Redskins first unofficial 2018 depth chart contains surprises

The first Washington Redskins depth chart had a few surprises on it, but it’s highly likely to change before the start of the season.

Just days before the team’s first preseason game against the New England Patriots, the Washington Redskins took time to release their first unofficial depth chart of the 2018 season. The depth chart, which is located on the team’s website, mostly held to form with what many expected, but there were also a few big surprises on there as well.

Most notably, the running back position seems completely out of order on the depth chart. The top of the chart has Rob Kelley listed at the top and Derrius Guice as… the fourth string. There’s absolutely no way that Guice is the fourth string running back at the moment, as he was drafted in the second round and seems likely to earn the starting role to begin the season. If he isn’t starting, he’ll at least be a top backup, so putting him that low on the depth chart must just be to give him a bit extra motivation to have a great rookie year.

Elsewhere on offense, Shawn Lauvao was predictably slotted as the starting left guard, but he may see some competition from Kyle Kalis, who is the second stringer at the position now. Kalis seems to be locked into a battle with Tyler Catalina and Tony Bergstrom for two interior backup positions, and it will be interesting to see if any can gain separation.

More from Riggo's Rag

Speaking of gaining separation, the trio of backup receivers were listed as Brian Quick and Robert Davis on the outside, and Maurice Harris in the slot. Given that Harris has had a massive camp, it’s not a surprise to see him among the top backups. However, it is somewhat surprising to see Trey Quinn on the third string unit with Simmie Cobbs and Cam Sims. Perhaps the Redskins are just keeping Quinn a bit lower until he proves himself, much like Guice. Or, maybe they want to see him in action with Cobbs and Sims during Thursday night’s game. Either way, keep an eye on Quinn, as he does have a lot of competition as he looks to make the active roster.

On the defensive side of the ball, the biggest notes came in the secondary. People have been particularly interested in the cornerback job, and for good reason. Quinton Dunbar has officially been listed as the No. 2 corner to start camp with Fabian Moreau listed as his primary backup. Orlando Scandrick is listed as Josh Norman‘s backup, and no slot role is specified. Either way, it’s good news that Dunbar is on the inside track to a starting spot, as he has a lot of talent and upside and should be an upgrade over Scandrick, who some projected as a starter.

It’s also notable that undrafted free agent Danny Johnson cracked the top six on the cornerback depth chart, as he is listed as the third-stringer behind Moreau. That could bode well for his chances of making the roster, though he will have to continue to outplay Greg Stroman, who is listed as the primary kick returner on this first depth chart.

At safety, there are also a couple of interesting notes. First, Montae Nicholson was listed as the strong safety with D.J. Swearinger at free safety. Some believe that those tags should be switched, so that is something to watch. Also, underdog favorite Fish Smithson is listed as a part of the fourth string at free safety, behind former CFL star Kenny Ladler. This may not bode well for Smithson as he looks to make the roster during his second season.

As for the front seven, everything there looks almost exactly as expected. The one minor glitch is that Josh Harvey-Clemons was listed as the third-string middle linebacker, but he has been working as the primary backup during camp. Perhaps he just needs to prove himself in game action and that will prompt the coaches to move him up the depth chart.

Next. 5 matchups to watch in Redskins-Patriots. dark

Overall, this is exactly what one would expect from the first depth of the offseason. It has the general shape that many anticipated, but the younger players (save for listed starter Daron Payne) are all lower on the list. With strong preseason performances, the Redskins will certainly give them a chance to move up, and this is bound to change a great deal before the start of the season.

Home/Commanders News