2014 Redskins Depth Chart Analysis – Quarterbacks
2014 Redskins Depth Chart Analysis – Quarterbacks: This is an analysis of the Redskins Depth Chart going into next season. Outlining areas that are good, and others that need to be upgraded.
Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Quarterback – The Redskins will have a healthy Robert Griffin III going into the off-season. and for now they will have a decent backup in Kirk Cousins.
- Robert Griffin III is the team’s starting quarterback. Any controversy surrounding this was eliminated by new head coach Jay Gruden, when he stated as such after being hired. But RGIII did struggle in 2013, but I relate this mostly to recovering from the torn ACL he suffered in 2012. He had no off-season of preparation, and didn’t play in the preseason. So starting the season RGIII was clearly not comfortable in the pocket, and his rust was evident. And the Shanahan regime seemed determined to run the same offense that had brought them so much success in 2012, but the rest of the league began to catch up to it.
- Kirk Cousins took most of the first team reps in the Redskins off-season and preseason. He had a successful stint as the Redskins backup in 2012, and was prepared to start the season opener in 2013 if needed. However, RGII started the season opener. Mike Shanahan stated he felt the Redskins could get a first round draft pick in a trade for Cousins. And Cousins started the last three games of the season. But after playing really well against the Atlanta Falcons, his performance leveled off against the Cowboys and the Giants.
- Rex Grossman did not play a snap at quarterback in 2013 and was inactive for much of the season. He is a free agent this off-season.
Depth Chart:
QB1 – Robert Griffin III: With an off-season of preparation, and work in the pre-season, RGIII should be ready to take the next step in his development to become a consistently good quarterback in the NFL.
QB2 – Kirk Cousins: The Redskins may trade Kirk Cousins, and he has stated that he would be receptive to a trade. But until then, he is firmly entrenched as the team’s backup. Some still believe that Cousins could leap RGIII on the depth chart, but that idea should have been extinguished by his inconsistent play as the starter late last season.
QB3 – Rex Grossman: If the Redskins don’t trade Cousins, I can’t see them re-signing Grossman.
Possible Moves:
2014 Top Free Agents – If the Redskins want a true backup, and not someone with designs on being a starter, then there are some decent free agents out there.
- Shaun Hill, QB – Detroit Lions: (6-3, 220) Age: 34– Hill has been one of the best backup quarterbacks in the NFL for a while now, and he can step in and hold it down temporarily if the starter is injured.
- Tarvaris Jackson, QB – Seattle Seahawks: (6-2, 225) Age: 30 – Edelman would certainly be an upgrade in the slot for the Redskins, as he emerged with 105 receptions for the Patriots last season.
- Kellen Clemens, QB – St. Louis Rams: (6-2, 220) Age: 30 – Did a good job for the Rams in relief of the injured Sam Bradford last season.
2014 Top Draft Prospects – The Redskins won’t be looking for a starting quarterback in this draft, but a it may be smart to draft a developmental prospect as a successor at backup for Kirk Cousins.
- Tajh Boyd, QB – Clemson: (6-1, 225) Projected Round – 5th – Has a similar style to RGIII, in that he has a strong arm, and is mobile.
- Connor Shaw, QB – South Carolina: (6-0, 209) Projected Round – 6th – A gamer. Is solid in all aspects of the game and is mobile too.
- Logan Thomas, QB – Virginia Tech: (6-6, 250) Projected Round – 7th – Has a raw skillset, but has prototypical size and is also mobile.
Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
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Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
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