Washington Redskins: A Preview of the Starting Players

As another season is bestowed upon us, Washington Redskins fans eagerly await the anticipation of the newly revamped squad. We are entering Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen’s second year at the helm as they concluded one of the strangest training camps in recent years.

There was no drama, no overpriced veteran coming in just for a paycheck, no prima donnas running around feeling like they’d been disrespected. Whether this team has the talent to make the playoffs or not, they have settled and bought in to a system that Mike Shanahan promises will work.

As the official depth chart was released a few days ago, there have been drastic changes yet again, with a youthful movement taking over the starting roster and a few established leaders to fill in the rest.

Clearly, the quarterback position is going to be the most scrutinized regardless of who is behind center, but what I am looking forward to is watching the emergence of young talent on the roster. Is Trent Williams going to be a bookend at left tackle? Are Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo going to form one of the best sack tandems in the league? Is Tim Hightower ready to be a workhorse?

All of those questions will soon be answered, as I expect a very unpolished, but competitive team that will no longer accept being the laughing stock of the NFC East.

You will find below a preview of each starting player on the roster. (According to the depth chart released on Redskins.com) Additionally, I have rated my confidence in each player on a scale of one to five—one being the lowest and five being the highest.

Left Tackle: Trent Williams

Confidence Level: 3.5

There is a lot of pressure on the second year left tackle. The story of training camp has been the quarterback battle and their production is substantially dependent on the efficiency of the offensive line, most notably Trent Williams. 

Trent had an up and down preseason, which I consider to be worrisome since he was a top five draft pick.  He played well against Pittsburgh and Baltimore, but was inconsistent against the Colts and Buccaneers. 

As I have written before, Trent Williams needs to excel this season.  He is going up against some of the best pass rushers in the league this year and he will be tested immediately, going against Justin Tuck of the New York Giants.

I’m giving Williams a 3.5 on my confidence scale, he certainly has the potential to be great, but does he have the mentality and work ethic to maintain that effectiveness? 

Second string: Sean Locklear

Left Guard: Kory Lichtensteiger

Confidence Level: 2

I remember last season when Kory Lichtensteiger was a scapegoat for a poor offensive line.  Were Redskins fans biased due to fan favorite Derrick Dockery?  Was he ridiculed because he was a player we never heard of?  Or were our complaints justified with his inefficient play?  I’d like to say yes to all of those.

What Mike Shanahan saw in Lichtensteiger last year and made him decide to retain him are things that are unbeknownst to me.  That all being said, the running game has taken positive strides in the preseason and it appears that Redskins coaches are looking for some continuity of the offensive line, which is why the entire unit played almost every half of the preseason.

Despite the improvements made, I still am not confident in Kory.  I would have liked to see this position addressed in the earlier rounds of the draft, but there is obviously something I am not seeing in him.

Second string: Erik Cook

Center: Will Montgomery

Confidence Level: 2

Casey Rabach was a great teammate in the locker room and the veteran of the offensive line, but he simply was not playing at a high level anymore.  Rabach would struggle against interior defensive linemen frequently and this was clearly a position that needed an upgrade.

Did I think they would upgrade at this position by promoting from within?  No, but Will Montgomery has had a strong training camp and seems ready to be the starter. 

However, I am still not convinced on the journeyman Montgomery.  There was a competition at almost every position going into the season and I would have liked to see that for Will. Once again, this is another unknown player that Mike Shanahan is high on.

Second string: Erik Cook

Right Guard: Chris Chester

Confidence Level: 3

Even though Chris Chester wasn’t the highest rated free agent lineman available, Chester has proven himself as a starter as well as his versatility, which is a known commodity given the Redskins' recent injury woes.

I like that he is another Oklahoma product similar to Trent Williams and Jammal Brown.  An offensive line is a special and cohesive unit, whose chemistry is as important as any other corp on the team.  Being that three of the starters are from the same college, there is already a level of familiarity with one another.

Chester has had an up and down preseason, which is expected being a newly signed player in a different system.  I have high expectations for Chester this year, but I could see him starting off slowly due to his new surroundings.

Second string: Erik Cook

Right Tackle: Jammal Brown

Jammal Brown didn’t have a good season last year.  He was never 100% healthy and had to make the transition back to right tackle.  Not to mention he was rotating throughout the game with Stephon “I’m a liability” Heyer. 

Brown has returned to his healthy form and had a strong preseason with another year of this offense under his belt.  He received a contract extension with the expectation of having two bookend tackles for years to come.

I remain positive in the former All-Pro tackle with the hopes of him returning to his Pro Bowl days in New Orleans.

Second string: Willie Smith

Tight End: Chris Cooley

The ultimate fan favorite should be returning to start Week 1 against the Giants after an injury riddled training camp. 

Cooley is quietly productive in this offense and he has claimed that he’s in the best shape of his career. Redskins fans all over have always been interested to see what this offense can do with their two tight end sets, which proved to be disappointing last year. I certainly expect Kyle Shanahan to expand the playbook with the talent he has at tight end.

I’m very confident in Chris, although I would like to see him get in the endzone more often.  My only concern is his injury problems, after not playing in a single preseason game, he’s going to need to shake off a few cobwebs.

Second string: Fred Davis

Wide Receiver: Santana Moss

Re-signing Santana Moss was the top priority in the offseason, in which he had one of his best seasons last year.  Santana may have lost that burst that he once had, but he has found his niche in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.

My one concern for Moss is his hands—he tends to drop some crucial balls throughout the season and if he can remedy that problem, then he should be given Pro Bowl consideration.

My confidence in Santana Moss is very high.  I’m sure his production will be comparable to last season, but I want to see if he can tutor the younger receivers in Terrence Austin, Leonard Hankerson and Niles Paul. 

Second string: Anthony Armstrong

Wide Receiver: Jabar Gaffney

Confidence Level: 4

In what came as a surprise trade this offseason has shown to be a right move made by the Redskins front office. 

Gaffney isn’t going to stand out in the game or pull in 90 plus catches and 1,000 receiving yards, but he’s a solid veteran possession receiver that is a great compliment to the nifty Santana Moss in the slot and the deep threat in Anthony Armstrong.

While there isn’t a high ceiling on Gaffney, I’m sure he can get the job done.  I will admit that I wish some of the younger receivers would be given a chance to get some substantial playing time, but without any offseason work, they are at a major disadvantage.  So the team needed to acquire a player of Jabar’s caliber.

Second string: Terrence Austin

Fullback: Darrel Young

Confidence Level: 3.5

It’s going to be weird to watch a Redskins fullback other than Mike Sellers lead the way for our running backs.

Young has worked his way into the team’s starting fullback after being a special teams standout and transitioning from linebacker.  Coach Shanahan wanted to upgrade the position with youth and so far Young has been impressive in training camp and preseason games.

Darrel might not be the same playmaker that Sellers has been over the years, but the running game has had a spark thus far and Young has certainly contributed to that cause.

While I’m confident in the young player, he has a willing and experienced backup to carry the load if he’s not.

Second string: Mike Sellers

Running Back: Tim Hightower

Confidence Level: 4

If Hightower plays the way he has in the preseason, then this might be the trade of the offseason.

Upon incumbent starter Ryan Torain’s injury, Hightower has shined in every aspect of the game.  He has broken off long runs, been a threat in the passing game and has been a notable pass blocker.

I’m very confident in Tim Hightower this season in which I expect him to be a 1,000 plus yard running back, but I have two concerns;  he had fumble issues in Arizona, which he seems to have fixed, and he has never been a feature back before.  This may also be a positive thing, considering that Tim has only averaged just over nine carries a game, he doesn’t have the same wear and tear similar to most veteran running backs.

Luckily, Mike Shanahan has always gotten production out of his running game, so I’m not terribly worried.

Second string: Roy Helu and Ryan Torain

Quarterback: Rex Grossman

Confidence Level: 1.5

A city is divided in the John Beck versus Rex Grossman quarterback controversy.  In other words, it’s the mystery (Beck) or the inconsistent gunslinger. (Grossman)

I for one would have liked to see Beck be given an opportunity, but his performance in the fourth preseason game did not help his case.  I think this is a rebuilding team and I would have preferred to see the team progress with players they have groomed themselves.  (Beck didn’t learn much from his days as a Dolphin and Raven)

Nevertheless, Grossman gives the Redskins the best opportunity to win on Sunday against the Giants.  He has a great understanding of the offense and chemistry with the receivers.  (Him and Jabar Gaffney were teammates at Florida)

I certainly hope I am wrong, but I would be shocked if Grossman remains the starter throughout the season, barring an injury or benching. I’m sure John Beck will continue to prepare to be the starter and being a Washington Redskins fan; we’ve seen worse.

If Grossman can improve on his turnover issues, then my confidence in him will considerably change.  That remained the issue last season in limited work, but he seemed to make an adjustment in the preseason.

Second string: John Beck

Defensive End: Adam Carriker

Confidence Level: 3.5

The only returning starter from last year’s defensive line, Carriker will be relied upon heavily this season, especially after the Jarvis Jenkins injury. After a slow start in a Redskins uniform, Adam was productive at the end of the year. He previously played defensive tackle in a 4-3 scheme in St. Louis, so last year was a difficult adjustment.

He has shown his strength in stopping the run, but last season’s defensive line was atrocious at putting pressure on the quarterback. I understand that a 3-4 defense isn’t exactly advantageous for the defensive linemen, but with the possibility of Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan getting double teamed, this should open up some holes for Carriker.

I am confident in Adam Carriker this year, given that this is his second go round in the defense and will he carry the momentum he had from last season.

Second string: Kedric Golston

Nose Tackle: Barry Cofield

Confidence Level: 4

When the Redskins signed Barry Cofield to a large contract this offseason as the team’s nose tackle, I was confused at first.  He’s undersized, he’s never played in a 3-4 and I never considered him a standout defensive lineman.

So far, Cofield has shut me up. People look too far into size and whether or not they will be productive based on their physical attributes. Dallas Cowboy Jay Ratliff has dominated the Redskins at nose tackle over the years and he is relatively the same size as Barry.

I am overly confident in Cofield because he was given a contract to perform at a very high level; he seems to have the determination and tenacity to be the stop-gap of the defensive line.

It can be argued that the nose tackle position is the most important in a 3-4 and Cofield’s production will dictate how the defense pans out.

Second string: Chris Neild

Defensive End: Stephen Bowen

Confidence Level: 3

I’ve been indifferent on Bowen upon his signing with Washington this offseason. He played the same position in Dallas, he’s young and so far has had an exciting training camp.

What made me question this acquisition was that he was given a big contract without a big body of work and now will be playing substantially a lot more then when he was with the Cowboys, therefore, I was hesitant on this move.

Similar to Carriker, Bowen will be asked a lot more now that standout rookie Jarvis Jenkins is gone with a torn ACL. Since they are thin at the defensive end position, I would feel more comfortable if the Skins were to pick up another player that is familiar with the scheme.

Despite Bowen’s shortcomings, I still believe that this is an upgrade from the defensive line a year ago, so let’s hope that the line can stay fit.

Second string: Darrion Scott

Outside Linebacker: Brian Orakpo

Confidence Level: 5

As an avid Redskins fan, I will admit I can be biased at times; however, I have never seen a player held as much as Brian Orakpo was last year. He would have easily equaled or surpassed his sack total of his rookie campaign if it wasn’t for all the penalties, which I think the referees missed on numerous occasions.

I don’t think there was anyone happier then Brian Orakpo when the Redskins drafted Ryan Kerrigan. With an advancement of the defensive line and bringing in a fellow pass rusher, this could be a breakout season for Brian. He is becoming one of the leaders of the defense and will be depended on to produce on every play.

Comparable to his teammates from last season, Orakpo has another year of Jim Haslett’s defense under his belt and has already shown a better understanding of his position.

I expect another Pro Bowl season for him and his name will be mentioned with some of the best sack artists of the NFL.

Second string: Rob Jackson

Inside Linebacker: London Fletcher

Confidence Level: 5

He’s the best free agent signing in the Daniel Snyder era and I wish he could play forever. One of the most respected players on and off the field, Fletcher will try to make a third consecutive Pro Bowl.

Anyone familiar with the Redskins will know what to expect of London; he’s a tackling machine, the heart and soul of the defense and will fight off injuries or any distractions and get the job done.

Fletcher continues to be a student of the game and assumingly will be prepared for the opening contest against the Giants despite barely playing in the preseason. My confidence in London will not diminish as I expect another stellar season from number 59.

Second string: Keyaron Fox

Inside Linebacker: Rocky McIntosh

Confidence Level: 3.5

I initially would have liked to see second year player Perry Riley be given a shot to earn the starting nod, but there was obviously something the coaches didn’t see in him, which is why Rocky was brought back.

Since McIntosh was drafted by the Redskins, he’s been a solid player. Nothing too flashy, but never really stood out. In a 4-3 defense, I believe that to be acceptable, considering there are four down linemen pushing the offense back. The 3-4 is built for linebackers; they have to do everything in this alignment, from pass coverage, to fending off blockers, to blitzing.

I believe Rocky had a strong preseason as well and will need to improve his play from last year. I’m not entirely confident and his health is always a concern, but I will give the veteran the benefit of the doubt.

Second string: Perry Riley

Outside Linebacker: Ryan Kerrigan

Confidence Level: 3.5

Here’s what I loved about Ryan Kerrigan thus far: He’s getting better on almost every play. One of the most common terminologies for rookies is “motor” and Kerrigan is a perfect example of that.

He’s an old school, bull rushing type of player who will put added pressure on the quarterback. He showed promise against the run too, the only concern is that he very raw in pass coverage. Although he won’t be asked to drop back in pass protection often, this is something he will need to work on.

It has been said that Kerrigan is a sponge and I am confident in his development as a linebacker after transitioning from defensive end in college. While I am enamored with his potential, I can expect the typical rookie growing pains. Luckily, there has been an expansion in depth at this position, so I’m not too worried.

Second string: Lorenzo Alexander

Cornerback: Josh Wilson

Confidence Level: 3.5

Swapping Josh Wilson for Carlos Rogers is a parallel move. Both are solid complimentary corners that take more of an emphasis on coverage versus causing turnovers. This is going to be an odd transition for Skins fans, as Carlos Rogers is usually the scapegoat of the defense due to his dropped interceptions. So who are we going to make fun of this year?

I would have preferred Josh to get some more reps in the preseason as he gets himself acclimated to the defense, but in limited work Wilson has a shown a good understanding of the defense. He is going to be challenged often this season while facing the passing attack of the Eagles, Giants and Cowboys.

Jim Haslett expects a lot from his corners and Wilson’s play is vital to the team’s progress this season and as long as he can catch the occasional interception, I’m sure Redskins Nation will be pleased.

I’m confident in Wilson because of his experience and the enjoyment he has playing for his hometown team.

Second string: Byron Westbrook

Strong Safety: LaRon Landry

Confidence Level: 4.5

I wish I could rate Landry higher, but injuries prevented him from make the Pro Bowl last year and it seems he’s still having the same problem.

Currently, LaRon has a hamstring injury, which can linger for an extended period of time. When he is healthy, offenses will have to start coaching around him. He’s a monster on the field and his football intelligence has improved tremendously.

If Landry comes back healthy, then there’s no doubt he’ll continue his quest in becoming a dominant safety, especially with the help of Ohshiomogho Atogwe.

Second string: Reed Doughty

Cornerback: DeAngelo Hall

Confidence Level: 4

DeAngelo is the team’s best playmaker. Given his high risk, high reward mentality; he’s going to win the Redskins some games, but he can also lose some of them.

Since Hall’s arrival to Washington, he has transformed himself as a teammate and leader. If he can eliminate some of those big play mistakes, he will unquestionably become that lockdown corner he was known for in Atlanta.

While I get frustrated with DeAngelo’s play at times, he is still the team’s number one cornerback and welcomes the role of covering the opposing team’s best receiver.

Second string: Kevin Barnes

Free Safety: Oshiomogho Atogwe

Confidence Level: 4.5

This is premature, but I consider the Atogwe signing similar to London Fletcher. He’s an underrated player, who’s also known for his leadership and locker room presence.

He’s played under Jim Haslett before and is already developing chemistry with the secondary even though he’s been injured for the majority of the preseason.

The free safety position was a liability of the defense last season. Kareem Moore did not meet expectations, Reed Doughty’s skill set is more conducive to playing strong safety and Kevin Barnes did his best to learn the position on the fly.

I consider this a major upgrade in comparison to last year and I am very confident in it, my only concern is injuries of course. The idea of Atogwe and Landry playing in the same secondary is certainly daunting if it comes to fruition.

Second string: DeJon Gomes

Kick Returner/Punt Returner: Brandon Banks

Confidence Level: 4

Brandon Banks is the most explosive player on the roster and despite the new kickoff rule, the Redskins made the right decision in retaining the former undrafted free agent.

Banks has the ability to break one loose at any time, which could change the outcome of a game and this has been something the Skins have been looking for ever since Brian Mitchell.

This is obviously redundant, but what concerns me is Brandon’s health. His 5’7' and 155 lb frame is very alarming, but when teams dare to punt or kick to him, please proceed with caution.

Second string: Terrence Austin

Kicker: Graham Gano

Confidence Level: 1

It’s not Graham Gano’s mechanics. By all means, he has very strong leg. It’s been his psyche, in which I’m surprised he’s still in a Redskins uniform.

Even though Gano didn’t miss a field goal in preseason, I’m still not sold on a kicker who’s been blatantly inconsistent in the regular season.

The offense is already showing struggles scoring touchdowns, so I can assume that Gano will be challenged early and frequently and I’m sure Graham is on a tight leash. Sorry, I know it’s too easy picking on the kicker, but I couldn’t resist.

Punter: Sav Rocca

Confidence Level: 4

He’s the last person you want to see enter a game. You never want to have a good punter, because you want your offense on the playing field as much as possible.

That being said, field position is a key component to a game. Rocca has a tremendous leg and accuracy and should bail the Redskins out if called upon.

I’m confident in his skill set and there’s not too much to analyze on the punter.