Washington Football Team: 3 roster battles to eye against Ravens
1. The last EDGE rusher spot
Entering the final preseason game, James Smith-Williams has all but secured the role of primary backup to Montez Sweat and Chase Young. The big battle will come at the other backup position on the edge to fill out the room.
Seventh-round pick William Bradley-King has flashed both in camp and in the preseason. He had a forced fumble on a sack against the Bengals.
The other seventh-round selection Shaka Toney has not been as impressive. His lack of size and over-reliance on athleticism is apparent. The change in, in-game speed is clear and he is not able to win off the edge as frequently as he did at Penn State.
The former Kansas Jayhawk, Daniel Wise, has impressed the coaching staff. He has constantly been in the backfield in the preseason. And leading up to this week’s game he has gotten work with the second-team unit.
Wise also provides positional flexibility to slide inside as an interior pass-rusher. If you know anything about the Washington coaching staff, that is something they highly value.
One guy who flashed in the second half: DL Daniel Wise. Can play both end and tackle; had pressures from both spots. Has progressed... Not sure if he'll make it or not, but it should be close. If nothing else, worth having on PS.
— John Keim (@john_keim) August 22, 2021
However, Smith-Williams also offers that skillset that may detract from keeping Wise on the roster. He also could easily be put through waivers and onto the practice squad.
The favorite to fill out this position, Casey Toohill, has been injured all of camp. He very well may go to the IR, so Washington can stash him.
Our best guess here at Riggo’s Rag is that William Bradley-King will fill out the edge rusher room when final cuts come in on Tuesday or Washington will sign another veteran.
However, a huge game from either Toney or Wise could change things. And Washington could decide to keep five edge rushers, although that is unlikely.
Montez Sweat and Chase Young probably will not play against the Ravens. However, it would be wise to still take a close look at that position group. Ironing out the depth is crucial for a position that cannot afford an injury,
Did we miss any battles? Leave them in the comments below!
