Redskins 2016 Official 53-Man Roster: Post-Cuts Analysis
The 53-man roster is set, and the Washington Redskins are now focused on their week one opponent, the Pittsburgh Steelers. That’s not to say that the roster is set in stone, in fact, most believe it will at least slightly changed within the next day or two.
That being said let’s take a look at the group that GM Scot McCloughan and head coach Jay Gruden believe can successfully defend the NFC East.
Quarterbacks (3)
Kirk Cousins; Colt McCoy; Nate Sudfeld
No big surprises here although there were some questions on if they would keep Sudfeld. He looks like to be insurance in case the team can’t come to an agreement with Kirk Cousins in the near future…that is of course if he successfully develops. He’s got a long ways to go.
Offensive line (9)
Trent Williams; Kory Lichtensteiger; Brandon Scherff; Morgan Moses; Shawn Lauvao; Spencer Long; Ty Nsekhe; Austin Reiter; Arie Kouandjio
This team continues to search for a center that fits its needs. Until they find that, Lichtensteiger took less money and Austin Reiter is going to be on the roster in 2016. Won’t shed a tear that LeRibeus is finally gone…now somebody with actual talent may get a shot.
Running back (3)
Matt Jones; Chris Thompson; Robert Kelley
Matt Jones is your starter with Robert Kelley coming in to give him ‘breathers,’ and Chris Thompson is your third-down, change of pace ‘receiving’ back.
Tight end (3)
Jordan Reed; Vernon Davis; Niles Paul
This position is stacked…Niles Paul will double on some packages as a fullback.
Wide receiver (6)
DeSean Jackson; Pierre Garcon; Jamison Crowder; Ryan Grant; Rashad Ross; Josh Doctson
Perhaps the best receiving unit in football. Doctson was just taken off the PUP list while Crowder’s knee is still a little sore. With Garcon and Jackson both in contract years, Crowder ready to bust out and Doctson on the brink, this unit is poised for something big.
Defensive line (6)
Chris Baker; Kedric Golston; Ziggy Hood; Ricky Jean Francois; Kendall Reyes; Anthony Lanier
In the past the Redskins have kept seven defensive linemen, hopefully, this change won’t affect things too much. Ziggy Hood and Anthony Lanier (undrafted) won their spots on the roster with strong camps/preseason.
Inside linebacker (5)
Will Compton; Mason Foster; Martrell Spaight; Su’a Cravens; Terrance Garvin
Good, but under-known unit who will not likely be heading to any pro-bowls. Cravens has extreme potential…Garvin is a special teams demon.
Outside linebacker (4)
Ryan Kerrigan; Preston Smith; Trent Murphy; Houston Bates
Preston Smith is on the verge of breaking out, and Ryan Kerrigan is in the prime of his career. This position could be altered if the Redskins were to find another edge-rusher they like. Houston Bates is a special teams guy.
Safety (5)
DeAngelo Hall; Will Blackmon; Duke Ihenacho; David Bruton, Jr.; Deshazor Everett
Keeping Everett may turn some heads as puzzling, but he was an important special teamer last year. The Redskins need Hall and Bruton to really play well this year.
Cornerback (6)
Josh Norman; Bashaud Breeland; Quinton Dunbar; Greg Toler; Kendall Fuller; Dashaun Phillips
All the talk is obviously over Norman, but Breeland is the guy to watch with opposing teams throwing away from Norman. Expect Breeland’s numbers to increase almost immediately.
Specialists (3)
Dustin Hopkins; Nick Sundberg; Tress Way
No change here…and why change what isn’t broken? Only thing I can see wrong with Way is sometimes he out-kicks his coverage.
