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Five Redskins position battles to watch in Week 2 of preseason

By Ian Cummings

SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 05: Wide receiver Brian Quick #83 of the Washington Redskins catches a long pass in front of Justin Coleman #28 of the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on November 5, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Redskins won 17-14. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 05: Wide receiver Brian Quick #83 of the Washington Redskins catches a long pass in front of Justin Coleman #28 of the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on November 5, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Redskins won 17-14. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
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BLACKSBURG, VA – OCTOBER 28: Cornerback Greg Stroman #3 of the Virginia Tech Hokies and his teammates huddle prior to game against the Duke Blue Devils at Lane Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA – OCTOBER 28: Cornerback Greg Stroman #3 of the Virginia Tech Hokies and his teammates huddle prior to game against the Duke Blue Devils at Lane Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /

No. 1 – Fifth Cornerback

Battle: Danny Johnson vs. Greg Stroman vs. Ranthony Texada

The Redskins’ release of Orlando Scandrick is a clear sign that they’re very, very confident in their young cornerbacks. But it still leaves some questions unanswered. Who will ultimately make the roster?

At this point, we can use our judgement and the evidence afforded to us to make educated conclusions. Danny Johnson has flashed nearly every day in training camp, and in the team’s first preseason game, he was all over the field, making key pass deflections. Greg Stroman had a similar, if not as impactful defensive performance, but his utility as a punt returner makes him that much more valuable.

Ranthony Texada, an undrafted free agent cornerback out of TCU, is a step or two behind Johnson and Stroman, as he has yet to separate himself in the eyes of the coaches. But Jay Gruden mentioned him along with Johnson and Stroman in a press conference yesterday, so one cannot truly count Texada out, although the practice squad does seem to be his likely destination.

For now, it appears to be Stroman versus Johnson. Both could very well make the roster behind Adonis Alexander, but who will earn more playing time, and cement his spot as a primary backup? That remains to be seen. The Redskins hope to answer that question in the coming weeks, starting with the team’s matchup against the Jets.

Next. Re-evaluating the Redskins' CBs after Scandrick's release. dark

The quest from 90 to 53 is a long one, and at its final junction, it is a perilous one. The Redskins must balance the beam of cutting down their roster to 53, all without losing promising young players in the process. The next step in that journey is Thursday night, a Jets game that will provide many bubble players with opportunities to prove that they belong.

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