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Washington Redskins release first unofficial depth chart of the 2017 season

By Jacob Camenker

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 11: Ziggy Hood (90) and Ryan Kerrigan (91) of the Washington Redskins celebrate in the final moments of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 11, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Redskins defeated the Eagles 27-22. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 11: Ziggy Hood (90) and Ryan Kerrigan (91) of the Washington Redskins celebrate in the final moments of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 11, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Redskins defeated the Eagles 27-22. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 20: Linebacker Preston Smith
LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 20: Linebacker Preston Smith /

Elsewhere on defense

The other major notes in the front seven come in the linebacker corps. One of the major battles that will be coming up is at the rush linebacker position across from Ryan Kerrigan. Preston Smith, Ryan Anderson, and Junior Galette were all expected to fight for that position, and an early favorite has been determined.

Smith is atop the depth chart at the moment, one spot ahead of the suspended Trent Murphy. This should not be considered a surprise, given Smith’s great athleticism and the fact that he has played relatively well for the Redskins during his two year career. However, he will be sidelined with an ankle injury, so that will open up more time for Anderson to have an impact.

Anderson, listed third behind Smith and Murphy, may have a chance to play major snaps and prove himself to the coaching staff. Galette, meanwhile, is the primary backup to Kerrigan, though that could change if he proves himself in the preseason.

More from Commanders News

One of the bigger surprises comes at the inside linebacker position. Right now, the top two players at the position are holdovers from last year. Will Compton and Mason Foster are the early leaders on the depth chart. Many expected free agent acquisition Zach Brown to unseat Compton, but he is listed behind Foster for the moment. Given Compton’s issues stopping the run last year, Brown should be able to move up the depth chart quickly, provided that he learns the defensive playbook well.

One final note: rookie safety Montae Nicholson is currently fourth at the free safety position on the depth chart. He is behind undrafted free agent Fish Smithson, who many considered to be a sleeper at the position. This will be interesting to monitor, as the Redskins may want to see more out of their fourth round rookie to keep him on the roster.

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