Now that we have had a full week and a half of practices, let’s take a look of where the roster would stand if the Redskins had to make their decision today. This would be my prediction of the roster heading into the opening preseason game versus the Cleveland Browns. You can check out my prediction from last week here. Starters are listed in bold.
Quarterbacks- 3
No change here and as it stands right the Redskins would keep all three quarterbacks. If I had to pick one to start in Philadelphia, right now it would be Colt McCoy. If McCoy continues to show he is healthy then he would get the nod. Haskins is getting better but is not ready to start opening day. Colt McCoy, Case Keenum, Dewayne Haskins
Running Backs- 4
The first three positions are locked in with Adrian Peterson, Derrius Guice, and Chris Thompson looking healthy and ready to go. The competition between Samaje Perine and Byron Marshall is heating up. Coach Gruden never lets an opportunity to praise Perine pass. Perine seems to have the inside track even though Marshall is more versatile and can back up Thompson. Adrian Peterson, Derrius Guice, Chris Thompson, Samaje Perine.
Wide Receivers- 7
There are some young talented receivers in this group. You can easily make a case for eight of them and this definitely depends on who performs well in the preseason games. Josh Doctson, Paul Richardson, and Trey Quinn at pretty much locked in as the starting three. Terry McLaurin is clearly entrenched as the fourth receiver. That leaves veterans Brian Quick, Robert Davis, Cam Sims and rookies Kelvin Harmon and Stephen Sims fight for those last two spots. I also see a scenario where the Redskins could keep seven receivers and one less defensive lineman. This is the by far the hardest battle on the team. Josh Doctson, Paul Richardson, Trey Quinn, Terry McLaurin, Cam Sims, Steven Sims, Kelvin Harmon.
Tight Ends- 3
This one is pretty much locked up. The only battle I see is for practice squad. Rookie Donald Parham is a special talent who the Redskins would probably want to develop. That put J.P. Holtz and Matt Flanagan on the clock. Jordan Reed, Vernon Davis, Jeremey Sprinkle
Offensive Line- 9
With the Trent Williams drama getting stronger and less likely Williams is there week 1, this does not include him. The offensive line that took the field on the first day of practice is radically different right now. Chase Roullier and Geron Christian returned and both look great. That allowed Ereck Flowers to move to guard where they wanted him to be, and they signed Donald Penn. Donald Penn, Ereck Flowers, Chase Roullier, Brandon Scherff, Morgan Moses, Geron Christian, Wes Martin, Ross Pierschbacher, Tony Bergstrom.
Defensive Line-5
With the Redskins likely to keep 3 quarterbacks and seven wide receivers, the position to lose players is the defensive line. The top 5 here are so far separated from the remainder here that Jo Jo Wicker is the odd man out. Plus with the nickel defense being out there majority of the time the outside linebackers can put their hands in the dirt as well. Jonathan Allen, Da’Ron Payne, Matt Ioannidis, Tim Settle, Caleb Brantley.
Linebackers- 8
Seven of the eight positions are pretty much locked in. The inside linebackers of starters of Shaun Dion Hamilton and Jon Bostic with Shawn Harvey-Clemons and Cole Holcomb are locked in. Ryan Kerrigan, Ryan Anderson, and Montez Sweat are locked in as well. Seventh round pick Jordan Brailford is competing with Cassanova McKizzy for that final spot. Brailford has more versatility being able to play off the line as well. Shaun Dion Hamilton, Jon Bostic, Ryan Kerrigan, Ryan Anderson, Montez Sweat, Shawn Harvey-Clemons, Cole Holcomb, Cassanova McKizzy.
Cornerback- 6
Here is another pretty talented and loaded group. The Redskins have found some good talent that for the exception of a few players is all home grown. Health plays the biggest role in this group as Danny Johnson is still recovering from last season’s injury and Adonis Alexander injured as well. Jimmy Moreland is making waves and he will find his way on the field. Josh Norman, Quinton Dunbar, Fabian Moreau, Greg Stroman, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Jimmy Moreland
Safety- 4
This group is firmly entrenched. Landon Collins, Montae Nicholson, Deshazor Everett, Troy Apke
Specialist-3
This group remains unchanged. Dustin Hopkins, Tress Way, Nick Sundberg
Offense 26 Defense 24 Specialists 3
