Redskins 53-Man Roster Prediction
By Kiel Maddox
The Washington Redskins went undefeated last night during the team’s 30-12 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a stadium that might as well resembled FedExField with all the Redskins fans in attendance.
While some players might have earned their keep, others most likely either ended their chances or just weren’t good enough to make the team to begin with.
Does Pat White stand a chance after last night’s performance? What about Nick Williams and Dezmon Briscoe? Here’s the 53 man roster prediction.
November 4, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins offensive players line up against the Carolina Panthers at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
OFFENSE
QB: Robert Griffin III, Kirk Cousins, Rex Grossman
While Pat White managed to win a game for the Redskins during the Tennessee Titans, his overall performance wasn’t anything to suggest he should make the team over Rex Grossman. He was given an entire game to prove Mike Shanahan wrong, but came up short. Sure, he can run in the read option, but he doesn’t have the greatest read on defense, and his passing is still a major concern.
His zero passing touchdowns proved that, while his three rushing touchdowns and 103 yards running backed the philosophy that he likes to only run.
RB: Alfred Morris, Roy Helu, Chris Thompson
Evan Royster didn’t shine much this preseason, and him making the team appears to be a long shot. While Jawan Jamison did well, he didn’t do well enough, but he might have earned himself a spot on the practice squad. Keiland Williams came back and did quite well for the Redskins, but the overall upside to the other running backs will keep him out
TE: Fred Davis, Jordan Reed, Niles Paul, Logan Paulsen
Don’t be shocked if the Redskins keep all four of their tight ends, as each of them bring something valuable to the table. Washington could also flirt with the idea of four tight end sets, as Mike Shanahan hinted at that during the press conference after the 2013 NFL Draft.
WR: Pierre Garcon, Joshua Morgan, Santana Moss, Aldrick Robinson, Leonard Hankerson, Nick Williams
While Nick Williams at #6 might seem like a long shot, it’s quite possible. He showed he indeed could be a Wes Welker type receiver for the Redskins, and even threw in a nice punt return to go along with it. Dezmon Briscoe was injured, and depending on how severe could cost him his shot at #6. Washington is looking for return men. Chris Thompson looks good, but if he goes down, you have to resort to every day starters like Santana Moss and Deangelo Hall, with Williams you wouldn’t have to do that.
FB: Darrel Young
Darrel Young has been one of the more dependable guys on the team, especially when it comes to blocking and getting those much needed inches. Expect him to be in Washington for quite a long time.
OL: Trent Williams, Kory Lichtensteiger, Will Montgomery, Chris Chester, Tyler Polumbus, Tom Compton, Adam Gettis, Maurice Hurt, Josh LeRibeus
Nothing new to the offensive line as they were dominate last season. Though LeRibeus came in out of shape, the Redskins can’t afford to lose him as he was pretty successful in his short time playing last season.
Aug 24, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins defensive players huddle against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at FedEX Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
DEFENSE
DL: Jarvis Jenkins, Barry Cofield, Stephen Bowen, Chris Baker, Chris Neild, Kedric Golston
While Jarvis Jenkins is suspended, , Phillip Merling might be someone to take his spot as he’s been impressive all preseason long, after that, it’s up to Mike Shanahan.
LB: Ryan Kerrigan, London Fletcher, Brian Orakpo, Darryl Tapp, Nick Barnett, Perry Riley, Brandon Jenkins, Bryan Kehl, William Compton
While Vic So’oto was with the team last season, he hasn’t impressed during preseason, while William Compton has been the exact opposite, especially when teamed up with Kehl in just about every game. Someone will move when Rob Jackson returns.
CB: Josh Wilson, DeAngelo Hall, David Amerson, Chase Minnifield, Jerome Murphy
Josh Wilson might have still made it had Richard Crawford not gotten hurt, but unfortunately that did happen and Wilson will be given a year to bounce back from his low-point last season in Washington.
FS: Bacarri Rambo, DeJon Gomes
Bacarri Rambo hasn’t been lights out this preseason, but he has brought the boom stick a few times and has had some good plays. Assuming he can keep progressing as he has each preseason game, he’ll be someone to watch this season.
SS: Brandon Meriweather, Reed Doughty
While Jose Gumbs has been impressive this preseason, expect the veteran Reed Doughty to be back. Washington would be wise to fit Gumbs on the roster if they can, but if not, they must get him on the practice squad.
Aug 24, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins place kicker Kai Forbath (2) kicks a field goal against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at FedEX Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
SPECIAL TEAMS
Though it should be obvious, Sav Rocca and Kai Forbath will be back with the Redskins this season. Nobody has put in a threat on their jobs and they’ve been fantastic so far with the Washington Redskins. Nick Sundberg the LS will also join them.