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Redskins 53-man roster projection after Week 3 of preseason

By Ian Cummings

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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Inside Linebacker (5)

Keeping: Zach Brown, Mason Foster, Josh Harvey-Clemons, Shaun Dion Hamilton, Martrell Spaight

Notable Cuts: Zach Vigil

There’s no two ways about it: The Redskins will be forced to part ways with a talented player at inside linebacker when final cuts come around. It’s just a matter of who the unlucky person is.

Zach Brown and Mason Foster are obvious locks to make the roster. Brown shined in his first season with the team last year, and after signing a multi-year extension, he’ll be looking to make the most out of his newfound stability. He and Foster form an above-average starting duo, at the least.

Behind those two, Josh Harvey-Clemons seems to be the front runner for the primary backup job. Harvey-Clemons has only played in one preseason game, but throughout the offseason, he’s been the first one given the call in relief of starters, and with up and down preseason performances from players like Shaun Dion Hamilton and Martrell Spaight, that shouldn’t change.

Speaking of the latter two players, sixth-round rookie Shaun Dion Hamilton has impressed. Like all rookies, he hasn’t been perfect, but he clearly has the speed and intangibles to contribute, as long as he can stay healthy. His inclusion leaves one spot available for either Zach Vigil or Martrell Spaight to take, and in this prediction, I have Spaight earning the nod.

It’s not so much a knock on Vigil as it is an acknowledgement of what Spaight has going for him. At this point, we know Spaight is limited in some areas, mainly coverage. But he’s a thumper in run defense, he’s looked solid as a tackler this preseason, and being a special teams captain holds weight in this close race. He’s also two and a half years younger than Vigil. He might not stay after this year, as his rookie deal expires, but he seems to be the better candidate for that last spot. With two promising coverage linebackers in Harvey-Clemons and Hamilton, the Redskins can afford to gamble on Spaight this year.

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