Ranking Washington Redskins' 10 Most Important Contributors in 2017

A successful 2017 season for the Washington Redskins will hinge on whether the NFC East club gets improvement from a revamped defense, along with greater production from a revitalized running game.

Fortunately for the Redskins, two running backs and a first-round pick along the defensive line will be among their 10 most important contributors for the new NFL season.

The same top draft pick won't only rely on awesome natural talent to help him take the big league by storm. Instead, the rookie D-lineman will benefit from the expert tutelage provided by one of the best position coaches in football.

Better play up front alone won't be enough for Washington to make significant strides defensively. The improvement will depend as much on a new-look depth chart at safety, where a 2016 draft pick must make his mark.

Offensively, Washington needs it's passing game to be at least as dynamic as the last two years. It's a tall order after losing a pair of 1,000-yard wide receivers during free agency, so there's extra onus on the team's gifted tight ends to pick up the slack.

Read on to find out which 10 players will contribute the most to the Redskins' chances of success in 2017.

10. Su'a Cravens

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Not for the first time in recent years, the Redskins hardly made a splash in their attempts to get better at safety. This year's attempts to end the annual malaise at the position saw Washington sign journeyman D.J. Swearinger in free agency to go with moving second-year pro Su'a Cravens back to his natural position.

It's the latter who is under the greater pressure headed into the new season, following an up and down rookie year in 2016. Cravens was taken off the board in Round 2 a year ago and immediately wedged into a hybrid role.

It was an uncomfortable fit at best for the defensive back from USC, who was asked to operate as a box linebacker in sub-package defenses. Given a myriad of responsibilities, Cravens struggled to put himself in positions to make big plays, evidenced by his modest return of just one interception as a rookie.

Cravens has to be more opportunistic now he's being asked to make the strong safety spot his own. More big plays is just what the Redskins are expecting, per CSN Mid-Atlantic's JP Finlay:

"Week 3 as a rookie, Cravens made arguably the most important play of the Redskins season, intercepting Eli Manning to secure the team's first win of the year. That pick showed exactly why the Redskins drafted Cravens. He was tight in coverage and made a leaping, athletic play on the ball to force the turnover.

"As a strong safety, Cravens will inch up towards the box on plenty of snaps and will rarely, if ever, be wholly responsible for deep middle coverage. That should mean plenty more opportunities to make plays like he did in Giants Stadium. The pressure is on."

Such splash plays are usually created by players being where they are supposed to be. For Cravens, being where he's expected as a strong safety will represent a different challenge.

Specifically, Mark Bullock of the Washington Post spelled out the new responsibility facing Cravens in Year 2: "The main thing the Redskins need to see from Cravens is his ability to play deep on a consistent basis. As the strong safety in base packages, he will have to do that regularly, even if they try to keep him in the box as often as possible."

Of course, the amount of deep zone coverage Cravens is called upon for will depend largely on the type of schemes implemented by Greg Manusky. The man who replaced Joe Barry as defensive coordinator has traditionally been good for safeties, with players such as Mike Adams and Donte Whitner thriving on his watch during previous stops around the league.

Manusky building a successful defense in D.C. will rest largely on his ability to help Cravens develop into the kind of all-action playmaker the Redskins thought they were getting for a second-round pick in 2016.

9. Samaje Perine

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Samaje Perine simply has to deliver for the Redskins to improve significantly on the ground. In this case, delivering means proving a bargain as a fourth-round pick.

Delivering will also mean Perine becoming a feature of a rotation currently slated to be headed by Rob Kelley. The undrafted rookie last season helped consign Matt Jones to the bench thanks to a solid 4.2 yards per carry average and hands head coach Jay Gruden could trust.

Kelley may have impressed the powers that be, but there is a reason the Redskins drafted Perine. His selection was a tacit acknowledgement by Gruden his team needs to produce more in the running game.

Perine can help because he's a tough bruiser, a workhorse who can cope with plenty of carries. To help illustrate the latter point, Perine twice topped 220 carries at Oklahoma, despite splitting time with Joe Mixon, per cfbstats.com.

Reasonably, Perine shouldn't expect this level of work as a pro, at least not initially. Even in a reduced role, though, Perine will be a vital contributor to the Redskins' offense.

This is an offense built to run with power, the main asset 5'10", 235-pound Perine will bring to the ground attack. Both he an Kelley will work over defenses through the middle behind a massive offensive line. They will provide the smash-mouth foil for the unit's dynamics through the air.

Perine's part will be to spell Kelley and dominate in short-yardage situations, per ESPN.com's John Keim: "I really like what I've heard about Perine and think he can be an effective starter someday. The good thing with him is that he can help quite a bit even in a lesser role."

A lesser role it may be, but Perine's contribution will still be invaluable. 

8. Jamison Crowder

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He may look like your classic idea of a third receiver: Small, quick, deadly from the slot and underneath. Yet Jamison Crowder is going to be one of Washington's primary receiving targets in 2017.

He's going to be tasked with replacing the qualities Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson took with them when they found new homes on the NFL carousel. Granted, replicating what both Garcon and Jackson did is too tall an order for any wideout.

It's more realistic to assume Crowder will become the playmaker over the middle and after the catch Garcon was. No. 80 won't be as physical as Garcon, not at 5'8" and 182 pounds. Fortunately, Crowder won't have to be, especially since the former Duke product can compensate with different qualities of his own.

Bleacher Report's Sean Tomlinson aptly described what Crowder does best: "Crowder does have the acceleration and quickness to blow apart your ankles when just watching him, and the elusiveness to remove defenders from their undergarments."

Crowder has the touch of Houdini to make tacklers miss, but he isn't just a short-range demon. Any wideout who averages 12.6 yards a grab, the way the 2015 fourth-rounder did last season, has the chops to also stretch defenses deep.

The Redskins are determined to get the best of both worlds from Crowder as part of an expanded role in the offense. Gruden has already said this burgeoning catch-machine won't be lacking for reps, per CSN Mid-Atlantic's Rich Tandler: "When we go two receivers, we'll mix-and-match however we do it. We're going to try to keep him on the field as much as possible."

Crowder was busy as a supporting player to Garcon and Jackson last year. He's hardly surrounded by unknowns now those two are gone.

The presence of Terrelle Pryor, Jordan Reed, Vernon Davis and Chris Thompson will ensure Crowder has the room he needs to grow into a bigger role in the passing game. 

7. Zach Brown

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Playing behind a porous defensive line was hardly a sufficient excuse for the mediocre play at inside linebacker last season. Missed tackles and blown assignments became common among uninspiring starters Mason Foster and Will Compton.

Enter Zach Brown, a breakout Pro Bowler in 2016 and a dynamic presence in the middle who can transform Washington's inside linebacker rotation. Brown will bring superior coverage skills, greater sideline-to-sideline speed and more playmaking potential as a downhill game-wrecker.

All of those attributes were on display last season when Brown logged 149 tackles, four sacks, forced a pair of fumbles and snatched an interception. Putting a middle linebacker with more natural talent than Compton and Foster behind a much-improved D-line is a combination sure to make the Redskins' front seven formidable in 2017.

Brown has already set a lofty aim with his new team, according to John Keim of ESPN.com: "I want to win the defensive MVP."

The 27-year-old may not reach quite those heights in the new season, but he can be counted on to bolster the key position at the heart of Washington's linebacker-led defense.

6. Jim Tomsula

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It's somewhat surprising the hiring of Jim Tomsula didn't generate as much hype as Washington's decision to bring Bill Callahan on board as offensive line coach in 2015. Though he works with a defensive line, Tomsula is on a par with Callahan in terms of quality coaching and results.

An impressive track record is why the Redskins can expect Tomsula to quickly produce exceptional results with the talent he has been given. The talent includes 17th-overall draft pick Jonathan Allen and free-agent arrivals Terrell McClain and Stacy McGee.

On the surface at least, this is a similar level of talent to what Tomsula worked with as a member of the San Francisco 49ers. There he turned Justin Smith, Ray McDonald, Glenn Dorsey and others into a dominant front.

Tomsula also worked wonders with a young and raw Aldon Smith, coaching the 2011 first-rounder in the nuances of rushing the passer. Similar coaching will be an asset for Junior Galette, Ryan Kerrigan and rookie Ryan Anderson in nickel situations.

If Tomsula gets Allen up to speed as a rookie, while also coaxing the best from veterans McGee and McClain, he will prove the catalyst for a key transformation up front.

5. Vernon Davis

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Getting more out of the running game, while at the same time keeping a remade passing attack strong, are the Redskins' main priorities on offense in 2017. Thankfully, Vernon Davis can be a major boost for both.

Re-signing the 33-year-old tight end was one of the smartest decisions the Burgundy and Gold made this offseason. The move ensured Washington's offense retained a player with vital dual-threat talents at his position.

As a classic, in-line tight end, Davis is a useful blocker along the line of scrimmage. At 6'3" and 248 pounds, he can supplement the front five or be sent pulling around the corner as a lead blocker.

Davis has an important contribution to make to a rushing attack sure to be under the spotlight this season.

The former San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos pass-catcher is also still a useful receiver. In particular, his short-range chops make him an easy outlet and natural safety valve for quarterback Kirk Cousins.

More to the point, Davis' main value is in ensuring Washington can field one of the most dynamic two-tight end sets in the NFL. His combination with Jordan Reed is likely to be one of the features of an offense needing to find ways of offsetting the loss of Jackson and Garcon.

Reed's talent can be taken for granted, but it's Davis' ability, greater than that of Niles Paul, Derek Carrier or rookie Jeremy Sprinkle, making sure the Redskins can put two playmaking tight ends on the field together.

4. Chris Thompson

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In the last year, Gruden has benched Jones in favor of Kelley and used a fourth-round draft pick on Perine, all in the name of improving the Redskins' running game.

It's ironic then, his best option may be to simply give incumbent Chris Thompson a few more carries. After all, 2013's fifth-round pick made the most of a career-high 68 carries.

Pro Football Focus writer Mark Chichester detailed just how effective Thompson was as a runner in 2016:

"Thompson accounted for just 68 of the Redskins 343 rushing attempts in 2016, but he has seen an increase in attempts each season since 2014 (3 in 2014, 35 in 2015 and 68 in 2016). In 2016, he averaged 5.2 yards per carry, beating Matt Jones (4.6), Rob Kelley (4.2), and the NFL Average (4.2). He also led all Washington backs in yards after contact per attempt, with 3.1. His elusive rating of 61.6 not only led all Washington backs, but ranked seventh of 71 running backs with at least 40 attempts."

Specifically, Chichester noted how much of Thompson's success owes to his fit in the type of ground scheme Washington run: "The Redskins employ a heavy zone running scheme, calling zone runs on 55 percent of their 371 rushing plays. Chris Thompson finished the 2016 season tied for the fourth most yards per carry on zone runs, with 5.4 yards per rush attempt."

It's true Thompson has the speed and shiftiness to be a menace on the stretch plays first introduced by Gruden's predecessor, Mike Shanahan. His acceleration can also create big plays on counter runs and sprint draws.

Of course, these qualities don't necessarily equate to Thompson becoming a featured runner. His diminutive 5'8" and 195-pound frame may preclude a heavier workload.

Fortunately, Thompson doesn't need to have the lion's share of the carries. He just needs to be an effective complement to Kelley and Perine, to act as the lightning to their thunder, if you will.

Being a cameo rusher won't define Thompson's importance in the new season, though. Instead, his flair as a pass-catcher will prove decisive.

Thompson didn't just enjoy a banner year in terms of rushing attempts in 2016, he also had a career-best 49 catches. A prolific backfield receiver is something quite rare in recent Redskins history.

Not since Joe Washington and Kelvin Bryant in the eighties have the Redskins boasted a truly effective versatile pass-catching threat at running back. Larry Centers was the closest when he chipped in with 150 receptions in 1999 and 2000, but Thompson's speed makes him more of a downfield threat.

No. 25 will be the true X-factor on Washington's offense in 2017.

3. Jonathan Allen

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When the Redskins took Jonathan Allen with the 17th pick in this year's draft, they didn't just add one more quality reinforcement to a made-over defensive line.

What Washington truly hopes for from Allen is for the former Alabama standout to quickly emerge as a dominant, game-wrecker up front. Allen needs to become the player opposing teams fear, a force offenses have to gameplan for.

The Burgundy and Gold haven't had a lineman who matches this description in too long, despite their best efforts to find one. Allen needs to be what Albert Haynesworth should have been, what Terrance Knighton and Stephen Paea couldn't be.

This disappointing trio didn't provide the template for Allen. If he wants to cast an eye over recent Redskins history, Allen should instead consider Daryl Gardener's 2002 season or Cornelius Griffin.

Demands and expectations are high for Allen, but he possesses everything needed to be the Richard Seymour or J.J. Watt the Redskins need to make their 3-4 work. His size, speed and technique add up to an intimidating run stuffer and a prolific pass-rusher.

On Tomsula's watch, Allen can hit the ground running as a rookie. His performances will be the key to the major turnaround on defense Washington needs to be a playoff team.

2. Jordan Reed

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The Redskins hardly stood still after seeing Garcon join the San Francisco 49ers and Jackson sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during free agency.

Instead, Washington used the same veteran market to acquire both Terrelle Pryor and Brian Quick. The team is also counting on bigger contributions from Crowder and 2016 first-round pick Josh Doctson.

Even with all those things, it will be Reed who ultimately determines how effective the Redskins' passing attack is in 2017. Fortunately, Reed appears primed for his best season yet.

He is already perhaps the most dynamic "move" tight end in the league. The proof of his talents has come from two seasons worth of prolific production, per Lake Lewis Jr. of USA Today's Redskins Wire: "During that span, the former Florida star has caught 154 passes to go along with 17 touchdown receptions. His 1,638 yards place him among the league leaders at TE in the NFL."

Reed can expect even more passes to come his way given the question marks at wide receiver. Having Davis and Thompson around to take underneath coverage away will mean Reed has the freedom and license to strike at every level of the field in 2017.

This much potential demands Reed lives up to his core talent and recent pedigree. A career year for No. 86 will mean Washington's offense is still spectacular through the air, even without Garcon and Jackson.

1. Kirk Cousins

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Like it or not, even with the improvements made to the defense and running game, the Redskins will still only go as far as their quarterback can take them in 2017.

The question is how motivated will Cousins be to take his team far in the new season? Much will depend on some resolution, any resolution at all, being found in his contract situation.

Sadly, certainty is still a long way off regarding the QB who threw passes under a franchise tag in 2016. With the deadline for getting a deal done rapidly approaching, Washington's decision-makers are facing up to the kind of mammoth offer it will take to ensure Cousins stays for the long haul.

To give some idea about the level of terms Cousins can command, consider these numbers put forward by Mike Jones of the Washington Post:

"The Redskins have to be prepared to pay Cousins around $58 million in guaranteed money at signing because that’s equal to this year and next year’s combined franchise tag figures (roughly $24 million and roughly $34 million), and around $75 million to $80 million in total guaranteed money over the life of the contract. It’d probably have to have an average annual salary of between $25 million and $27 million."

Heady figures to be sure, but determining whether to pay them always leads to the same question: How much is a competent quarterback worth in today's NFL?

The question is put into sharp focus when considering the lack of quality passers emerging from the collegiate ranks in recent years. Easier still, ask how the Redskins would fare without Cousins under center.

Cousins has led this franchise to consecutive winning seasons while rewriting the record books. Of course, his numbers have come while 2012's fourth-round pick was transforming himself from backup to starter.

Players operating with the proverbial chip on their shoulder can always be relied upon to make a splash. Things could be different now Cousins is established.

He was happy to prove himself under the tag last year, but he may begrudge having to do it again after producing another 4,000-yard season.

If Cousins continues his upward curve, Washington will be a contender in the NFC. If he groans under the weight of another tag, it will be a long, long season.