Washington Redskins: John Beck and 6 Guys With Most to Gain During the Lockout

For fans, the ongoing NFL lockout is an evil combination of both frustration and anticipation. For players, however, the lockout can serve as some solid down time to help better themselves for the upcoming season. 

Although the Washington Redskins are loaded with players that could use some extra offseason lift, the following lists a few that could really increase their stock in the eyes of Mike Shanahan for next year. 

John Beck

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GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 02: Quarterback John Beck #3 of the Washington Redskins drops back to pass during the first quarter of the preseason NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 2, 2010 in Glendale, Ar

According to some, Beck hasn't looked very sharp in the team's player-created voluntary workouts. Although these seven-on-seven style drills are nothing but a run in the park, you never want to see your team's starting quarterback looking like a backyard hurler. 

After Mike Shanahan traded for Beck last season, the 29-year-old quarterback knew he at least had the support of his coaches. As the season approaches, Beck continues to work on his relationship with teammates and his ability to lead a football team. 

It's not that I lack confidence in Beck or believe that he doesn't have what it takes to start in the NFL, but I would guess that he needs some polish. With the way football is playing out now, Beck has all the time he needs to checkout the playbook and toss the pigskin with teammates. 

Ryan Torain

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 26: Austen Lane #92 of the Jacksonville Jaguars attempts to tackle Ryan Torain #46 of the Washington Redskins during the game at EverBank Field on December 26, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Image

When healthy, the "Torain Train" is a hard object to bring down. That being said, and quite simply put, Torain needs to focus on his health during the lockout. 

All the hyperbaric chambers in the world won't resurrect Torain as some new human specimen, but the 24-year-old's priority should have to do something with conditioning and/or durability. 

Even after a good season last year, the Redskins crowded backfield makes any running back expendable. With numerous other young guys knocking on his door and a head coach that can produce gold out of grass, Torain needs to keep his eye on the prize.  

Roy Helu

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LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 26: Roy Helu Jr. #10 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers runs past Liloa Nobriga #48 of the Colorado Buffaloes during the first half of their game at Memorial Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska defeated Colorado 45-

When people mention that rookie Roy Helu could be the starting running back for the Washington Redskins this seasonthey aren't kidding. 

Although brand new to the league and new to a team with a crucial running scheme, Helu has everything it takes to take over the lead role in DC. In addition to Helu's explosiveness, speed, work ethic and shiftiness, he can also assume that current starter Ryan Torain suffers some kind of injury by Week 6. 

As a rookie, Helu's main focus will be getting to know the playbook, but his college career has prepared him well. As a Shanahan running back, there's no such thing as working on your speed or lateral movement too much - both of which are likely being worked overtime by Helu. 

Anthony Armstrong

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LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 02: Wide receiver Anthony Armstrong #13 of the Washington Redskins catches a touchdown pass against the New York Giants during a game at FedEx Field on January 2, 2011 in Landover, Maryland. The Giants won the game 17-14. (Photo b

Coming onto the scene as a 28-year-old rookie last season, Anthony Armstrong was nothing shy of impressive. Demonstrating his downfield speed and ability to work well once the ball is in his hands, I think it's safe to say that Armstrong has a spot on the team next season. 

If the Redskins are serious about not resigning veteran receiver Santana Moss (Dan Snyder reportedly wants to get something done), then Armstrong would need to assume the role quickly. 

After the team went with three receivers in last April's draft, it wouldn't surprise me to see Armstrong put in more work than anyone else on the team. Finally having received a shot to live out his lifelong dream, Armstrong won't let the opportunity of becoming a true NFL starter get away. 

Chris Neild

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GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 02: Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth #92 of the Washington Redskins stands on the sidelines during preseason NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 2, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona

Even after being selected in the final round of last April's draft, Chris Neild may have landed in the best position to begin his NFL career. 

With a defensive line consisting of aging veterans, big dumb idiots (pictured) and players that don't actually fit the position, Neild has the chance to do some damage along this defensive front. 

It won't be easy for Neild to overcome guys like Anthony Bryant and fellow rookie Jarvis Jenkins on the roster, but his chances aren't dead.  

As a last-round selection, Neild has nothing to lose and everything to gain. Hit the gym, prepare yourself for three-down style of play and take training camp as hard as you can. 

Kevin Barnes

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BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 13: Kevin Barnes #25 of the Washington Redskins prepares for a play during a NFL preseason football game against the Baltimore Ravens on August 13, 2009 at M & T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Gett

From all indications, Carlos Rogers won't be back in Washington next season. Assuming that the Redskins aren't major players in the Nnamdi Asomugha sweepstakes, that would leave the team with Kevin Barnes as their next best option behind DeAngelo Hall. 

Barnes put in decent work last season at both corner and safety, but it's safe to say that it wasn't quite starting-caliber. With some downtime to help him better play the position, Barnes could really come into next season with something to prove. 

As a Maryland native and University of Maryland alum, I can't wait to see how Barnes approaches next season. The position is there (at least for now), the talent appears to be good enough and the team is in desperate need of help in the secondary. 

O.J. Atogwe

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ST. LOUIS - OCTOBER 31: Oshiomogho Atogwe #21 of the St. Louis Rams celebrates a sack against the Carolina Panthers at the Edward Jones Dome on October 31, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams beat the Panthers 20-10. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Im

After wisely signing free agent O.J. Atogwe, the Redskins drastically improved their secondary. Atogwe is a ball hawk that will fill a huge gap next to LaRon Landry and it already appears to be money well spent.  

The lockout won't exactly help Atogwe gain anything (as he's already a seasoned vet), but it may help to decrease the pressure of playing a tough position in a new city. 

As Redskins fans, I think we all have high expectations for Landry and the rest of the defense after the Atogwe signing. Hopefully for us, Atogwe's expectation and intentions are just as high during the lockout.