Predicting the Redskins 53 man roster After 1st Cuts

-This is pretty much set in stone. Even if Pat White has 400 passing and 150 yards rushing in this final preseason game, it should do little to change the Redskins opinion on the third quarterback. Grossman is a more complete quarterback, and with both Redskins QB’s dealing with some injuries it makes even more sense to keep him.

-The Redskins should probably keep 5 combined running backs and fullbacks, but that could be tough if the team decides to keep 6 receivers. Also, outside of Evan Royster it’s tough to make a good case for either Chris Thompson or Jawan Jamison. Thompson punt return potential shouldn’t be enough to keep him on the roster, given how inexperienced of a returner he is. With only one roster spot available here I think Keiland Williams wins out over Royster. Williams has a bit more versatility as he could play FB in a pinch and plays more on special teams. Royster is probably a slightly better runner, but Williams edges him out overall.

-Top five spots are all locked up, the issue here is the 6th spot. Do the Redskins use it on another running back instead (Chris Thompson)? Or do they keep one of the young UDFA return men, either Skye Dawson or Nick Williams? Or do they keep one of the two bigger and more talented receivers Dezmon Briscoe or Lance Lewis. I think they find their punt returner elsewhere meaning that Thompson, Dawson and Williams are out. It will then come down to Briscoe or Lewis. Briscoe has more experience and NFL production to boot, and Lewis can be stashed on the practice squad for another year. Given that I think Briscoe ends up getting this job, at least to start the year.

-This really is one of the easier roster decisions, especially since Davis, Paulsen and Paul have all looked good in camp/preseason. Jordan Reed has been a little banged up and has had some issues, but his potential makes him a lock as well.

-Though they haven’t don it yet, it is pretty likely that Maurice Hurt goes on the PUP list, buying the Redskins some time to figure out their back-up offensive line roster. Compton and Gettis have shown some flashes and should be pretty safe. Josh LeRibeus is still struggling, but he’s young and the team doesn’t want to give up on a 3rd rounder just yet. Pashos would give the Redskins the veteran back-up which could be key as a spot replacement this season.

-Keeping six defensive linemen isn’t the most ideal given the high number of injuries at the position, but they will get a boost when Jarvis Jenkins comes back after week 4. Given the numbers crunch one of Neild or Merling would need to go at that point.

-No real surprises here, Jenkins and Tapp keep locking up their spots. The interesting thing will be what happens once Rob Jackson comes back. I don’t see the Redskins exposing Jekins to waivers in hopes of putting him on the practice squad, and Tapp will have proven useful. Can the Redskins keep 5 OLBs? that will be an interesting question.

-No real surprise here especially with Nick Barnett getting his first game action and Muckelroy getting injured. Barnett may not be at 100% yet as he shakes off the rust, but he and Kehl give the Redskins some solid back-ups and should both contribute to special teams.

-With Richard Crawford‘s injury this position is down to 5 guys. They could consider keeping Jerome Murphy or bringing in a 6th CB, but they will probably use that spot elsewhere now. This definitely has the potential to be a solid group of guys, but there are question marks surrounding each player. The good news is even if one or two guys have injury issues or under perform, the Redskins should still have three viable options.

Safety (5): Brandon Meriweather, Bacarri Rambo, Reed Doughty, Jordan Pugh, free agent or waiver signing

-This is a very thin position, especially with Brandon Meriweather’s knee still a question mark. Rambo has also been shaky at times so adding a versatile veteran safety would be a smart play for the Redskins. The Redskins aren’t going to get a star caliber safety, but they should improve their depth which is key. There are some options that are out there right now as well as a few who will be getting cut, so the Redskins should have some choices.

Specialists (3): K Kai Forbath, P Sav Rocca, LS Nick Sundberg

-With John Potter cut this is set in stone (hopefully there won’t be a Billy Cundiff signing), but there really wasn’t much doubt to begin with.