Here is my projection for the opening day roster who will travel to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles on September 8th. Projected Starters are in bold.

Quarterbacks- 3

Colt McCoy, Dewayne Haskins, Case Keenum Now some fans won’t be enthralled with Colt has the starter but he at this moment makes the offense work the best. If Colt is fully healthy and plays well that gives Haskins time to sit and learn, which is nothing but beneficial for him. There is also a possibility that if McCoy and Haskins play well that the Redskins may cut or trade Keenum to a needy team.

Running Backs- 4

Adrian Peterson, Derrius Guice, Chris Thompson, Bryon Marshall. Here is the toughest position to judge. Peterson, Guice, and Thompson are locks. The fourth spot comes down to Marshall, Samaje Perine, and Bryce Love. In Gruden’s best case scenario, they can stash Love on the practice squad and just pick between Perine and Marshall. Marshall is more versatile of the two while Perine is a Gruden favorite. Can the Redskins keep five running backs? Marshall gives them that flexibility as a special teams stud.

Wide Receiver- 6

Josh Doctson, Paul Richardson, Trey Quinn, Kelvin Harmon, Terry McLaurin, Cam Sims. Here comes another fluid position group. Jehu Chesson is a special teams dynamo and can easily find a spot. Brian Quick seems to be in this position every year. And undrafted T.J. Rahming from Duke is a speedster. So this will definitely be show me spot in camp and all four games in the preseason will matter.

Tight End- 3

Jordan Reed, Vernon Davis, Jeremy Sprinkle. No surprises here with these three. All three fit their roles perfectly. Now if there is a shocker in Davis being released then J.P. Holtz and Matt Flanagan could fight for a spot. Also watch 6 foot 8 rookie Donald Parham from Stetson, he is a project but the size and hands will be a show especially in the redzone.

Offensive Line- 9

Trent Williams, Morgan Moses, Brandon Scherff, Chase Roullier, Wes Martin, Ross Pierschbacher, Geron Christian Sr., Tyler Catalina, Jerald Foster, Brian Wallace. I believe that Trent will get his issued worked out and be there week 1. I think that Wes Martin will end up winning the starting left guard spot. If those two things occur the Ereck Flowers will not be kept. Then the Redskins will go young with some project tackles for the future.

Defensive Line- 6

Jonathan Allen, Da’Ron Payne, Matt Ioannidis, Caleb Brantley, Tim Settle, JoJo Wicker. No surprises here except maybe can the Redskins take just five here because Sweat can be used as a down lineman in a nickel set. Other than that I think this is pretty locked in.

Linebacker- 8

Ryan Kerrigan, Montez Sweat, Shaun Dion Hamilton, Jon Bostic, Ryan Anderson, Cole Holcomb, Josh Harvey-Clemons, Cassanova McKinzy. Here is another fluid situation where the Redskins maybe creative. The starters are locked in, with the release of Mason Foster. Either Dion Hamilton or Bostic will have to learn to call the plays and that will be worth watching. Anderson and McKinzy are there for depth at outside linebacker, while Harvey-Clemons is your nickel/dime linebacker. Holcomb can learn and be a special teams player.

Cornerback- 6

Josh Norman, Quinton Dunbar, Fabian Moreau, Greg Stroman, Danny Johnson, Adonis Alexander. This would be the same six as last season. The first four are locks with Johnson and Alexander ahead. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie has a great chance as a veteran but Johnson has a special teams edge over him. But with DRC being able to play safety as well could knock Johnson or Alexander to the practice squad. Also if Dunbar isn’t healthy the he could be put on IR and DRC on the team.

Safety- 4

Landon Collins, Montae Nicholson, Deshazor Everett, Troy Apke. This group is pretty locked in as well. Nicholson was starting last season before being replaced by Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and was injured as well. Everett was the special teams captain and can fill in at both positions. Apke should be healthy and ready to contribute.

Specialists- 3

Nick Sundberg, Dustin Hopkins, Tress Way. This is locked in

Offense-25 Defense- 24 Special Teams- 3