Redskins Stock Watch: Five Players on the Rise

The Washington Redskins are 3-0 in the 2015 preseason and against the Baltimore Ravens these five players stood out:

#1. Preston Smith

I know it's only preseason  but I think it's safe to say that Preston Smith is a monster. So far, Smith has 13 tackles (eight solo) and two sacks. Majority of people will say that these stats don't prove anything but what Preston Smith has been able to do has. In his preseason debut against the Cleveland Browns he did this:

His second sack came against the Ravens. He had four total tackles in that game. Preston Smith could very well be the answer to Junior Galette's absence. Him rushing the passer opposite a healthy Ryan Kerrigan could give quarterbacks nightmares. Smith still has a lot to learn, I'm not crowning him Defensive Rookie of the Year or anything but if he keeps this up, that award will be his by the end of the season.

#2. Chris Thompson

Chris Thompson played a great game against the Ravens even though the numbers might say the opposite. He scored a rushing touchdown on the goal line. and had three returns with a 24.7 yard average. It may not seem like a lot but it was still impressive. He made a case for himself on special teams and with a kick return average like that, coaches may look to him to be that guy who gets the offense good field position.

Chris Thompson also has been featured as the team's third down back. Prior to the Ravens game, Redskins head coach Jay Gruden spoke about how impressed he was with Thompson's progress according to Redskins.com's Stephen Czarda:

"Thompson is doing an excellent job, very happy with what Chris is doing," Redskins head coach Jay Gruden said recently.

"Chris is actually doing good on the bec normal downs also. Those three guys are excellent. Thompson’s improvement has allowed for him to become more than just a "gadget guy."

#3. Ryan Grant

Ryan Grant has had a bigger role in the offense this preseason because DeSean Jackson has been out. He's proven he's worthy of a roster spot when final cuts roll around. He had a solid performance against Baltimore, catching five passes for 64 yards. He dropped the ball a few times in that game but so far in DeSean Jackson's absence, he's been able to do some good things.

#4. Rashad Ross

Rashad Ross had two touchdowns against the Ravens. When you make plays like that, you open the eyes of your coaches. I think he has a great chance to make the squad. Both of his touchdowns were thrown by Colt McCoy and it makes you wonder if he'll make more plays against Jacksonville now that Colt McCoy will be under center for the entire game Thursday.

Gruden says QB Colt McCoy will play the entire game Thursday in the preseason finale vs. the Jaguars at FedExField.

— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) August 31, 2015

#5. Trey Williams

Trey Williams has really impressed me. Against the Ravens, he carried the ball nine times for 39 yards (4.3 yards). I hope they give him a consideration for the 53-man roster. He has a lot of speed and he's made the most of his opportunities this preseason.