For the past few years, the Redskins lacked depth at countless positions on defense...DE, DT, LB, CB, SS, FS...well, this year is NOT one of those years. The Redskins boast depth at almost every position on defense...and while that could all change depending on injuries (both the potentially healed ones and the ones we could see as practice for the 2013 season resumes).
Here's what to watch:
Defensive Line
Starters: Jarvis Jenkins (LE), Barry Cofield (DT), Stephen Bowen (RE)
Competition: Adam Carraker (LE), Kedric Gholston (DE/DT), Chris Baker (DT), Chris Neild (DT), Phillip Merling (DE/DT), Ron Brace (DT/DE),
Roster Long-Shots: Dominique Hamilton (DE), Chiqbo Anunoby
Barry Cofield and Stephen Bowen return to the starting spots this year. Because Carraker is slowed by his ailing knee, Jarvis Jenkins gets 1st team honors...not to take away from Jarvis Jenkins play. At times, Jenkins has flashed amazing ability to shed blockers and disrupt the offense, be it against the run and the pass....so, Jenkins earned this spot. Carraker would have to be healthy enough practice and then would still have to earn his spot back. Big Papa Pump has a battle on his hands. Chris Baker and Chris Neild will be battling for a reserve role at DT. Rob Brace and Phillip Merling were both brought in for competition in a reserve role, as either has shown the ability to play both DE and DT. Both are capable back-ups, but I believe Merling has the advantage in both age and talent. Hamilton and Anunoby are both developmental guys likely to end up on the practice squad this year.
Linebackers
Starters: Brian Orakpo (ROLB), Perry Riley (RILB), London Fletcher (LILB), Ryan Kerrigan (LOLB)
Competition: Darryl Tapp (OLB), Bryan Kehl (ILB), Roderick Muckleroy (ILB), Rob Jackson (ROLB), Keenan Robinson (ILB), Brandon Jenkins (OLB),
Roster Long-Shots: Vic So'oto (OLB), Marvin Burdette (ILB), Ricky Elmore (OLB), Jeremy Kimbrough (ILB), Will Compton (OLB)
Orakpo returning to the lineup should greatly improve the Redskins pass-rush, which will help the secondary out too. Riley, Fletcher, and Kerrigan will resume there starting spots as well. The reserve spots are up for grabs...best guys win. Bryan Kehl seems a good fit for the 53 man roster due to good special teams play. Tapp is also a good fit for the system, but will have to beat out Jenkins for a roster spot. Jackson has some memorable plays in 2012 but OLB is crowded this year. Robinson is expected to play a back-up role but will need to perform on special teams as well to be active during games. I would be surprised if any of the others make the team, but some several should earn spots on the practice squad.
Corner Back
Starters: Josh Wilson, DeAngelo Hall, David Amerson
Competition: E. J. Biggers, Richard Crawford, Chase Minnifield
Josh Wilson seems to be the only starter set in stone. It will be between Hall, Amerson, and Biggers on who fits best in the slot/nickle spot and who starts along sides Wilson. I think we may see a few different packages where the all see some action, especially in pre-season. Biggers and Crawford will also get a chance to crack the starting line-up, though Crawford has the edge with his special teams play. Keep an eye on Minnifield...if he can stay healthy and return to form, he can win a roster spot. Notice no "Long-Shots?" Yep...true battle in this secondary.
Free/Strong Safety:
Starters: Brandon Merriweather (SS), Reed Doughty (FS)
Competition: Phillip Thomas (SS), Bacarri Rambo (FS), DeJon Gomes (SS)
Roster Long-Shots: Jordan Pugh (FS) , Jordan Bernstine* (FS/SS), Devin Holland* (SS)
Merriweather and Doughty seem to be the guys to beat, and they have some hefty competition in rookies Thomas and Rambo. Regardless of who starts, I would expect Rambo to bid for the starting FS spot and Thomas to bid for the starting SS spot...though, I think Rambo has the edge at winning a starting gig, having some college special teams experience and being a more of a true FS. Both rookies should make the roster. Though Pugh and Bernstine had flashes last year, it will be hard to beat out the rookies, unless there are injuries...and as we saw last year, that is always a possibility.
*Bernstine and Holland were among the first cut casualties of camp...nagging injuries.
Competition breads excellence.
No comments:
Post a Comment