Washington Redskins 53-Man Roster Projection #4

The Redskins were able to beat the Ravens on Saturday night and have since named Kirk Cousins the starting QB for the 2015 season.  We were also fortunate enough to make it out of that Ravens game with no major injuries.  Huge news.  Additionally, today they announced roster cuts that leaves our team with 75 players.  The 'Skins will play their final preseason game on Thursday against the Jacksonville Jaguars and then proceed to cut-down to the final 53.  I'll go ahead and tell you what that's going to look like:

Quarterbacks (2):

Kirk Cousins, Colt McCoy

You read that right.  I'm thinking a young guy will be picked up and put on the PS to serve as our QB3 (if needed).  Perhaps Hutson Mason will be brought back?

Running Backs (4):

Alfred Morris, Darrel Young, Matt Jones, Chris Thompson

No change here.  A very strong, solid group.  I think they'll try to get Trey Williams onto the PS.

Wide Receivers (6):

DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, Andre Roberts, Jamison Crowder, Ryan Grant, Rashad Ross

I've had this group set with six since this year began and always listed the same six.  Today I make a change.  I took off Evan Spencer and added Rashad Ross.  I've made the case to keep Spencer many times (size, STs ability, draft pick, etc.), but Ross has simply played his way onto the roster.  I'm not sure how he'll contribute, but I know he'd make a fine return guy and has been very good during the preseason at WR.  I'm not sure if he'll dress, but he's simply been too good to let go.  It's about hanging on to your 53 best players.  Spencer will find his way to the PS.

Tight Ends (4):

Jordan Reed, Derek Carrier, D.J. Williams, Je'Ron Hamm

Carrier was brought in for a fifth-round draft pick.  That signifies to me he's making the team.  Reed showed why he's so great against the Ravens on Saturday and Williams has experience, receiving and blocking ability, and versatility.  Hamm has looked great all throughout camp and the preseason, as well.  This is about keeping the best 53.

Offensive Line (8):

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

Having a fourth TE and having the versatility of Tom Compton allows for eight OL.  Reiter and Cofield should both be on the PS and could be brought up if need be.

Defensive Line (7):

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

Unchanged.

Outside Linebackers (5):

Ryan Kerrigan, Preston Smith, Trent Murphy, Jackson Jeffcoat, Houston Bates

Here's a group that has seen some changed.  For starters, Junior Galette has gone to the IR after suffering a torn Achilles.  I like Preston Smith to step up as the starter opposite Ryan Kerrigan.  He's looked really good in the preseason games and I love his potential.  I also think Jackson Jeffcoat has really solidified his spot on this roster.  The dude just keeps making plays.  I think Bates really benefits from the loss of Galette.  He's able to sneak on thanks in large part to his outstanding preseason.  I'd like to see him really show out against Jacksonville to really secure that spot.

Inside Linebackers (5):

Keenan Robinson, Perry Riley, Will Compton, Martrell Spaight, Terrance Plummer

Losing Adam Hayward is a huge blow, especially to the STs group.  Plummer deserves his place though, regardless of Hayward's injury (though that helped).  Plummer has been all over the field making plays all preseason long.  He really looks like he belongs.  Spaight has flashed too and along with playing about a million plays during this preseason games along with being a fifth-round draft choice, I think the staff really likes his potential.

Cornerbacks (4):

Chris Culliver, DeAngelo Hall, David Amerson, Justin Rogers

I loved that play Rogers made chasing down the KO return on Saturday.  That's the kind of thing that gets coach's attention, too.  I like Everett and Dunbar a lot here too, but I think they'll benefit from a year on the PS.  I'd like the team to get both of those guys on the PS.  They both have potential.

Safeties (5):

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

No real change here.  I think Duke has kind of locked up the starting SS spot, Johnson should contribute heavily on STs, and Jarrett has looked outstanding and really locked up his roster spot.

Specialists (3):

Kai Forbath, Tress Way, Nick Sundberg

No change here.  With Ty Long having been released, this is all but written in stone.

Last Five On:

Rashad Ross - He's simply been too good to cut.  Could serve as a return man if needed.  Blazing speed (up there with Jackson).

D.J. Williams - I like him.  I think he'll play a lot and play very well against the Jags Thursday.  He's versatile and experienced.  Arguably the best blocker of the TE group right now (aside from Compton).

Je'Ron Hamm - I could see him ending up on the PS, but they seem to really like him.  Could be insurance if Reed gets hurt.  He's been very good all throughout the preseason and camp.

Jackson Jeffcoat - Simply been too good.  We need help there with Galette gone and Jeffcoat seems to be improving.

Houston Bates - Ditto.  Played his way on.  Needs a strong showing against Jacksonville to solidify it.  He's close to the edge.

Last Five Cuts:

Robert Griffin III

Trey Williams - I think he has a lot of potential but isn't really ready, yet.  A year on the PS should do wonders for him.

Ty Nsekhe - They may keep him if they're worried about having only eight OL on the roster.  He's been solid if unspectacular.  Think Cofield's close and could be our guy from the PS if need be.

Deshazor Everett - A young CB with a lot of potential.  Needs to be on the PS.

Quinton Dunbar - A young CB with a lot of potential.  Needs to be on the PS, especially considering his recent transition to the position.  He seems like a natural, but a year of learning and working will definitely help him.