Washington Redskins 53-Man Roster Projection for 2014
The Washington Redskins will take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday as they wrap up the 2014 NFL Preseason. Coach Jay Gruden has already said the starters will not play, so the battle is on for players who are on the bubble heading into the fourth preseason game. Below is our 53-man roster prediction for the 2014-15 season.
Quarterback (2)
- Robert Griffin III
- Kirk Cousins
A decent argument could be made to keep three quarterbacks here, but ultimately, in the end, Colt McCoy would just be a clipboard carrier barring an injury. Chances are if that injury comes McCoy will still be available. Fact is the Redskins are wealthy at the quarterback position with two young guys who are hungry but are not in any sort of competition.
Whether they go with the three or not will be Gruden’s call, I just feel the extra roster spot could be used for depth elsewhere, like for an extra special teams guy (See Richard Crawford).
Runningback (5)
- Alfred Morris
- Roy Helu
- Lache Seastrunk
- Evan Royster
- Darrel Young (FB)
The odd man out of this group is Chris Thompson, who could end up on the practice squad if he clears waivers, he had a major shot this preseason, but he just has not been able to get on the field enough with injuries holding him back. Silas Redd will likely be a practice squad guy but could in fact still make the team. Runningback is a tough position to call this year for the Redskins.
Receivers (6)
- Pierre Garcon
- DeSean Jackson
- Andre Roberts
- Ryan Grant
- Santana Moss
- Aldrick Robinson
No big surprises at receiver this year. Have to think Aldrick Robinson and Nick Williams are battling it out for the final spot heading into Thursday game with the Bucs.
Tight End (3)
- Jordan Reed
- Logan Paulsen
- Niles Paul
Jordan Reed is on the brink of being a superstar in the NFL. Ted Bolser will find himself on the practice squad.
Offensive Line (9)
- Trent Williams
- Shawn Lauvao
- Kory Lichtensteiger
- Chris Chester
- Tyler Polumbus
- Morgan Moses
- Spencer Long
- Josh LeRibeus
- Tom Compton
Going with nine linemen may seem like a lot, but there are a couple of rookie projects mixed into the equation as Morgan Moses and Spencer Long will try to gain experience and work their way into some sort of role with the team.
Defensive Line (6)
- Barry Cofield
- Jason Hatcher
- Chris Baker
- Stephen Bowen
- Jarvis Jenkins
- Kedric Gholston
The only real question mark here is will Bowen be ready for the first game. Chances are he starts the season on the physically unable to perform list (PUP).
Linebackers (9)
- Brian Orakpo (OLB)
- Ryan Kerrigan (OLB)
- Keenan Robinson (ILB)
- Perry Riley (ILB)
- Trent Murphy (OLB)
- Everette Brown (OLB)
- Adam Hayward (ILB)
- Will Compton (OLB)
- Darryl Sharpton (ILB)
The cutting of Rob Jackson was and will be the biggest cut this year. The team doesn’t lose anything really as Jackson was being listed as the number 4 outside linebacker, a role Everette Brown can fill. The addition of Adam Hayward and Darryl Sharpton, along with Keenan Robinson’s development and ability to stay healthy so far should give the special teams and inside linebacker position a big push this season.
Cornerback (6)
- DeAngelo Hall
- David Amerson
- Bashaud Breeland
- Tracy Porter
- E.J. Biggers
- Richard Crawford
I’m thinking Richard Crawford is too valuable to the coaching staff on special teams just to cut him loose. In the event, Gruden opts for three quarterbacks Crawford would be the odd man out.
Safety (4)
- Ryan Clark
- Brandon Meriweather
- Phillip Thomas
- Bacarri Rambo
The only question here is how hurt is Phillip Thomas? He will meet this weekend with the same doctor who operated on his foot last year. If Thomas can’t go, it presents the Redskins with an awkward position. Brandon Meriweather has been suspended by the league for the first two games for a hit on Ravens receiver Torrie Smith. Even though Meriweather is appealing the Redskins will still have to treat the situation as if he won’t play those games. Rookie Akeem Davis could find himself still in a job in that situation, even if just temporarily.
Special Teams (3)
- Nick Sundberg (Long Snapper)
- Robert Malone (Punter)
- Kai Forbath
Zach Hocker showed he has some skills this preseason, but in the end, he was only brought in to push Kai Forbath. No surprise on Sundberg or Malone.
