:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/18240233/176940691.0.jpg)
Position Battles: Outside Linebacker
Brian Orakpo - The Redskins have held out Orakpo since August 15th when he suffered a thigh bruise. Last Friday, he told the Washington Post, "I'm good, I'm real good. Just stuff, you get nicked up in camp, so just precaution." All indications are that he will be ready for the start of the regular season.
Trending: No change
Ryan Kerrigan - Kerrigan had a big game against the Steelers, getting a strip sack for a turnover and a batted pass that he intercepted and returned for a touchdown. He looks fast and incredibly comfortable in the defensive scheme. Look for him to have a breakout year.
Trending: Up
Rob Jackson - Even though the defense as a whole had a good performance, Jackson did not stand out last Monday and finished with only one tackle. He has been fairly quiet in training camp and has not shown much of a spark in the two preseason games. Maybe it's because he knows his season still doesn't start for seven more weeks.
Trending: Down
Brandon Jenkins - While Jackson has been quiet, Jenkins has made his presence felt and shown great speed and pass rushing ability. He has impressed the coaches enough that they have indicated they will put him on the field along with Kerrigan and Orakpo in obvious passing situations.
Trending: Up
Darryl Tapp - Tapp has been a pleasant surprise in training camp and in the preseason games. Some questioned what he had left in the tank following two subpar seasons, but thus far he has brought a real energy to the defense. He has also shown great speed and power along with a knack for being at the right place at the right time.
Trending: Up
Vic So'oto - So'oto has spent most of his time with the third stringers and had two plays against the Steelers where he was able to get good penetration and interrupt the offense. Unfortunately, he has most likely not done enough to make this squad.
Trending: No change
Ricky Elmore - Elmore has also had a fairly quiet preseason. He still sits at the bottom of the depth chart and does not have much time left to make an impact.
Trending: No change