Redskins training camp is here, and soon enough, the season will begin.
Let’s take a look at some players who can have a big year and be the Washington Redskins breakout player.
So the criteria for a breakout player is someone who is not really known by the average fan, no individual accolades, and still on their rookie contract. The Redskins have quite a few players that have the opportunity to step up and make some noise this season. Let’s take a look at the top five breakout players for the Washington Redskins.
No. 1 – Trey Quinn
Being the last pick in the NFL draft, you don’t have a lot of expectations, if any. But last year’s “Mr. Irrelevant” could be this year’s “Mr. Breakout candidate of 2019”.
Entering his second year after a season of plagued injuries and sitting behind Jamison Crowder, Trey Quinn has come into Redskins training camp and looks to have “the slot position on lock”, as head coach Jay Gruden says.
The slot receiver is a position that is highly valued today in every NFL offense; he’s the guy who can get open on any route, make tough catches in traffic, and be the quarterback’s best friend.
Trey Quinn has shown he has all the abilities needed to be a good slot receiver, and he has the opportunity to make a lot of catches this year, so whichever quarterback does end up starting, expect for him to look Quinn’s way… a lot.
No. 2 – Shaun Dion Hamilton
So, on the third play of OTAs, your new young stud middle linebacker tears his ACL, and just before training camp starts, your defensive play-caller and most seasoned inside linebacker gets cut. Who do you go to next?
Well, look no further than Shaun Dion Hamilton. The second-year Alabama product is no stranger to leadership roles; during his time at Alabama, Hamilton was the defensive leader, calling the plays from the sideline and getting his teammates lined up in the right positions.
With a strong work ethic, a full year learning the Redskins defensive system, and great communication skills, look for Shaun Dion Hamilton to take over the middle linebacker spot for potentially years to come.
No. 3 – Montae Nicholson
The Redskins during free agency went out and got safety Landon Collins, who came with a big price tag. The guy in line to start next to Collins is third-year pro Montae Nicholson. Nicholson has good size and speed, and when he has played, he has shown he has the potential to be very good.
With Collins manning the free safety spot, it will be up to Nicholson to hold down the strong safety spot this season, or else the Redskins may be forced to look at other options.
After a bumpy year in 2018, Montae Nicholson is ready for a fresh start, with the chance to be a consistent starter in the NFL. Communication will be key for Nicholson as he and Collins look to build chemistry in their first year together, and form a dynamic duo that will wreak havoc from their safety positions.
No. 4 – Chase Roullier
You know the names Trent Williams, Brandon Scherff and Morgan Moses, but Chase Roullier is the next “Hog” and has quietly been one of the best young centers in the NFL.
Entering his third season, Roullier has gone mostly unnoticed, but the two-year starter was the only offensive lineman to play every snap last season, and will be a key piece to the offensive line this upcoming year. Chase Roullier hasn’t been to a Pro Bowl yet, but as he improves every year, that doesn’t seem like that will last.
Chase Roullier was the only #Redskins offensive lineman to play all snaps in 2018. As a Center, he allowed a sack, three QB hits and seven hurries. He also played four snaps at Right Guard & 196 at Left Guard, allowing eight hurries on those snaps. #HTTRhttps://t.co/UCftCrhbc1
— PFF Commanders (@PFF_Washington) January 5, 2019
Look for Chase Roullier to take another jump this year in being a key cog for the Redskins offensive line and a core piece to the team for years to come.
No. 5 – Fabian Moreau
Entering his third year, Fabian Moreau comes in as the starting nickel cornerback, capable of playing both on the outside and in the slot position.
Head coach Jay Gruden has praised Moreau for his strong offseason and coming into the season, Moreau has the opportunity to turn into “The Guy” at the cornerback position.
Being so versatile allows Fabian Moreau a spot on the field no matter the situation. He has yet to reach his full potential, but Moreau is certainly on the right track, and a strong season can push him into the top of the cornerback pecking order. If the Redskins secondary is going to be good this year, look for Fabian Moreau to be a key reason why.