The preseason games have been played and statements by players looking to get on this roster have been made. The Washington Redskins’ coaching staff must cut as many as 20 guys from the team by 4:00 p.m. tomorrow and they have some very tough decisions to make. This year, the NFL increased the number of players on the practice squad from eight to 10 which is somewhat helpful. But there is more talent on this squad than we’ve seen in a long time at this time of the year.
Predicting Washington’s final 53-man roster was not easy. I’ve drafted and re-drafted this list multiple times. But cuts have to be made so here it is. This is my final 53-man roster and I’m sticking to it… I think.
OFFENSE
Quarterback (3): Robert Griffin, III, Kirk Cousins, Colt McCoy
Yep. They’re keeping all three.
Offensive line (9): Trent Williams/Morgan Moses, Chris Chester/Spencer Long, Tyler Polumbus/Tom Compton, Shawn Lauvao/Josh LeRibeus, Kory Lichtensteiger
Recall they had Chester in at center for a time versus the Baltimore Ravens (he played the position at Oklahoma)
Tight End (3): Jordan Reed, Logan Paulsen, Niles Paul
Wide Receiver (6): Starters = DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garçon, Andre Roberts. Backups = Santana Moss, Ryan Grant, Aldrick Robinson
Running backs/Fullback (5): Darrel Young, Alfred Morris, Roy Helu, Chris Thompson, Silas Redd*
By far the hardest decision. Decided to keep five on the roster because Redd has played himself on to the team.
DEFENSE
Defensive line (6): Barry Cofield, Jason Hatcher, Chris Baker, Jarvis Jenkins, Kedric Golston, Clifton Geathers
This was made marginally easier because of Chris Neild’s injury last night versus Tampa Bay. Hence Geathers on the roster. The Pocono Punisher possibly has torn a ligament in his knee but if he has not, Neild would be on the roster. He’s a natural at the nose tackle position.
Linebackers/Outside (4): Ryan Kerrigan, Brian Orakpo, Trent Murphy, Gabe Miller
Everette Brown could get the nod over Miller. While the latter has youth, Brown – in his fifth year – has special teams and experience on his side. Miller, only in his second year, has shown well during the preseason.
Linebackers/Inside (5): Keenan Robinson, Perry Riley, Adam Hayward, Darryl Sharpton, Will Compton
Granted, Sharpton’s been out much of the later off-season with the high-ankle sprain but his special teams experience will make it really difficult to cut him. Compton has worked well this off-season and possibly a way onto the roster. If not on the 53-man, he’ll be on the practice squad
Secondary/Cornerbacks (5): DeAngelo Hall, David Amerson, E.J. Biggers, Bashaud Breeland, Richard Crawford
Biggers can move to safety if required and Crawford can return punts. Minnifield did really well this training camp but it’s a numbers game.
Secondary/Safeties (4): Ryan Clark, Brandon Meriweather, Phillip Thomas, Bacarri Rambo,
With Meriweather’s suspension, I wish I could have five here, to include Akeem Davis, especially because of his special teams value. The depth scares me a bit but that’s why it’s important that Biggers — and even Hall if necessary — could play safety if required. Thomas and Rambo have really improved this off-season.
SPECIAL TEAMS (3)
Kicker: Zach Hocker
Long Snapper: Nick Sundberg,
Punter: Toss up between Robert Malone and Tress Way – you pick it
I didn’t like this punting and kicking competition at all. I’m going with Hocker only because Gruden paid a draft pick for him but I wouldn’t be surprised if Forbath remained on the roster. Way wasn’t in the running until his 59-yard punt last night and the hang time we’ve seen in practice.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
*Either Lache Seastrunk or Silas Redd will end up on the practice squad… possibly both or whichever one does not make the 53-man roster. CB Chase Minnifield might land here as well. Agree with Lake (Lewis) that it’s likely we’ll see wide outs Nick Williams, Lee Doss or Rashad Ross, tight end Ted Bolser, safety Trenton Robinson and/or defensive tackle Robert Thomas on the squad.
Hail.