This will be the first of many posts about upcoming Redskins position battles heading into training camp this year.
The Washington Redskins clearly have depth and competition at the runningback position, two things Coach Mike Shanahan absolutely loves. Shanahan has made it clear the last two years as the Redskins coach that he enjoys competition at all positions in training camp. Last year was no different as then-rookie Alfred Morris made the best of things and won the starting role in route to a Redskins single season rushing record.
This year the Redskins are stacked at the runningback position with Morris, Roy Helu, Evan Royster, Tristan Davis, Keiland Williams and rookie draft picks Chris Thompson and Jawan Jamison currently on the 90 man roster.
With the starting role all but decided before they ever put pads on this year, the real battle will be for second and third string.
Roy Helu is trying to return after a variety of foot/leg injuries last year that led to off-season surgery. So far he looks good in his comeback but he faces an uphill battle that has several people in his way.
Davis, Williams and Royster are wildcards in the mix. None of them has done anything in the past that jumps out to you and would make you think they will breakout next year. Evan Royster has the most upside out of these three even though I myself was surprised he made the roster last year.
Tristan Davis has never been on anything but the practice squad and there is a good chance he will be there again this year. Keiland Williams was added last year after the team cut Ryan Grant and helped on special teams.
The real competition for the backup roles on the Redskins could in fact come from the pair of rookies the Redskins have coming into camp this year. Chris Thompson and Jawan Jamison will make things interesting as they each have a skill set that fits Shanahan’s zone blocking scheme. Thompson is recovering from injuries suffered last season, but has an explosive skill set and can return kicks. Jamison has some of the same qualities as Thompson only less explosive, they both would be upgrades over Williams on special teams.
Pre-Camp Projections
- Alfred Morris
- Roy Helu
- Evan Royster
- Chris Thompson
- Jawan Jamison
- Keiland WIlliams
- Tristan Davis
