Washington Redskins: Breaking Down Next Year's Depth Chart
Redskins fans are truly in the middle of a rebuilding year for Washington. The team definitely underperformed their unrealistic expectations in Mike Shanahan's first year. However, there were some bright spots and the team contended in nearly every game.
Washington is closer to success than some think, but are still at least one year away from becoming a legitimate contender in the NFC East.
They have already made one solid acquisition during the off-season with the signing of O.J. Atogwe. They have also made some wise decisions with the release of RB Clinton Portis, DE/OLB Andre Carter and OG Derrick Dockery.
They are moving towards a much younger look on both defense and offense, and will be busy in both the draft and free agency (whenever that happens). There are still some unanswered questions regarding players such as Donovan McNabb, Albert Haynesworth, Carlos Rogers and Rocky McIntosh, but it is likely that none will return next year.
The team does have some staples to build around including LaRon Landry, Brian Orakpo, and London Fletcher. There are also players with a lot of upside like DeAngelo Hall, Ryan Torain, and Anthony Armstrong. A lot needs to happen for the Redskins to return to their winning heritage, but with the right moves this off-season, they could make huge strides forward.
Kicker
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Starter: Graham Gano
Although no one wants it to happen, Mike Shanahan seems like he isn't willing to part ways with Graham Gano. He likes the upside of his long kickoffs, especially with the new kickoff rules in place.
With the new rules, Gano could become a touchback nightmare for opposing teams, much like Billy Cundiff of the Baltimore Ravens. Gano is young and has a lot of potential if he can fix his accuracy problems.
Even Eagles K David Akers struggled in his first two years, going 0-2 in Washington in 1998, and 3-6 in Philadelphia in 1999. Shanahan will give Gano one more year to fix his woes or it's adios.
Cornerbacks
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Starters: Nnamdi Asomugha; DeAngelo Hall
Nickel Corner: Kevin Barnes
2nd-Team: Byron Westbrook; Reggie Jones
Ah, so here is the big off-season aquisition of the Washington Redskins. Carlos Rogers is a very good corner, but not worth the money he will be asking.
One player who is worth the money he is asking is Nnamdi Asomugha. Fortunately for Washington, this signing isn't one that backfires like McNabb and Haynesworth.
By adding Asomugha, the Redskins solidify the best secondary in the NFL. With the combination of Asomugha and DeAngelo Hall, opposing teams must be much more conservative in the passing game.
Hall could be a shutdown corner if he didn't jump routes. If he learned anything from the Pro Bowl, it should be that by sticking to the receiver, the ball will come to him.
Defensive Coordinator Jim Haslett said he was very impressed by Kevin Barnes. He performed decently at safety, and thus assumes the role that Phillip Buchanon held before leaving in free agency. Barnes will have to prove himself as he could lose this spot just as soon as he gained it.
Free Safeties
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Starter: Oshiomogho Atogwe
2nd-Team: Kareem Moore
This is a HUGE upgrade. If Atogwe is ever injured, the Redskins are in deep trouble. I couldn't put up with Kareem Moore another second. The Redskins picked up the St. Louis Rams's former captain before the labor agreement expired, and they could not have made a better move.
Atogwe played for DC Jim Haslett in St. Louis for three years, and fits his defensive system of forcing turnovers. He is a ball-hawking free safety that is a magnet for interceptions. Whichever number he decides to wear, he is a big addition to the burgundy and gold.
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Strong Safeties
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Starter: LaRon Landry
2nd-Team: Macho Harris
Beside O.J. Atogwe, LaRon Landry is set up to have an even bigger year than last year. In 2010, Landry racked up 85 tackles, a forced fumble, one sack, and a game-sealing interception in just nine games. His season was cut short by an Achilles injury, but he still finished first in the Pro Bowl voting.
No one will benefit more from the signing of Atogwe than LaRon Landry. He will have more freedom to move closer to the line of scrimmage and be more involved in blitzing schemes.
Reed Doughty is a free agent, and will likely look to have a bigger role somewhere else. Macho Harris was a late addition to the Redskins last year. He signed because of a hole at the safety position due to injury and performed decently at the role.
Right Outside Linebackers
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Starter: Brian Orakpo
2nd-Team: Chris Wilson
Brian Orakpo is one of the most underrated pass rushers in the league. It may seem like Redskins fans only say this because they are Redskins fans, but he is truly held far too often without penalty.
In the Tampa Bay game, one of the Buccaneers's TD's should have been void for one of two reasons: A.) The referee saw the five seconds that Orakpo was held or B.) Orakpo sacked Josh Freeman five seconds before he threw the touchdown. He was recently upset at not being listed among even the Top 17 pass rushers.
With some help from the opposite side as well as an unleashed LaRon Landry, Orakpo should have a better year in 2011.
Middle Linebackers
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Starters: London Fletcher; Perry Riley
2nd-Team: Casey Matthews; H.B. Blades
London Fletcher is the captain of the defense, and it is a title very well deserved. He shows up to every game (literally every one) and leaves nothing on the field. This is one veteran Dan Snyder signing that I don't regret.
It was nice to see Fletcher deservingly get named to another Pro Bowl last year. He transitioned to the 3-4 scheme fairly well but is sure to look for improvement in 2011. Unfortunately, Rocky McIntosh is not expected to return, and Perry Riley saw some action at ILB last year.
The Redskins will either start Riley, or look for an answer in the free agent market. With the fifth-round addition of Casey Matthews, the Redskins would have a future replacement for London Fletcher as he nears the end of his career.
Left Outside Linebackers
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Starter: Aldon Smith
2nd-Team: Lorenzo Alexander
And here is your first round pick for the Washington Redskins.
No it didn't come at 10th overall either. By trading back the Redskins would be able to pick up a third or fourth round pick, and they would use their first round pick on Aldon Smith, an DE/OLB out of Mizzou.
Smith would line up across from Orakpo, and although small, he is fast enough and strong enough to still make a difference in the pass rush.
Andre Carter struggled at OLB, and this pick would finally give the Redskins a young, quick pass rusher. Lorenzo Alexander, wasn't great at the position, but he did have an impact in some games (Green Bay) and on special teams. He should provide a decent backup to Smith.
Right Defensive Ends
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Starter: Vonnie Holliday
2nd-Team: Darrion Scott
Vonnie Holliday isn't a long term solution to the DE position, but he did play fairly well for the Redskins last year for a man at 35 years old. He is a respectable person with admiration from and for his teammates. Last year Holliday was able to accumulate 29 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 3 pass deflections in just two games.
I don't care how old he is, that's pretty impressive. He definitely outplayed Kedric Golston and deserves a look at the starting job, if not to just serve as a fill in until the Redskins can find a younger solution possibly in the 2012 draft.
Nose Tackles
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Starter: Aubrayo Franklin
2nd-Team: Anthony Bryant
The Redskins are definitely interested in finding a solution to their problems at nose tackle. The Albert Haynesworth transition to nose never really hit off, and Maake Kemoeatu was never a disruptive force on the defensive line.
Unfortunately, the Redskins won't be able to pick up Phil Taylor out of Baylor in the draft, so this is where the Redskins will have to look to free agency. They already brought in former Browns' nose tackle Shaun Rogers for a visit, but never signed him to a deal.
Aubrayo Franklin is one of the best nose tackles on the market and would fit well in the Redskins system. He is a big man that makes a impact in the defensive push. I would also like to see more of Anthony Bryant.
He is a very big man that played well at the position at the end of the season. His presence was definitely felt, which allowed the defensive ends and linebackers to complete a better pass rush.
Left Defensive Ends
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Starter: Adam Carriker
2nd-Team: Rob Jackson
Adam Carriker is another player who performed well at the end of the season for the Washington Redskins. He struggled through the year, however I do not think that the blame rests solely with him, as there was no push in the middle from the nose tackle that allowed him to break free.
When there was push up the middle, Carriker was a force in getting to the quarterback. This was Carriker's first season in Washington, and like most of the team last year, there was a lot of change and transition for him.
Towards the end of the year he was becoming more of a force and his 1.5 sacks, 39 tackles, and 1 recovered fumble came at the close at the 2010 campaign. Haslett brought Carriker from St. Louis for a reason, and I don't think he will let him go after just one season. This is why Carriker will be the starter in 2011.
Right Offensive Tackles
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Starter: Jammal Brown
2nd-Team: Kyle Hix
Jammal Brown is a player whose future is as uncertain as the future of the 2011 season.
He is to be a free agent this offseason, but the Redskins would have a huge hole at right tackle without him. Heaven forbid Stephon Heyer ever be a starter again.
When Brown stayed healthy, he was decent at right tackle. He didn't play at the Pro Bowl level he did in New Orleans, but did well for playing out of his natural position of left tackle.
The Redskins will look to retain his services and keep him healthy for next year. Kyle Hix is a late-round draft prospect out of the University of Texas.He is only familiar with playing on the right side, and I would venture to guess that a 7th-round pick could play better than Stephon Heyer could at right tackle.
Right Offensive Guards
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Starter: Will Montgomery
2nd-Team: Artis Hicks
The Redskins don't have enough picks or money to address all their problems in one off-season, so they will have to keep Will Montgomery at guard in 2011.
The natural center started six games for the team last year and played decently. He played better than his much older teammate Artis Hicks. Montgomery did play one game at center due to an Casey Rabach injury, and played fairly well.
He could make the move to center, but will most likely stay at right guard as the team needs his services there. Hicks will backup Montgomery next year on the right side.
Centers
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Starter: Kory Lichtensteiger
2nd-Team: Erik Cook
Kory Lichtensteiger is a big physical player who was brought to the Redskins last year from Denver by Mike Shanahan. He played left guard last year, but is a better center and was drafted to play that position.
Anyone could play center better than Casey Rabach who was constantly beat off the line, resulting in stepping on Donovan McNabb's feet before a play even had a chance to develop. If Shanahan has any coaching ability left in him, he will clearly notice (along with all of FedEx Field) that Rabach is done.
Lichtensteiger is the best player to take his spot on the line. Erik Cook was drafted by Mike Shanahan in last year's draft, indicating that he knew the team had a need at center when he first came to Washington.
Cook is still too young to be the starter, but has a promising future if he can play like his brother Ryan Cook of the Minnesota Vikings.
Left Offenisive Guards
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Starter: John Moffitt
2nd-Team: Artis Hicks
I really feel that John Moffitt is an overlooked member of the Wisconsin offensive line in this year's draft. His college teammate, Gabe Carimi, has received all the attention of this draft and is very deserving of it. Moffitt, I feel could be a steal for the Redskins if he was available in the fourth round.
The Redskins might not be able to aquire a third-round selection, but I'm sure more teams would be willing to offer a fourth-round pick to move up in the draft. Washington would be able to pick up Moffitt and give him a shot at left guard.
I'm not sure how the Redskins will address the position with the release of Derrick Dockery, so I have Artis Hicks playing backup for both guard positions.
Left Offensive Tackles
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Starter: Trent Williams
2nd-Team: Mike Williams
I have heard a lot of mixed reactions to last year's fourth overall pick Trent Williams. Some have him as one of the biggest busts in recent Redskins history, while others view the rookie as a successful draft pick.
Here's my two cents.
Trent Williams was a project player when he was drafted and Mike Shanahan knew this before he drafted him. He may not have had as immediate an impact as Russell Okung, but he has a much greater upside.
Trent Williams faced off against much more talented pass rushers than Okung in 2010, the likes of whom include DeMarcus Ware, Jared Allen, Julius Peppers, Clay Matthews, Mario Williams, and Dwight Freeney. He didn't play great, but he held his own against the league's best.
The young left tackle is spending his off-season perfecting his game in Texas, and I would venture to guess he will become a solid tackle in the future.
Tight Ends
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Starters: Chris Cooley; Fred Davis
2nd-Team: Logan Paulsen
Mike Shanahan hit it dead on the nail when he said the tight end position was the best position on the team. They have one of the best tight end tandems in the league with Chris Cooley and Fred Davis.
There were plenty of talks about trading either cooley or davis to another team in return for a high draft pick, but it looks like the labor situation really shot that idea out of the water. It can never hurt for the Redskins to have two quality tight ends on their roster.
Logan Paulsen also has a lot of upside and could prove a solid replacement for either tight end should the Redskins look to trade Cooley or Davis in the future.
Wide Receivers
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Starters: Mike Sims-Walker; Santana Moss
2nd-Team: Anthony Armstrong; Terrence Austin; Brandon Banks
A blind guy could tell you that the Redskins have a huge hole at wide receiver. If the Redskins lose Santana Moss, they have a MASSIVE problem there.
I feel that the Redskins will look to hold onto Moss, as he is by far the most productive player on the team. The Redskins could hold on to the tenth pick in the draft and bring in Julio Jones, but the team desperately needs to trade down.
The Redskins will bring back Santana Moss as well as sign Mike Sims-Walker. With Sims-Walker as a #1 receiver, Moss as a slot receiver, and Armstrong as a deep threat, the Redskins are set at wide receiver.
Terrence Austin has a lot of potential to replace Moss, but not quite yet. Banks is a solid player to keep in the return game as well as possibly run the wildcat offense.
Halfbacks
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Starter: Ryan Torain
2nd-Team: Keiland Williams; James Davis
3rd-Down: Noel Devine
Regardless of what some might say, the Redskins have a lot of young talent at running back.
Mike Shanahan's zone blocking system doesn't require a superstar back. It only requires a player who can locate the holes that open up and run through them with power.
Ryan Torain fits that mold.
He isn't a superstar back, but he is a player who puts all of his effort into every play. He isn't fast, but he's very strong (ask Quintin Mikell). Torain really stepped up for Washington last year and his numbers would have averaged out at about 1,200 yards had he played for all 16 games. He is the clear starter for 2011.
Keiland Williams is another player who has a lot of potential as a second back. He is more elusive than Torain is and was more effective in the blocking game and passing game. James Davis is a question mark, but he could prove to be the speed back that the Redskins are looking for.
Finally, Noel Devine is a speed demon out of West Virginia that is dynamite when he touches the ball. He is very small, but like Brandon Banks, that is no obstacle for him. Shanahan isn't afraid to use small players, and he has an eye for finding gems in the late rounds.
Fullbacks
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Starter: Mike Sellers
2nd-Team: Darrel Young
Mike Sellers is a beast. No doubt about it. Unfortunately, he's a very old beast. His production has dropped off in the past few years, but he is still a solid fullback. I feel the Redskins will be able to get one good year out of Sellers before he retires.
I also think they have a good replacement for him in Darrel Young. Young didn't see a lot of play last year, but he was still effective when he did. Fullback is another position on the Redskins that for the time being, is complete.
Quarterbacks
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Starter: Rex Grossman
2nd-Team: Bruce Gradkowski
3rd-Team: Jake Locker
And finally, we arrive at the most important position of them all.
I would be a fool to say that Rex Grossman is the starter for the future. However, I do believe he is the best solution for right now.
Keeping McNabb would be way too expensive for the Redskins, especially for a player who's not getting any younger and underperformed last year. Grossman isn't the popular option, but he is the cheapest.
Obviously, the Redskins are still looking for their future franchise QB in the draft.
Lots of experts have Jake Locker slipping down the draft boards. Normally, I would say that Christian Ponder would be the player to choose at 41st overall, but he is climbing up the draft boards just as fast as Locker is slipping. I think both Ryan Mallet and Christian Ponder will overtake Locker on draft day, and the Redskins will be surprised to find him still available in the second round.
Finally, one player that I think is overlooked on the free agent market is Bruce Gradkowski. He played well for Oakland, behind an offensive line that rivals that of the Redskins. Gradkowski was a player that was respected by his teammates in Oakland during the JaMarcus Russell debacle.
He is on the losing end of the situation in Oakland and is scheduled to be a free agent. He could be a solid backup behind Grossman, and possibly a better temporary solution for the Redskins as they would groom Locker (or whomever) to become the starter as soon as 2012.
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