Washington Redskins way-too-early 2020 roster projection

Defense

DEFENSIVE LINE (10)

• Jonathan Allen
• Chase Young
• Daron Payne
• Montez Sweat
• Matt Ioannidis
• Ryan Kerrigan
• Tim Settle
• Caleb Brantley
• Nate Orchard
• James Smith-Williams

I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Redskins find another player before the start of the season. Switching to a 4-3 gives this position group the most opportunity for growth. There will be a minimum of eight players, and it wasn’t uncommon for Rivera to keep as many as ten defensive linemen on the active roster in Carolina. The realignment also allows for bigger edge linebackers to move to defensive end in certain packages. That’s essentially what Orchard is. Ryan Bee could add decent size and depth, but he strikes me as a very large man who is still somehow undersized for the defensive line. Regardless of how many they keep, this group offers great flexibility. I think Ryan Kerrigan is secure for now, but he would be the one long-time starter whose departure wouldn’t shock me.

LINEBACKER (6)

• Thomas Davis Sr.
• Cole Holcomb
• Ryan Anderson
• Shaun Dion Hamilton
• Kevin Pierre-Louis
• Khaleke Hudson

This is the defensive version of the O-Line. The new scheme means everything is up for grabs. Leaving out Jon Bostic is difficult because he is the closest thing they have to a classic 4-3 middle linebacker. Cole Holcomb can play there, and several other players can move inside as needed. But if Holcomb falters at all, it could mean keeping Bostic and end up costing another veteran a spot. Hamilton, Pierre-Louis, and Hudson are all younger players who can play in a variety of defensive schemes and are major special teams talents. This is a make or break year for Anderson. He has not been a bad player, but as a second-round draft pick, so far he has been a bad value. The obvious missing inside linebacker is Reuben Foster. I just don’t see how anyone can count on him ever being healthy, though I suppose you could use the same argument against Derrius Guice, who I am keeping.

Defensive Back (9)

• Kendall Fuller
• Ronald Darby
• Fabien Moreau
• Jimmy Moreland
• Danny Johnson
• Landon Collins
• Sean Davis
• Deshazor Everett
• Trey Apke

Five cornerbacks and four safeties, with a little bit of flexibility. Moreland and Johnson will be battling several players who saw some action last year, and Johnson’s injury history may open the door for Greg Stroman or Jeremy Reaves. Safety comes down to a battle for the final spot between Apke and 2020 draftee Kamren Curl. I think Apke showed enough last year to get the nod, with Curl likely to be offered a practice squad spot.

SPECIALISTS (3)

• Dustin Hopkins
• Tress Way
• Nick Sundberg

Well, Stephen Gostkowski is still floating around out there, but I’d be shocked if there is a change here. Long snapper is the left-handed relief pitcher on a football team. You find one you like, and then you keep him until he is eligible for AARP.

That’s 18 new players, plus one in Bryce Love, who has never played a down for the Redskins. More than a third of the roster. Let’s hope it results in a half-dozen more wins. After all, spring is the time for hope.