the Redskins need him to be. In fact, an injury and suspension for last year's rookie-find Bashaud Breeland mean there aren't many players Washington can let go at this position.
So 2013-flop David Amerson stays on the team for another year (probably his last). Chris Culliver will start with Hall, at least until Breeland's back up to speed.
As for depth, the picture's a little murky since Washington parted ways with rookie sixth-round pick Tevin Mitchel. Justin Rogers should stick, thanks to the hustle he showed chasing down a kickoff return in Baltimore, saving a touchdown.
One other player who will see the threadbare depth at cornerback work in his favor is rookie safety Kyshoen Jarrett. He snatched a pick against the Ravens and is flexible enough to play slot corner.
Tandler believes Jarrett isn't quite certain to stick, "but close." He also cites the player's special teams potential as another key factor.
Speaking of safety, Duke Ihenacho and Jeron Johnson still haven't quite resolved the starting job at strong safety, even if the former remains the favorite. Dashon Goldson will start at free safety, despite a catalogue of missed tackles in Baltimore.
It would also be smart to keep a player like Trenton Robinson, re-signed this offseason, around. As a natural free safety, he's Goldson's only obvious backup.
Special Teams
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K: Kai Forbath
P: Tress Way
LS: Nick Sundberg
Kai Forbath's the kicker, Tress Way is the punter. Don't make me say "pick themselves" again.
Forbath always seems primed to be upgraded, but he's resilient and actually more consistent than you think. Meanwhile, Way was one of Washington's best performers in 2014. Yes, that says a lot about last season, none of it good.
Nick Sundberg will continue on long-snapper duty to complete the list of specialists.
Okay, so there's a mess at quarterback, at least for the moment. But the fix is a quick and easy one for the Redskins.
Now it's all about waiting for those who count in the organization to face facts and make the only sensible call they can.
Aside from that rather large question, this roster looks solid in all the key areas. Encouragingly, it's strong at some positions, notably wide receiver, running back and along the defensive line.
Make the right call under center, you know what it is by now, and Washington is primed for healthy improvement on last season's 4-12 finish.
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