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Redskins vs. Broncos: 5 position battles to watch in Preseason Week 3

By Jacob Camenker

FOXBOROUGH, MA - AUGUST 9 : Colt McCoy #12 of the Washington Redskins hands the ball off to Rob Kelley #20 during the preseason game between the New England Patriots and the Washington Redskins at Gillette Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - AUGUST 9 : Colt McCoy #12 of the Washington Redskins hands the ball off to Rob Kelley #20 during the preseason game between the New England Patriots and the Washington Redskins at Gillette Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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BLACKSBURG, VA – SEPTEMBER 30: Adonis Alexander #36 of the Virginia Tech Hokies celebrates a tackle during the second half against the Clemson Tigers at Lane Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA – SEPTEMBER 30: Adonis Alexander #36 of the Virginia Tech Hokies celebrates a tackle during the second half against the Clemson Tigers at Lane Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /

5. Backup Corner

Adonis Alexander vs. Greg Stroman

I’m interested to see how the two Virginia Tech prospects fare on Friday. Both Alexander and Stroman are talented and one seems poised to win the backup job in the wake of Orlando Scandrick’s release.

While Stroman has impressed so far this preseason, Alexander has the size needed to be a difference maker on the outside. Both players did well in coverage during their collegiate careers, but Stroman was better during his final season with the Hokies. That may give him the early advantage.

Of course, it’s also worth noting that Stroman is probably going to be handling return duties in some capacity with the Redskins, whether that’s on punts or kicks. So, it’s possible that if he’s spread a bit thinner, Alexander could win the job as the first man off the bench. Or, Alexander could outplay Stroman in his first on-field action and give Torrian Gray hope that he can mold Alexander into a future starter.

This battle may not have huge ramifications on the Redskins upcoming season, but this still means something. The winner of this battle may be next in line to play a starting role if and when Josh Norman leaves the team in the near future. So, this is a good chance to get an early look at these guys to see what they’re made of.

It’s not often a team keeps three rookies as backups, but that’s what the Redskins seem ready to do. It will certainly be interesting to see how they perform against the Broncos, who have some other talented rookies who will test them throughout the game.

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