Redskins 53-man roster projection after Week 3 of preseason

LANDOVER, MD - AUGUST 24: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Redskins throws a pass against the Denver Broncos in the first half during a preseason game at FedExField on August 24, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - AUGUST 24: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Redskins throws a pass against the Denver Broncos in the first half during a preseason game at FedExField on August 24, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – AUGUST 24: Quarterback Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos throws a pass against the Washington Redskins in the first half during a preseason game at FedExField on August 24, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – AUGUST 24: Quarterback Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos throws a pass against the Washington Redskins in the first half during a preseason game at FedExField on August 24, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Defensive Line (6)

Keeping: Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Matt Ioannidis, Anthony Lanier, Tim Settle, Ziggy Hood

Notable Cuts: Phil Taylor, Stacy McGee (Starts on PUP)

It’s a refreshing change to see that the Redskins’ defensive line has healthy depth. The position that has so often been the weakest link is now the strongest unit on the team, with players such as Anthony Lanier, Tim Settle, and Ziggy Hood lining up as the No. 4, No. 5, and No. 6 linemen.

It would be possible to keep seven, but it’s ultimately unlikely, at least after initial cuts. The seventh lineman would likely be Phil Taylor who is strictly a nose tackle. After drafting Daron Payne and Tim Settle, the Redskins have two rookies who can effectively play the position in base 3-4, and once he comes off of the PUP list, Stacy McGee is capable in that role as well. Taylor is a good story, but he’s not making the final roster.

Speaking of McGee, it’s likely that the 2017 free agent acquisition will return from the PUP list at some point. When he does, the Redskins will need to cut someone to free up that space, unless an injury occurs to make the task easier.