Washington Redskins 53-Man Roster Projection #3

The Redskins beat the Browns last week in their preseason opener but suffered two losses greater than their victory.  With Logan Paulsen already banged up (and now we know he's out for the year) both Niles Paul and Silas Redd suffered season-ending injuries.  Losing all three players is a huge blow to the Redskins roster.  We're only 2.5 weeks away from having the final 53 officially announced and those injuries, along with team's performance against the Browns have shuffled things up a bit.  They'll likely get a little more shuffled tomorrow night against Detroit.  Let's take a look:

Quarterbacks (3):

Robert Griffin III, Kirk Cousins, Colt McCoy

The only change is that Kirk has moved ahead of Colt for the QB2 spot after a dynamite performance against the Browns.  Colt will have his chance for redemption tomorrow night.

Running Backs (4):

Alfred Morris, Darrel Young, Matt Jones, Chris Thompson

Not a change to be seen.  Feeling very secure and confident with this group.

Wide Receivers (6):

DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, Andre Roberts, Jamison Crowder, Ryan Grant, Evan Spencer

No change.  Evan needs to show more in the next couple game to ensure his spot, though.  I'd really like to see a standout play or two on STs from him.

Tight Ends (3):

Jordan Reed, D.J. Williams, Ernst Brun

Here are the changes!  Niles Paul was slated to be the starter and he's now gone for the year.  It's a huge blow not only because of his ability as a receiver and potential as a blocker with his added weight/strength, but he's also arguably our best STs player.  We also lost Logan Paulsen who has experience and is a decent blocker.  Jordan Reed is still banged up but we're all hopeful he'll play in the third preseason game against Baltimore.  He's fragile, though.  He'll be the starter as long as he's physically able.

After Reed is where most of the intrigue on this roster lies right now.  We still have Je'Ron Hamm, Chase Dixon, and Devin Mahina on the roster.  D.J. Williams and Ernst Brun were brought in after Paulsen and Paul were moved to IR.  And then there's always the possibility of picking up a TE or two after a few are cut from other teams.  We'll have to wait and see on that.  Based on who we have now though, I'm going with the new guys as the reserve TEs.  Williams has the most experience of the five and can also play FB.  I think he'll impress throughout the rest of the preseason.  Brun is just a gut feeling.  I think Je'Ron Hamm needs another year of development, but wouldn't at all be surprised if he beat out Brun for the TE3 spot.  Of course, this situation could easily be all shook up again if someone else is brought in.

Offensive Line (9):

Trent Williams, Shawn Lauvao, Kory Lichtensteiger, Brandon Scherff, Morgan Moses, Spencer Long, Arie Kouandjio, Tom Compton, Ty Nsekhe

Tom Compton's spot got a little more secure with the new TE injuries as he's been getting a little practice time there.  Versatility can be a very good thing and a guy who can fill in as a reserve OL and a reserve TE could fit well with what we have and what we need right now.  He can play OT, G, and/or TE.  Beyond that, I've replaced Willie Smith with Ty Nsekhe.  They're pretty close, but Smith was pretty bad against Cleveland and I think we need more than just Compton.  Nsekhe has looked decent and he'll be one to watch closely over the next few preseason games.  I'd like to see him get a chance at LT and see how he does.  LeRib moved further from the roster because he's not playing very well, at all.

Defensive Line (7):

Jason Hatcher, Terrance Knighton, Stephen Paea, Ricky Jean-Francois, Chris Baker, Kedric Golston, Frank Kearse

Solid.  Not changing.

Outside Linebackers (4):

Ryan Kerrigan, Junior Galette, Trent Murphy, Preston Smith

Solid.  Not changing.  I still like Galette to start but I think all four of these guys will see some action.

Inside Linebackers (5):

Keenan Robinson, Perry Riley, Will Compton, Adam Hayward, Martrell Spaight

No change here.  Spaight looked good the other night and Plummer flashed, as well.  Plummer has a chance to make this roster still, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him end up on the PS.  I'd like to see Compton get healthy and play some.  Could he be one of those surprise cuts that happens every year?

Cornerbacks (4):

Chris Culliver, DeAngelo Hall, David Amerson, Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith

I've swapped out Justin Rogers after a poor performance against Cleveland and replaced him with DCS.  Da'Mon is a good STs player and has shown good versatility by playing (and playing pretty well) at both FS and CB.  He's looked very good in practice and has even been running with the 2's at times (primarily at FS, but also at CB some).  He has great size and has stood out to me.  Looking forward to watching him more over the next couple games.  Rogers isn't out of it by any means, but he really needs to redeem himself.

Safeties (5):

Dashon Goldson, Duke Ihenacho, Jeron Johnson, Trenton Robinson, Kyshoen Jarrett

No real change.  T-Rob looked great against Cleveland.  Jarrett's been pretty good (and versatile), too.

Specialists (3):

Kai Forbath, Tress Way, Nick Sundberg

No change.

Last Five On:

Evan Spencer - He hasn't looked great, but still offers size and a reputation for great STs play.  Needs to show more.  Could Ross make it over him?  Might they just go with five?

D.J. Williams - He has to show something.  It's only speculation with him so far.

Ernst Brun - Ditto.

Ty Nsekhe - He's been decent.  Needs to show more and still hold off Smith and Cofield.  Helped by Smith's poor performance last Thursday.

Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith - He's a versatile, big DB who's played well, but there are a bunch of young, relatively unknown DBs competing right now.  Opportunities are there with Breeland out and Hall banged up.

Last Six Cuts:

Rashad Ross - Not sure how they can keep him, but if he keeps producing, he may force their hand.

Willie Smith - He was bad against the Browns.  Needs to redeem himself.  I still think he can.

Je'Ron Hamm - He could easily make it at TE.  Has a huge opportunity tomorrow.

Jackson Jeffcoat - I like him a lot.  Do they keep five OLBs, though?  He'll need to keep producing.

Terrance Plummer - Looked outstanding at Cleveland.  Needs to keep it up.  Very likable player.

Justin Rogers - Needs a good showing.