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Washington Redskins 53-man Roster Projections

Posted on August 2, 2012

As camp is now a week in the books, I figured I would take a moment to preview the 53 man roster as I see it panning out. Some questions are still open in my mind on if we should keep more than 3 TE’s, 6 defensive lineman, 10 defensive backs or seven wide receivers, so I’m going to give a 52 man projection and have the last spot be sort of a wildcard. Look for the section titled “bubble players” at the bottom.

Quarterbacks (3)

Robert Griffin III, Kirk Cousins, Rex Grossman

After Mike Shanahan made it known very early on that Robert Griffin III would be the starting quarterback of the Redskins this year, any thought of a battle for the number one spot was gone. But there is an interesting battle that is on-going in camp between Grossman and Cousins for the backup spot. Cousins has been getting a lot of the second team reps in practice but I would be highly surprised if Rex doesn’t start the year off as the backup. I do however believe Cousins will be the backup by mid-season as Rex is destined to hold the clipboard and ride the pine this year.

Cuts

Jonathan Crompton

I think we all know that Crompton is nothing more than a camp body.

Halfback/Fullback (4)

Tim Hightower, Roy Helu Jr., Evan Royster, Darrel Young

If Tim Hightower is healthy I believe the starting job at running-back is his to lose. While Hightower has been recovering from his knee injury suffered last year, Evan Royster has been getting a lot of the first team snaps in camp and he and Helu look to get a fair amount of carries this year. Darrel Young has been a little banged up so far this year but his spot is all but locked up on the roster.

Cuts

Alfred Morris, Antwan Bailey, Lennon Creer, Stafon Johnson,Tristan Davis

The interesting name in this cut list is Alfred Morris who I believe could make the team if Hightower is unable to go, otherwise I see him starting the year on the practice squad. Should also be noted that Tristan Davis is currently on the PUP list. (UPDATE: Tristan Davis has been activated)

Wide Receivers (6)

Pierre Garcon, Josh Morgan, Santana Moss, Leonard Hankerson, Anthony Armstrong, Dezmon Briscoe

This will ultimately be a battle all the way through preseason but I believe that the top four are set in Garcon, Morgan, Moss and Hankerson. From there I believe Armstrong knows the playbook well enough to be a decent five or six and Briscoe gives the Redskins a red-zone threat if he can keep his head on football.

Cuts

Terrence Austin, Aldrick Robinson, Brandon Banks, Darius Hanks, Sam Kirkland, Lance Lewis

Reports have been saying that Austin has been having a really good camp and that Robinson has not. There is still a very good possibility that Austin, Robinson or Banks could beat out Briscoe or Armstrong or the team could keep 7 receivers. So who knows yet fully, but I’m thinking Banks may not make the roster this year. (see bubble players)

Tight Ends (3)

Fred Davis, Chris Cooley, Niles Paul

First and foremost, I think we can all agree that this is Davis’s job to lose. Cooley is on the outside looking in at this point and will need to have a strong camp and an injury free preseason to make the team. Niles Paul is making the transition to tight end and could surprise some this year with some decent production in his first year at a new position.

Cuts

Logan Paulsen, Richard Quinn, Beau Reliford

The tight end position could be tricky this year, some think that Shanahan may go with four tight ends, in that situation, Paulsen will make the team.

Offensive Lineman (9)

Trent Williams, Willie Smith, Tyler Polumbus, Maurice Hurt , Will Montgomery, Kory Lichtensteiger, Chris Chester, Josh LeRibeus, Adam Gettis (Jammal Brown?)

Offensive line poses a difficult situation as Lichtensteiger recently had his knee scoped and will miss the preseason in a move so that he doesn’t re-injure himself. A few days ago I would have had Jammal Brown penciled down in this list, now I’m left with that not so sure feeling inside about him since he is currently on the PUP list. Polumbus has been taking a lot of the snaps with the first team in camp in place of Brown, but obviously what most would want would be for Polumbus to be a depth piece instead of a starter. I believe the key here will be how well the rookies can step in when needed as Gettis and LeRibeus could end up playing vital roles if injury strikes. An argument could be made that keeping ten offensive lineman wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Cuts

Tom Compton, Jordan Black, Nick Martinez, James Lee, Grant Garner, Cole Pemberton, Erik Cook (Jammal Brown?)

Again Brown will be a deciding factor in this as I am unsure of his availability at this moment. I for one would really like it if Tom Compton could step up and make the team and be effective in a situation we need him in (right tackle), but I believe he will need at least a year on the practice squad before being ready for the NFL.

Defensive Lineman (6)

Barry Cofield, Stephen Bowen, Adam Carriker, Jarvis Jenkins, Kedric Golston, Chris Neild

Cuts

Kentwan Balmer, Chris Baker, Darrion Scott, Doug Worthington, Delvin Johnson

Balmer has apparently gone AWOL from camp, which is highly peculiar to say the least, but I don’t believe he would have made the roster anyways. Scott and Baker could perhaps make a push towards a roster spot.

Linebackers (8)

London Fletcher, Brian Orakpo, Ryan Kerrigan, Perry Riley, Rob Jackson, Markus White, Lorenzo Alexander, Keenan Robinson

Cuts

Bryan Kehl, Chris Wilson, Brian McNally, D.J. Holt, Monte Lewis

Defensive Backs (10)

Josh Wilson, DeAngelo Hall, Cedric Griffin, Madieu Williams, Tanard Jackson, Brandon Meriweather, Reed Doughty, DeJon Gomes, Brandyn Thompson, Richard Crawford

I think the bigger question here is who can the Redskins keep that can help the team, I must admit some of the names above would not strike fear in me as an opposing fan but I believe the idea is to use our strength (front seven) to put pressure on the quarterback, which will disrupt timing in the play. If Meriweather can return to the way he played in New England, this unit will be a lot better than most have given them credit for. The word out of camp is that D. Hall is enjoying playing the nickel back so far, that’s worth keeping an eye on.

Cuts

Kevin Barnes, Morgan Trent, David Jones, Jordan Bernstine, Michael Hamlin, Travon Bellamy

In a perfect world Bernstine would make this team, of course in the world we live in he will have to spend a year on the practice squad. I believe the long needed cutting of Kevin Barnes will happen this year.

Special Teams

Graham Gano, Sav Rocca, Nick Sundberg

Cuts

Neil Rackers

I think most Redskins fans were happy to hear that Rackers was brought in to push Gano, but I just don’t think Rackers has the leg to beat Gano out for a roster spot this season. As a matter of fact, I believe Gano will have the best year of his career this season.

Bubble Players

Terrence Austin, Aldrick Robinson, Brandon Banks, Alfred Morris, Chris Baker, Bryan Kehl, Logan Paulsen, Kevin Barnes, Tom Compton, Jammal Brown

The list above could very well hold the names of players who will make the 53-man roster but at this point I believe they need to show more in either camp or preseason to be able to make the team.

I will give another update on this after week two of the preseason.

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Monday Mailbag: How Many Rookies Make the Team/Who Will Return Kicks in 2012

Posted on June 25, 2012

This week in our Monday Mailbag we have four questions from from different readers.

J. Chester from Va. asks:

The Redskins reportedly are almost 7 million under the cap, can you envision any signings before camp?

That number is a bit deceiving, the Redskins still have yet to sign Robert Griffin III and Josh LiRibeus to their rookie contracts. RG3′s contract should be a cap hit of somewhere close to the five million dollar range and LiRibeus should get somewhere near $700,000 – $800,000. That will bring us down to probably just over the million dollar mark (around 1-1.4 million). Barring injury don’t expect anything, even then I wouldn’t be surprised if Shanahan goes with what he already has.

J. Minor from Maryland asks:

Who is going to return kicks for the Redskins in 2012?

That certainly could be a wide-open contest right there. Brandon Banks is the incumbent, but Mike Shanahan has said recently that in order for Banks to make the team he must be able to return kicks and contribute at wide receiver. To be honest, I’m not sure if Banks, at his size, will step up and ever become a NFL level receiver or not. Banks has some competition this year as well, Aldrick Robinson and Terrence Austin both can return kicks, and play the slot. It should be interesting to say the least to who the Redskins keep and who they cut if they intend to only suit up six wide receivers this season. If I was a betting man, I would go with Robinson.

S. Cochran from Florida asks:

Can you give us an early win/loss prediction for the season?

I can try, even though I loathe making win/loss predictions because I always feel like an idiot if the Redskins don’t meet them. I have looked over the schedule a few times and the number I keep coming up with is 9-7. I will however say that that record could stray to one side or the other depending on a variety of things. It’s always tough to call when we haven’t even seen them practice in pads yet. I will revisit this subject after a couple of preseason games…

D. Melton from DC asks:

How many players from this years draft will make the opening day roster?

I’m thinking six out of the nine will make the team this year. Griffin, LiRibeus, Kirk Cousins, Keenan Robinson, Adam Gettis and Alfred Morris. Gettis or LiRibeus could push to start depending on how fast/good they pick up on the system. Tom Compton could make the team as well depending on just how much he needs to develop (camp/preseason will tell that story), I believe with the amount of players that the Redskins picked up in the secondary this year in free agency that Richard Crawford and Jordan Bernstein will start the season off on the practice squad.

If you have any questions that you might want to ask and have published, email us at mondaymailbag@httr4life.com

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Saturday Slop: Terrence Austin Learning To Be A Pro Receiver;Chase Minnifield Makes Strong First Impression

Posted on June 16, 2012

For Robert Griffin III And Washington Redskins So Far, So Good « CBS DC
Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III plans to remain focused on football until he and his fellow rookies are due back in Ashburn on July 16 to prepare for training camp.

Mike Shanahan on Peyton Manning staying at his house – DC Sports Bog – The Washington Post
The Redskins coach took the opportunity to remind us that sometimes news gets by us.

The Redskins Blog | Austin Learning To Be A Pro Receiver
“When I got here, I didn’t really understand how to be a pro,” Austin said. “What I mean by that is understanding the intangibles of a wide receiver — making sure I run a route a certain way against man or zone coverage. You know, just simple things like that, and also just being a student of the game — being in the film room and just taking advantage of learning of guys who were ahead of me like Santana Moss.”

LaVar & Dukes: Is Robert Griffin III Facing More Pressure Than Andrew Luck? « CBS DC
Who is facing more pressure? Robert Griffin III and the Washington Redskins or Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts? LaVar and Dukes explored.

Redskins email report: Hope at safety? Maybe | Washington Examiner
One longtime general manager in this week’s email report referred to the Redskins new safeties as “patchwork guys.” It’s tough to argue. Brandon Meriweather, Tanard Jackson and Madieu Williams all come with baggage, whether from injuries, fading play or drug suspensions.

The Redskins Blog | Darrell Green’s Son Gives NFL A Shot
“He should have been drafted, I truly believe that,” Darrell Green said. “But he’s taking the beltway around. And that’s OK. But he’s worked and worked and now he’s going to have to keep working.”

Coaches still expect much from Santana Moss – The Insider – The Washington Post
“Santana’s entire offseason. . . to me he came in possessed. He was ready to go,” Shanahan said. “You saw it physically, and then to see him in the meeting rooms, he’s been great. He’s been so attentive and it’s shown over to the field. The guy’s not thinking out there, he’s confident in his speed. He feels confident in his knowledge of the offense and there’s no hesitation. He’s been very exciting.”

Brandon Meriweather appears set at strong safety, but Redskins free safety job still up for grabs – The Insider – The Washington Post
The Washington Redskins’ offseason program draws to a close today, and in six weeks, the players report for training camp. But there still are questions about the secondary.

Minnifield Makes Strong First Impression
“Obviously, it would have been better if I was drafted because the team would have invested more into me,” he explained. “But at the end of the day, this is the NFL and if you’re not playing up to your capabilities, you get cut. It’s the best guys that are going to play–whoever is getting the job done.”

Cooley, Niles Paul and more Redskins notes – NFC East Blog – ESPN
My Washington Redskins fans ask a lot about tight end Chris Cooley, who’s one of their favorite players but hasn’t been the same the past few years du

80 Years on the Warpath: The Sammy Baugh Era 1937-1952 – Hogs Haven
80 Years on the Warpath: The Sammy Baugh Era 1937-1952

Raheem, trash talker supreme – Rich Tandler’s Real Redskins
Click here if you can’t view this video on your device.

Redskins Pondering Their Options with Robert Griffin III – Hogs Haven
Redskins Pondering Their Options with Robert Griffin III. Reports suggest the Redskin could look to run some form of the option offense. We take a look at a few of the more common plays.

Will RG3 be running into danger? – Rich Tandler’s Real Redskins
When Robert Griffin III said earlier this week that he will not slide if he runs late in games brought a collective gulp to many Redskins fans and perhaps some coaches, too. “He can’t do that, he’s going to get killed if he runs” was a typical comment.

Hogs Haven Podcast: Swine Time is Fine Time – Hogs Haven
Hogs Haven Podcast: Swine Time is Fine Time. The latest podcast from the Hogs Haven crew, with special guest John Keim.

Culturally feeling better about Redskins
It’s a measure of the culture change that Robert Griffin III’s arrival has meant for the Redskins not necessarily to look just at how he will — apparently already has — make an impact on the team itself. But step back and view it from the outside.

Redskins 2012 schedule analysis
One national football magazine dissects the highs and lows of the Redskins schedule.

Madieu Williams has edge in Redskins’ safety battle – NFL.com
The Redskins overhauled their safety spots this offseason. O.J. Atogwe, LaRon Landry, out. Brandon Meriweather looks like he’s got the strong safety job, and an ex-Niner could start alongside him.

Mike Shanahan: ‘Fit the system’ to Robert Griffin III – NFL.com
The Redskins and coach Mike Shanahan know that a tailor-made offensive system is the key to Robert Griffin III having a successful start in D.C.

Andrew Luck, RG3 won’t match Newton, says scout – NFL.com
NFL scout Greg Gabriel believes Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III will have Andy Dalton-like rookie seasons but that Luck is more prepared for the playoffs.

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Saturday Slop : RGIII Not Afraid to Tell Trent Williams to Shut it; Could Niles Paul At Tight End Work?

Posted on June 2, 2012

Redskins email report: Bowen says Cooley still valuable — if healthy | Washington Examiner
Always enjoy talking football with the ex-Redskins safety (and current columnist for the National Football Post).He touched on a few subjects this time: No. 1 receivers; Chris Cooley and, of course, safety and how it’s changed in recent years.

Robert Griffin III, Mike Shanahan smitten with each other – NFL.com
It would be nigh on impossible not to believe in Griffin. The Heisman Trophy winner is at Redskins Park early every day. He’s a committed student, drawing praise from Shanahan for picking up the playbook faster than anyone he’s coached. Griffin also understands humility, professing Thursday he still only has “60 to 70 percent” of the playbook down.

Washington Redskins: Terrence Austin Would Love Opportunity To Return Kicks ” CBS DC
Although Brandon Banks is the Washington Redskins return specialist, Terrence Austin is longing for an opportunity to handle a few punts, which is how he made a name for himself at UCLA.

Predicting the Redskins 53-man roster in May
Predicting the Washington Redskins 53-man roster before June 1st hits, can be a dangerous game of media Russian roulette.

HomerMcFanboy ” getting to know kirk cousins
At 6-foot-3 and 214 lbs., Cousins looks like a prototypical quarterback. Of course, that didn’t stop many of the so-called experts from openly questioning Washington’s decision to select the Michigan State standout because the team had already landed Heisman Trophy winner, Robert Griffin III.

RGIII not afraid to tell Trent Williams to shut it – DC Sports Bog – The Washington Post
“I don’t want to brag on him too much, but from what I’ve seen these last few weeks, it’s kind of hard not to. I mean, he commands the huddle. I’ll be in the huddle and joking around. When he walks in, he’ll tap me and tell me to be quiet while he calls the play. That’s impressive for a rookie to have that kind of command over a huddle.”

Redskins marvel at Griffin’s arm strength in offseason practices | ProFootballTalk
The Washington Redskins have held nine days of offseason practice so far — a three-day rookie camp and six OTAs — so they’ve gotten a chance to formulate early impressions of rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III.

The Redskins Blog | Hurt Liking Chemistry Along O-Line
“As far as the O-line, we’re a tight-knit group,” Hurt said after Thursday’s round of OTAs at Redskins Park. “You can ask anybody for help. The older guys – Trent (Williams), J.B. (Jammal Brown) – the same guys that helped me last year whenever I needed something. Same with Kory (Lichtensteiger). Everybody’s always helping each other, so it’s a real good group.”

Raheem Morris implementing changes in Redskins secondary – The Insider – The Washington Post
Cornerback DeAngelo Hall remarked, “I ain’t the loudest one on the defense no more. Raheem probably is. I just love his energy, his coaching style.”

The Redskins Blog | Video: QBs, Running Backs Work Together
With the expected three-headed monster of Tim Hightower, Roy Helu Jr. and Evan Royster in the Redskins’ backfield in 2012, the team can boast three backs — each with their own standout attributes — that can challenge the defense.

Rex Grossman takes quarterback situation in stride – The Insider – The Washington Post
When the Washington Redskins used a fourth-round pick in the NFL draft in April on Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins, it gave them an unusual mix at the sport’s centerpiece position.

The Redskins Blog | QBs Embracing Healthy Competition
“I feel it’s huge where we can go out there and support each other, but at the same time compete,” Crompton said after Thursday’s round of organized team activities at Redskins Park. “That’s what it’s all about. Competition makes everybody better. So that’s what I think we’re doing.”

Cedric Griffin Relishes Competition In Secondary
“I was kind of familiar with the coaching staff here, and I kind of fell in love with the scheme,” he said. “It was something I ran in school, so I’m used to the fire zones, the man blitzes, and stuff like that. It fits my style of play a little bit.”

Flashback Friday : Ken Houston | Hail to the Redskins
This week we flash back to a time when the Washington Redskins traded five veteran players to the Houston Oilers for safety, Kenneth Ray Houston. A member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Houston is widely consider the best safety to ever play for the Burgundy and Gold!

Position series: Redskins linebackers – NFC East Blog – ESPN
The Redskins’ hope is that Orakpo and Kerrigan are in the process of developing into one of the more formidable pass-rushing duos in the league.

DeAngelo Hall Looking To Play More Like Charles Woodson – Hogs Haven

DeAngelo Hall Looking To Play More Like Charles Woodson. Hall claims he’s going to be playing more of a Charles Woodson role for the Redskins this year. We take a look at exactly what that might contain.

Hog Wire: Redskins OTA Round-Up | Hog Blogs

Thursday’s Redskins’ OTA’s were open to the media, so here are a collection of articles to help you sort through all of the ‘exciting’ action: Mike Shanahan

Digging Deeper: Mike Shanahan’s One-Cut-and-Go Running Backs – Hogs Haven

By now, we all know Mike Shanahan’s running philosophy – one cut, and get upfield. No dancing, no Marcus Allen runs, of 10 yards in one direction, stop on a dime, then reverse field, and take it to…

Trent Williams: “Bruce reassured me if he had the 4th pick again, he’d take me again” – Hogs Haven

The Redskins stud Left Tackle talks about the Redskins are behind Trent 100%, a funny story of how RG3 has already commanded the huddle, and how Jammal Brown is 100%.

Hogs Haven Podcast: Scrapple is for Champions – Hogs Haven

Hogs Haven Podcast: Scrapple is for Champions. The latest podcast from the Hogs Haven staff, discussing all things Redskins and more.

RG3′s arm is a hammer – Rich Tandler’s Real Redskins

By Ray Frager It’s arm-ageddon at Redskins Park. You’d better stay out of arm’s way. The Redskins have an armed force. As this report by Les Carpenter at Yahoo! Sports describes, the Redskins frequently refer to Robert Griffin III by talking about “The Arm.” “It’s more of running to your left and flicking your wrist and throwing the ball 70 yards,” saidRex Grossman, who will back up the Roman-numeraled quarterback. “His arm almost comes off like a whip.” Having…

June 2, 1971: State of the Art Training Complex | Redskin Historian

George Allen was a visionary. After becoming Redskins coach in 1971, he called for a state-of-the-art training complex, something bold and futuristic in nature. Groundbreaking ceremonies were held on June 2, 1971, and the complex – known as Redskin Park – stood as the most advanced practice facility in the NFL, by the time it opened in Chantilly, VA, before the `71 season. It featured grass and artificial turf practice fields, and a building with every amenity a football team would want. Allen thought the innovation would vastly improve the Redskins’ chances of winning. Sure enough, they reached the post-season for the first time in a quarter-century in 1971 and appeared in their first Super Bowl the next year.

RB Report: We’re talking practice – Rich Tandler’s Real Redskins

Observations or thoughts from team drills during spring practices are often couched with a reference to no pads being worn, no tackles being made. Rightfully so, especially when it comes to the running game, so says the man in charge.

Redskins expect big plays from Garçon – Rich Tandler’s Real Redskins

The Redskins had two No. 1 picks this spring. One, of course, is quarterback Robert Griffin III, who they took with their top pick in the draft, the second overall. Their other first choice, judging by how quickly they contacted and signed him, was free agent wide receiver Pierre Garçon.

Are OTAs really important? – Hard Hits – The Washington Post

An inside look at what really goes on.

Observations and thoughts from Thursday’s Redskins practice – Washington Times

Observations from Thursday’s Redskins practice

Meet Mr. Morris – Burgundy Blog [On the Washington Redskins]

Meet Mr. Morris Shanny’s sneaky selection of unheralded running back Alfred Morris kind of flew under the radar on Draft Day 3, what with everyone freaking out about Kirk Cousins and all.

Washington Redskins Defensive Stars | Fanspeak Washington Redskins Blog

A couple weeks ago, I looked at who might be the Redskins offensive X-factor, so I figured I should go back and look at who the defensive X-factor might be. While including London Fletcher could make for some interesting debate, I figured looking beyond the heart and soul of the team.

Could Niles Paul At Tight End Work? | The Burgundy Warpath

Niles Paul stood out in today’s practice, catching two deep balls while being matched up against a safety and a linebacker. His transition to tight end will hinge more on his development as a blocker than as a pass-catcher, but there’s no question that a tight end with his 4.5 speed will present problems for defenses.

Ignoring the “Big Blue”-print? – Hogs Haven

Hogs Haven looks at the strength of the NFC East and what the Redskins are doing to combat it.

Report: NFL has Saints bounty ledger – Washington Times

Documents gathered in the NFL’s bounty investigation of the Saints include a ledger detailing payments for plays such as “cart-offs” and “whacks,” a person familiar with the probe said.

Random notes from around the NFC East: On “unexpected Pro Bowlers,” and Niles Paul beating linebackers at Skins OTAs – Blogging the bEast

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