Offense
via Getty Images/Patrick Smith
Quarterbacks: Alex Smith, Colt McCoy
No surprises here. Smith was always going to be the starter and McCoy is a backup who can get you through 5-6 games without ruining your season should QB1 go down. As much as Kevin Hogan would be a nice addition to this team, he is the odd man out as the Skins’ usually only carry 2 QB’s on the roster.
via CBS Sports
Running Backs: Adrian Peterson, Chris Thompson, Rob Kelley, Kapri Bibbs, Samaje Perine
No surprises here either. Byron Marshall will be the odd man out. Injuries will likely mean the coaching staff elects to keep 5 backs.
via AP/Alex Brandon
Wide Receivers: Josh Doctson, Paul Richardson, Jamison Crowder, Maurice Harris, Cam Sims
Doctson is the incumbent WR1, with Richardson opposite him and Crowder holding down the slot. Harris has impressed throughout training camp and will earn a spot. Sims has performed well in preseason action edging out Brian Quick. Mr. Irrelevant, Trey Quinn, hasn’t done much to separate him self from the pack.
via Washington Post/John McDonnell
Tight Ends: Josh Reed, Vernon Davis, Jeremy Sprinkle
Reed, when healthy, is an elite tight end. Davis is also a reliable target who can fill in as a starter should Reed go down (Reed has never played 16 games in his professional career). Sprinkle has been solid this offseason and no one else has done much to challenge him for the third TE spot.
via USA TODAY
Offensive Line: Trent Williams, Shawn Lauvao, Chase Roullier, Brandon Scherff, Morgan Moses, Geron Christian Sr., Tyler Catalina, Ty Nseke, Kyle Kalis
When healthy, this is a top line in the league. It will be interesting to see whether the coaching staff elects to keep 8 linemen like last year or add another for depth purposes. The latter seems more likely.
Defense
via AP/Manuel Balce Ceneta
Defensive line: Jon Allen, Da’Ron Payne, Matt Ioannidis, Tim Settle, Anthony Lanier II, Ziggy Hood
This defensive line will be young and hungry. With the exception of Hood, everyone on this line will be 25 years old or younger.
via Garrett Campbell/Washington Redskins
Inside Linebackers: Zach Brown, Mason Foster, Josh Harvey-Clemons, Martrell Spaight, Shaun Dion Hamilton
Zach Vigil looks to be the odd man out here. Spaight has shown improvement this preseason and can play on special teams, while Hamilton is a raw prospect that can develop into a starter. These four guys will see plenty of action this week against the Baltimore Ravens.
via LetsGoRedskins.com
Outside Linebackers: Ryan Kerrigan, Preston Smith, Ryan Anderson, Pernell McPhee
Not much to say here, this is likely to be the strongest unit on defense with Kerrigan and Smith returning. McPhee was added this offseason to boost depth.
via Keith Allison/Hanover, MD
Cornerbacks: Josh Norman, Quinton Dunbar, Fabian Moreau, Adonis Alexander, Danny Johnson, Greg Stroman
A young group led by Norman. Dunbar and Moreau are no surprises. Alexander has the size and speed to play safety as well. Johnson has made the most of his opportunities in preseason action. Greg Stroman will look to immediately contribute as a return man on special teams.
via Washington Post/John McDonnell
Safeties: D.J. Swearinger, Montae Nicholson, Deshazor Everrett, Troy Apke, Quin Blanding
Washington would be best suited to keep 5 safeties as Apke may need more time to develop as a backup and a little competition from Blanding might help speed things along.
Special Teams
via HTTR4LIFE.com
Special Teams: Dustin Hopkins (K), Tress Way (P), Nick Sundberg (LS)
Again, no surprises here. This unit returns from last year.
