Note: All images come from Washington Redskins official site Redskins.com

The Redskins’s offense was incredibly potent in 2016. Kirk Cousins enjoyed his second consecutive strong season, spreading the ball around a supremely talented group of pass-catchers. Additionally, despite a slow start, the Skins were finally able to run the ball towards the end of the year, as the combination of the powerful Robert Kelley and the elusive Chris Thompson proved a strong fit for a team seeking an answer at the running back position. The team’s offensive line, long a major issue, performed very well, finishing as one of the best in the league in terms of sacks allowed. This group has the potential to be truly elite this year, despite some major roster changes.

Quarterback

The Redskins gave Kirk Cousins the franchise tag again this spring, as the two sides have not yet come to an agreement on a deal that would keep Captain Kirk in DC for the long haul. Whether Kirk is here after this season or not, what he provides in the short term is perfect for Coach Jay Gruden’s offense. Cousins can make all the throws, but he excels in the quick, short passes that the offense is centered around. Many people view this as a negative for Cousins, claiming he does not possess the arm strength or athleticism to run a different style of offense, but Cousins has proven these doubters wrong throughout his time as the Redskins’ starting QB. Kirk may not be as strong as Cam Newton, but his throws downfield, particularly those in the Week 11 win against Green Bay, (in which there was heavy wind throughout) show that Cousins is more than capable of getting the ball deep to his receivers. When it comes to his athleticism, no one will mistake Kirk for Marcus Mariota, but Kirk has shown a proficiency in moving the pocket on play actions bootlegs and designed rollouts. Near the goal line, Cousins is a threat opposing defenses often ignore, but he has run for 9 red-zone touchdowns in the last two years, mostly on read option keepers. Cousins may not be in the elite class among NFL quarterbacks, but the Redskins should be excited (and willing to pay!) to have a talented, multi-faceted quarterback like Kirk.

Running Back

The running back position was one that raised many questions in 2016. The anointed starter going into the season was Matt Jones, but his fumbling issues quickly led to his fall down the depth chart in favor of undrafted Tulane rookie Robert Kelley. Both remain on the roster this offseason, but they are in places that could not be more different. Kelley enters voluntary team activities as assumed starter, whereas Jones is a no-show to this point in the offseason and appears to be out of the team’s plans altogether. The team also drafted Samaje Perine from Oklahoma in the fourth round, and he appears poised to compete with Kelley for the starter’s share of reps. Perine brings a big body with power that rivals that of Fat Rob, as well as the athleticism to catch passes out of the backfield if needed. Chris Thompson performed admirably as the third-down back last year and seems to be in a position to hold onto that job this fall. He does not have the size to handle a large workout between the tackles, but his ability to pass protect, catch passes, and run sweeps is a major asset for the team. Although there is no clear cut every down back currently on the roster, Rob Kelley and Thompson have proven themselves as contributors, while Perine presents an intriguing option as a running back for the future who could contribute from Day 1.

Wide Receiver

No position on the Redskin’s offense saw a more complete overhaul than wide receiver. Gone are last season’s statistical leaders, Pierre Garcon and Desean Jackson. Jamison Crowder is the leading returning wideout; he played extremely well as a slot receiver and punt returner and is likely due for a larger role in 2017. The big addition to the receivers is former Cleveland Browns converted quarterback Terrelle Pryor. Pryor is a physical freak at 6’4 and blazing speed. Pryor has already proven himself as the fastest player on the team during workouts, according to multiple reports. Pryor looks to seize the Number 1 wide receiver role this offseason and should play a major role, particularly in the red zone.

Josh Doctson returns after an injury plagued rookie season that saw him finish with only two catches. The 2016 first round pick will likely be a significant contributor with his downfield speed and ability to high point passes with his 6’2 frame and 41 inch vertical. Additionally, the team brings back coaching staff favorite Ryan Grant, signed former Ram Bryan Quick, and drafted Robert Davis in the sixth round of out Georgia State. The sleeper in the group is Maurice Harris, a big bodied second year player who went undrafted out of Cal. Harris has a large frame and is a an excellent blocker for the position, which could set him apart from those he is competing with this summer. Expect the team to start Pryor and Crowder, with Doctson bumping Crowder inside to the slot in 3 WR sets.

Tight End

The tight end position is undoubtedly one of the strongest groups on the Redskins roster. Jordan Reed continued his emergence as one of the elite tight ends in the entire NFL. Reed maintained his status as Kirk Cousins’ favorite target, particularly on third downs and in the red zone, where his size and agility make him a near impossible cover. Alongside Reed is Vernon Davis, the local product out of University of Maryland who seemed to find the fountain of youth in 2016. Davis, even at age 33, presents a match-up nightmare with his 6’3 frame and 4.4 second 40 yard dash speed. Number 85 certainly slowed down nearing the end of the season, but he is one of the best backups in the league and proved he could fill in for Reed and keep the offense clicking with his blocking and athleticism.

Niles Paul once again fought through injuries throughout the year. When healthy, Paul is incredibly versatile to the offense, having played wide receiver, tight end, and fullback in his years with the team. Paul is also a leader on the special teams units. Although Paul’s 2 million dollar cap hit is significant, his versatility and value to the special teams makes that price tag worth it. The team drafted Arkansas tight end Jeremy Sprinkle in the firth round . He is a big, powerful blocker with the football IQ that makes up for limited athleticism. He has had some off the field concerns but if he can keep that in check he can be a valuable addition to the team in years to come. Derek Carrier is also still on the roster, and he has proven he can be of value when he is used. He will face an uphill battle against Sprinkle and Paul to make the roster. The Redskins utilize two and three tight end sets with regularity, so it can be expected that they will keep four at the position, especially with Paul’s special team’s contributions. The tight ends remain a major strength for the team, and Reed is solidifying his place as one of the elite pass catchers in today’s NFL.

Offensive Line

For so many years, the Redskins offensive line was the laughing stock of the NFL, serving only as turnstiles that watched as opposing defenders blew up our quarterbacks and running backs. Those days are long gone. This position group, coached by famed O-line guru Bill Callahan, has emerged as one of the best in the entire NFL. The group is led by monstrous LT Trent Williams, who made his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl this past year. Williams is ridiculously athletic despite his enormous 6’5 320 pound frame and is the undoubted leader of the line.

The right side of the line is manned by RG Brandon Scherff and RT Morgan Moses. These two giants (6’5 325 and 6’6 335, respectively) are ferocious run blockers who play through the whistle. Scherff is entering his third year in the league as the fifth overall pick out of Iowa, and he was selected to his first Pro Bowl this past season. Moses was given a 5 year contract extension which made him the second highest paid right tackle in the NFL this spring. These two will hold down the right side of the line for years to come. Spencer Long emerged as a starter at center this season. He had struggled previously in his career as a left guard, but appeared to be a much better fit in the middle of the line. A full offseason as the starter will only serve to benefit him, as he grow more comfortable with his blocking assignments making line calls. Left guard is the only question mark left along the line.

Last years’ starter, Shawn Lauvao, returns to the team, but his struggles in pass protection combined with his nearly $5 million cap hit, make him a potential causality when it comes time to cut down the roster. Young reserves Arie Kouandjio, Isaiah Williams and 6th round draft pick Chase Roullier could all potentially challenge Lauvao for the starting left guard spot. Reserve tackles Ty Nsekhe and Vinston Painter are among the best backup linemen in the league. It was shocking to see Nsekhe go through free agency without a deal worth starter’s money when players like Matt Kalil received huge deals. Overall, the offensive line remains one of, if not the single strongest unit on the offensive side of the ball. The Redskins will go as far as this line takes them. They consistently keep Kirk Cousins’ back clean, allowing the 4th fewest sacks in the NFL. With talents like Trent Williams, Scherff, and Moses, this line could carry the Redskins far beyond the first round of the playoffs.

Follow us on Twitter at @DC__Scoop for more great content