Washington Redskins have esteemed players, but still search for success

Trent Williams could be a Hall of Famer.

He has the resume. Six Pro Bowl berths in eight years. three inclusions on the All-Pro team in that same time span, and most importantly, a record of dominance documented by his opponents themselves.

No other player on the Washington Redskins squad has such a distinguished track record, but the roster is surprisingly well-equipped with esteemed players. Ryan Kerrigan has been a top-tier defender throughout his time in Washington. With three Pro Bowls to his name, and a career sacks total that is creeping closer to one hundred, Kerrigan has very stealthily upheld a reputation as one of the most reliable edge rushers in the league.

Newly-acquired quarterback Alex Smith, ever since his departure from San Francisco, has been one of the most efficient passers in the modern era. He’s slowly amounting to his draft status as a No. 1 overall pick so many years ago.

Smith’s old and current tight end, Vernon Davis, has the same kind of notoriety. His best years, in which he earned two Pro Bowl berths and eclipsed ten touchdowns in two different seasons, are behind him, but his star has not faded. He has re-emerged in Washington’s offense, showing time and time again that age is just a number.

Comb back and forth through the Washington Redskins’ roster, and you’ll find numerous accolades  such as these scattered about. Josh Norman has gone to the Pro Bowl, and he’s also been recognized as an All-Pro once in his career. Brandon Scherff, a mammoth in the middle, has gone to the Pro Bowl twice in his first three years in the NFL. Jordan Reed and Zach Brown each have Pro Bowls to boast about as well.

The Washington Redskins’ roster is flush with esteemed players, and there are plenty more, such as Chris Thompson, Montae Nicholson, Jonathan Allen, and Preston Smith, who have star potential, waiting for the perfect chance to break out.

And yet, with all this excitement, all this talent, and all this experience, the entire Washington Redskins has only two Super Bowl rings.

One for Vernon Davis, who earned it with the Denver Broncos. And one for Pernell McPhee, who earned it with the Baltimore Ravens.

The reverence is far from in short supply for the Washington Redskins, but the rings… well, that’s a different story. In the twentieth century, the Washington Redskins have been a mere tepid acquaintance of the playoffs. Searching for success, to no avail. But perhaps that will change soon.

Jay Gruden will be entering his fifth year with the Washington Redskins; an innovative offensive mind, and an able motivator, Gruden has withstood the impatient, impudent wrath of Dan Snyder, and perhaps, with a healthy roster and a bit of stability at the sport’s most important position, Gruden can bring back the success that has only teased the Washington Redskins for so long now.

Some will call it brash. Some will call it impossible. But the Washington Redskins’ roster is growing stronger. Even ahead of the draft, they have a lot of the right players.

Next: Washington Redskins authors' picks in Round 1

And the right players always come before the rings.