Redskins: 3 players with the most to prove after the 2019 offseason

Jacob Camenker

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The Washington Redskins made quite a few moves this offseason. Because of those decisions, they have a few players that have a lot to prove.

Every year in the NFL, players enter make or break seasons. These players can be disappointing draft busts, up-and-coming players, or veterans that are trying to avoid the twilight of their careers. But nonetheless, the NFL is all about proving oneself. And the Washington Redskins team is no different.

After a fairly successful offseason, the Redskins are marching into the new season with a lot of new players, but also many, many questions. And one of the biggest will be surrounding some of the players that need to prove themselves.

With the rosters currently at 90 men, nobody on the roster bubble is in danger yet. But that’s the keyword. Yet. There are some players who may be on their last legs in Washington, or at least be at their last chance with the team (or in some cases, the NFL). They will need to have a great offseason to prove that they belong on the regular season roster or in the starting roles that they are competing for.

With that said, here’s a look at three Redskins who have the most to prove, especially after some of the moves that the ‘Skins made during the 2019 offseason.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 10: Ereck Flowers #74 of the New York Giants in action against Benson Mayowa #93 of the Dallas Cowboys during their game at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

3. OL Ereck Flowers

It may seem odd to have a player that was signed during the offseason included here, but hear me out. Flowers was added to play the left guard position and compete at that spot. Before the draft, he had minimal competition and was the de facto No. 1 option there.

After the draft, he has three potential suitors that could swoop in and take his job.

Two of these players came from the draft. Fourth-round pick Wes Martin and fifth-round pick Ross Pierschbacher both have the upside of starters. Martin is strictly a guard, with excellent strength, while Pierschbacher is an experienced lineman with versatility at center and guard. He could challenge for the guard spot if he plays well, and Martin — a natural guard — will certainly push Flowers for that role.

2. S Montae Nicholson

Heading into last season, Montae Nicholson was one of the bright spots on the Redskins’ young defense. However, things didn’t go well for him in 2018, and he ended up on the reserve list after dealing with a late-season suspension. He had lost his starting job weeks before.

In 2019 though, Nicholson has a clear path to the starting job. The Redskins added Landon Collins in free agency, but they don’t have a proven option next to him. And of the potential starters, Nicholson is the most sensible, as he has the right combination of upside and experience for the role.

Our own Ian Cummings dubbed Nicholson as the player that got the biggest vote of confidence from the ‘Skins during the draft. Here was his reasoning for that.

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"Troy Apke is a raw speed safety who’s still developing. Deshazor Everett is a special teams ace who’s never been able to latch on to an increased role. On the roster, and in a vacuum, Nicholson is the best candidate to supplement Collins in the starting lineup. Nicholson has the speed and length to be a very effective, cheap, and rangy compliment to Collins’ prowess in the box. He flashed his playmaking ability in his rookie season, and with new defensive backs coach Ray Horton, Nicholson could get the fresh start he needs. He’s still only 23 years old. A player that young, with only a minor offense on his record, deserves a second chance, if the league is willing to give it."

Nicholson has the easiest path to the starting job right now, but it might be his last chance to earn it. If he can’t prove to be a solid starter, the Redskins will undoubtedly look for a replacement for him in the 2020 offseason. He may have a lot of upside, but he has a lot to prove after losing his job to Ha Ha Clinton-Dix midway through last season.

It will be interesting to see if Nicholson is up to the task and can find a way to regain his 2017 form. If he can bounce back, he will have a future role. If he can’t, he may find himself fighting for a roster spot come next offseason.

LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 16: Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins drops a first half pass against the Indianapolis Colts at FedExField on September 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

1. WR Josh Doctson

This is a pretty obvious pick. For the better part of the last two seasons, we’ve been waiting for the Josh Doctson breakout. It’s becoming apparent that may not come.

While Doctson showed some signs of improvement last year, he was still plagued by a number of issues. He continued to have bad drops at times and struggled to make game-changing plays. At most, it seems that he has the ceiling of a No. 2 receiver, and he may not even reach that level. So, he’s starting to look like a potential top backup at best.

Doctson was put on notice by the team after they declined to pick up his fifth-year option. It was a no-brainer move for them to pass on that, as they would have been paying him over $10 million for the 2020 season. Based off his modest production (44 catches, 532 yards, two touchdowns), that certainly wasn’t worth it, even in a market that is overpaying decent receivers.

Doctson still has time to improve his game. He is just 26 years old. That said, time is running thin for him specifically in Washington. If he can’t show some contested catch ability, a penchant for grabbing touchdowns, or improved hands, the Redskins will probably let him walk and cut their losses. They did draft two receivers, after all, so they will have a chance to develop his replacement.

For that reason, Doctson is the player with most to prove after the offseason. He is officially on notice and must bring his A-game to have a chance to find a long-term spot on this team.

Jacob Camenker