Redskins Roster Review: Special Teams

With the roster set I can finally finish off the roster review with a look at special teams.

Things actually appear to have improved after last year’s dismal performance. Hunter Smith was added to bolster one of the worst punting units in the NFL.

Already, Smith’s impact has been noticeable. He had the third most punting yards in the preseason with 1,060 and was eighth in average yards per punt among punters with 20 attempts or more (44.2). Smith also put six punts inside the 20 yard-line.

However, the punt coverage team has been a little suspect. They allowed the fifth most punt return yards in the preseason with 173, something that could be a major problem in the field-position game.

With the inconsistent nature of the Redskin offense, the field position battle is vital. The kick coverage teams can’t afford to struggle once the games begin to count.

Keeping Marcus Mason might be a liability for the special teams. Mason, while a solid option at running back, is not one of the better special teams players on the squad.

Players like Reed Doughty, Marko Mitchell, Robert Henson, Rock Cartwright, Justin Tryon, and Kevin Barnes will have to pick up the slack on the coverage team.

Henson was a good special teams contributor while with TCU while Mitchell has shown a willingness to participate wherever needed. Doughty is already a special teams stalwart while Barnes and Tryon have the speed to play on the outside.

The coverage teams are fairly average, but the kicking game is the main concern. The competition between Dave Rayner and incumbent Shaun Suisham was non-existent as the ‘Skins’ scoring opportunities were few and far between.

Suisham won the job, but he ranked last in field goal percentage last season (72 percent), and he came up short on a 52-yard field goal against New England this preseason. He did make a 48-yarder last week against Jacksonville.

Suisham doesn’t have a strong leg and has yet to show consistency as a placekicker. Rayner was a kick-off specialist, but had similar numbers kicking field goals. Suisham tied for 34th in kick-off average while Rayner was seventh in limited action with Cincinnati.

It’s sad there isn’t much of an alternative to Suisham, but there really doesn’t appear to be one. The ‘Skins must capitalize on all their scoring opportunities, and having Suisham leaves that in doubt.

Moving on to the return game, the Redskins possess one of the most consistent kick-off return men in the NFL with Rock Cartwright. Cartwright ranked 11th in kick-off return average last year with a 25.6 average. He isn’t much of a threat to score, but he consistently puts the ‘Skins on the 30 yard-line.

The punt return game seems to have remained the same. Antwaan Randle El retains the job despite his struggles returning punts the past two years.

Randle El is also listed as the No. 2 wide receiver on the depth chart, meaning he is again being miscast as a split receiver. He belongs in the slot, and the added pressure of being the No. 2 WR could lead to another shaky season returning punts.

However, the only challengers to the spot were cut because they had little else to contribute. So unless someone emerges in practice, Randle El will handle the bulk of the duties.

 

Overall Grade: C-

The kick-off return game and Smith as punter are both major positives. Having a good punter will solve some of the field position problems.

However, the ‘Skins’ offense isn’t good enough to overcome a bunch of missed field goals. Suisham is far from dependable and that will be a big concern.

Throw in average kick coverage, plus some terrible punt returning, and the ‘Skins aren’t exactly a well-oiled special teams machine.

Anyway, thanks for all those who kept through this roster review series. I spent a bunch of time on it throughout the offseason and I am thankful for the positive feedback the series received.

Next up, my predictions on how the Redskins will fare in their 2009 campaign.

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Building Blocks in Place for the Washington Redskins’ Offense

The Washington Redskins finally got the ball rolling last week against the New England Patriots. Literally.

The Redskin offense exploded for 384 yards as they came out with a much more aggressive scheme. The first-teamers took several shots down the field, scored 17 points in the first half, and put on a much more convincing show in comparison to their previous preseason efforts.

Jason Campbell was given time in the pocket, and in turn he delivered a great two-plus quarters of work going 13-22 with 209 yards with three scoring drives.

Even more impressive was that he shook off three consecutive three-and-outs to lead the ‘Skins to a quick 10 points before half.

Now that Washington has their foundations established on offense, it’s time to build on the success. Last year, the ‘Skins ran out of steam halfway through the season. This year, offensive production must be maintained for the entirety of the season.

Inconsistency has long been the bane of offenses in DC. Coaches come and go in rapid succession, and players learn new systems seemingly every year.

This time around, the ‘Skins have kept things stable as Jim Zorn’s west-coast offense enters year two. The experience definitely helps, but it will go right out the window if the offense can’t stay consistent.

Blame last year’s struggles on whatever you want, but the cold truth is that the offense failed to perform consistently at a competitive level.

However, the fire was there in the regular season dress rehearsal on Friday night. Gone was the complacent air along with poor play. Everything the ‘Skins needed to prove, they did.

Now the trick is to get them to continue in similar fashion. Easier said than done, and to achieve this nothing is more vital than the cohesion along the offensive line.

The offensive line overachieved, giving Campbell sufficient time to throw and get into a rhythm. Considering the cautious nature of Zorn when the line struggles, it is imperative they play well so Zorn can open up his playbook.

If the line can’t keep Campbell upright, Zorn won’t even attempt to mix things up. Poor blocking in DC quickly leads to a season-long offensive hibernation so that’s something that can’t happen.

Should the line hold up, Campbell will find his groove. Santana Moss and Chris Cooley are effective weapons when Campbell can get them the ball and if the ‘Skins can get one more receiver to pan out, the offense becomes very dangerous.

Finding a receiver to line up opposite Moss is key as it will allow Antwaan Randle El to move into the slot. Randle El in the slot is a matchup nightmare for any defensive coordinator, and will open up the line of scrimmage for the running game.

The Redskins have potential. We’ve seen flashes. But to become a championship caliber team, the ‘Skins have to build around the foundations of last week’s success in order to gain the confidence necessary to win a title.

This offense won’t become dominant overnight. It will take the whole season for the offense to assure itself it can compete. After all, seeing is believing, and the Redskins and their fans need to see so that they can believe.

Who Will Win the Washington Redskins’ Third-String RB Position?

The roster is beginning to take shape, but some strong performances last Friday against the Patriots left the running back position hotly contested.

With Rock Cartwright out, Devin Thomas impressed at kick returner. Should the ‘Skins decide they feel comfortable with Thomas, Cartwright’s position on the roster could be in doubt.

Cartwright is solely a special teamer. He doesn’t contribute on offense, and isn’t much of a threat to score when returning kicks. He is a consistent return man, but if the Redskins can find another player who can contribute in multiple areas, Cartwright could be gone.

The ‘Skins also need to sort out the running back position. Both Marcus Mason and Anthony Alridge played very well against New England while Ladell Betts remains the No. 2.

Dominique Dorsey is also in the mix as the ‘Skins have used him as both a running back and punt returner, but the strong performance of Alridge hurts his chances.

Alridge rushed for 49 yards on nine carries while Mason saw plenty of time en route to 30 yards and a TD on eight carries. Mason also caught two passes for 23 yards, but suffered some badly bruised ribs late, which could hurt his chances.

Betts didn’t get a carry and caught the ball once for 12 yards. He saw limited action after straining his back in the Steelers game.

The running back situation is incredibly murky. Nothing has been suggested as to whether Betts is fighting for the number two RB job, but there has been strong play behind him.

Betts is a back in the mold of Clinton Portis, meaning he isn’t much of a change-of-pace back. However, the team has stuck with him despite little production and a big contract.

Mason might have the best resume as a running back among the other three, but he also runs like Portis. He doesn’t play special teams well, which is a must for third-string backs and his injured ribs might not allow him to play this week for a final showing.

Alridge is a prototypical third down back. He catches well out of the backfield, is shifty with great speed, and would be a much needed home run threat for the offense. He had a fumbling problem early in training camp, and missed time with a toe injury, but he looked like he hadn’t missed a beat Friday night.

Dorsey and Alridge both can return punts, giving them extra value, but Alridge was more impressive on the ground against New England. Dorsey carried the ball five times for 22 yards, marking the second straight week of solid production.

I am uncertain how the ‘Skins will play this out. Cartwright might get cut as he can’t contribute on the ground even though he’s listed as a running back. This will open things up for the third-string RB.

Betts will most likely be locked in as the number two, and I think Alridge might play his way onto the roster. He’s explosive and that’s something the Redskins badly need. However, the ‘Skins like to keep keep things status quo so they could very well stick with Cartwright and Betts.

Mason plays his heart out and runs hard, but since he isn’t a change-of-pace and can’t contribute on special teams, he has to beat out Betts to make the team.

That would be a stretch, but if anyone has earned it it’s Mason. He plays relentlessly and is trying improve his special teams game. He looked good catching out of the backfield.

After the dust settles, it appears that Portis and Betts will occupy two spots while the third RB spot remains an enigma.

Prediction: Alridge because he’s the ideal change-of pace back. Mason and Cartwright will be in the running as well.

The talent at running back is deep so it won’t be an easy decision, but the ‘Skins could really take a big step forward offensively with Alridge providing his speed.

Redskins Roundtable: Skins Vs. Steelers NFL Preseason Week Two

The Redskins play their home opener tomorrow against the Steelers, and the ‘Skins community is here to answer the burning questions concerning the game this week and the training camp battles.

Question 1: Which roster longshots are poised to have a big game that could lead to a spot on the team come Week 1 of the regular season? (Eric Holmberg)

Answer: Some of the most interesting battles of training camp are happening on defense, where the Redskins lack the necessary depth behind their first team.

 

Saturday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers will be important for everyone along the already-crowded defensive line trying to make the 53-man roster. 

 

Phillip Daniels, who missed all of the 2008 season with reconstructive knee surgery, is still having knee problems. He’s been having his knee drained during training camp, but will play on Saturday. Daniels, 36, may play limited minutes, giving the defensive ends vying for the last couple spots on the Redskins roster extra time on the field.

 

Jeremy Jarmon is one guy who could be able to contribute this year, especially if Daniels or Reynaldo Wynn, 34, get injured. In last week’s game against the Ravens, Jarmon made a couple noteworthy plays. 

 

With 11:10 left in the third quarter, Jarmon showed great speed by beating the right tackle up the field and almost getting a sack, but he forced Troy Smith to scramble out of the pocket and make a difficult play on the run.

 

With 11:55 left in the fourth quarter, it was Jarmon again getting pressure on the quarterback, this time it was John Beck. 

 

Since the Redskins used a 2010 third round pick on Jarmon, via the supplemental draft, it would seem like he already has a spot on the team—which could make Alex Buzbee the odd man out.

Question 2: What should we expect from the offense this week against Pittsburgh? Will they open up the playbook and play more aggressively? (JW Nix)

Answer: If I were Zorn, I’d work on the running game a lot versus Pittsburgh with the first unit. At least three series’ worth.

One reason is that it’s a good barometer to gauge effectiveness versus a good defense. The other is that it saves Campbell from exposure to extra hits, as well as tipping the teams hand to plays they may run in the regular season to the scouts watching.

Run Betts often to see if he is still the guy to be Portis’ backup, and ask Clinton to play at least one series…carry the ball at least twice.

After the first team sits, it’s time to work the rest of the squad to see who is worth keeping. That will require a mixed assortment on the offensive attack. One battle I want to see resolved is if Brennan or Daniels is worth carrying on the roster this year.

Then, there’s the offensive line. It must be sorted out.

Defensively, they need to just keep it basic and see who has what it takes.

Question 3: Saturday marks the debut of Albert Haynesworth as a Redskin. What does he bring to the Redskins’ defense in 2009? Will his impact be great enough to make the Redskins a top three defense? (Travis Evans)

Answer: Well first off, Haynesworth makes both starting defensive ends better by just stepping on the field. He will command double teams and make the QB pocket smaller. I think the Redskins defense can be top dog if the linebackers step up and help make plays. Look for Carter and Orakpo to have great years. All hail!

The defense will be in the top two; I know it’s bold, but it’s realistic. If we had a pass rush last year, it would have completed the puzzle. The defense kept us in every game, and in ’09 they will be better than ever.

I think Haynesworth plays well and should get at least eight sacks. My final prediction: number two defense only behind the Steelers.

Question 4: The special teams are a big concern right now. With all the speed and playmaking ability on the team, should the ‘Skins really just hand the punt returning duties to Antwaan Randle El? Which players should be getting consideration for the job? (Mark Steven)

Answer: Not a chance.

The Redskins have a chance to field the most dynamic punt return team in the NFL.

Randle El has made noises this summer about rededicating himself to the craft and “getting upfield” again instead of the tapdancing and moonwalking he’s done throughout most of his three years in Washington. If true, he remains a dangerous returner even at 30. And if not, at the very least he provides a safety net.

He’s a known quantity with solid hands and solid judgment who won’t hurt you with muffs or brain farts (fair catches at his own five-yard-line). That kind of veteran reliability is something many only really appreciate when it’s gone. Redskins coaches won’t make that mistake—you shouldn’t, either.

In Santana Moss, they have as dangerous an open-field runner as there is in football. No one has a quicker first step or zero-to-sixty explosion, and no one moves better in space once he’s past the first wave of tacklers.

You don’t want to task him with being your regular punt returner; he’s too valuable as the lead WR. He’s not worth risking injury to in games that are out of hand (winning or losing), or in game situations that don’t call for a home-run hitter but just a steady hand (hello, ARE).

You absolutely want to use him in certain situations with games on the line and the right circumstances. In a one-score game, with the opponent punting from his own goal line, nothing is going to put a lump in the opposing team’s collective throat than seeing Santana Moss standing at midfield, pacing, hungry and ready to do his thing.
 
Except, of course, seeing DeAngelo Hall back there.

Hall hasn’t really made his mark as a punt returner in the NFL yet (13 career returns, 123 yds., 9.5 avg.), but as anyone who had the priviledge of watching his act at Virginia Tech knows, the man is pure electricity on punt returns. In his four years at VT, Hall returned 56 punts for 839 yards (15 avg.) and five touchdowns. Like Moss, he’s able to make the first man miss, accelerate, and get into the open field with the best of them. Once there, he’s got the shiftiness and top-end speed to take it to the house every time he touches the ball.

The Redskins will be missing a big opportunity if they don’t take full advantage of this unprecedented bounty, and force opposing teams to spend time each week preparing to face all three. Head Coach Jim Zorn should give Special Teams Coach Danny Smith the green light to send out any of the three, at any given time, given the game situation and Smith’s gut feeling.

Few plays can turn a game around or put it away faster than a punt return for a touchdown. It electrifies the fans and players alike, and is as big a momentum swing as there is in football.

Redskins fans can appreciate big punt returns and dangerous return men. There haven’t been that many in Redskins lore—Speedy Duncan, Eddie Brown, Mike Nelms, Darrell Green, and Brian Mitchell—but those that have graced the colors have left an indelible impression one at a time. Never have the Redskins had the means to turn every punt return opportunity over the course of an entire season into edge-of-your-seat, must-see-TV, however, like they do in 2009.

Santana Moss, DeAngelo Hall, Antwaan Randle El. Don’t blink.

Washington Redskins Roster Review: Safeties

One can hardly mention the safety position around the Washington DC area without someone invoking the name of the late Sean Taylor.

Some people will cry, some will recall the excitement he brought, others will think about what could have been.

What could have been was a dynamite safety combo consisting of Taylor and Laron Landry. Each is/was a freak athlete and together they could have formed one of the most feared combinations of today’s NFL.

However, Taylor is gone and Landry is now teaming up with second-year man Chris Horton. Considering the loss of Taylor, things are going fairly well at the safety position.

Landry filled the free safety spot left vacant by Taylor while Horton stepped into the strong safety position.

Landry is no Taylor, but he doesn’t let anything behind him and rarely gives up a big play. Still, the playmaking skills that Taylor dazzled fans with are not yet a staple of Landry’s game.

It is important to note that the coaching staff played Landry thirty yards off the ball for much of the season. That kind of overly-conservative approach hindered Landry from making as much of an impact.

Landry proved he can be an effective safety net (no pun intended), but with his athleticism and strength, he could be making a much greater impact closer to the line of scrimmage. Last year he had just 65 tackles, 11 passes deflections, two INTs and a pair of forced fumbles. That’s below my expectations.

The addition of Albert Haynesworth and Brian Orakpo should bolster an anemic pass rush, which in turn, will allow the secondary to play more aggressively. Defensive Coordinator Greg Blache would be making a big mistake to not take full advantage of his front four and play with a little reckless abandon.

The offense needs every break it can get, and so the defense must play with more tenacity rather than it’s typical bend-but-don’t-break style. Landry could be a turnover machine if Blache lets him play up and freelance a bit.

Horton was one of the steals of the 2008 draft as he quickly made an impact at SS. He was ferocious in run support and reliable against the pass.

In 2008, Horton recorded 76 tackles to go along with three INTs, and was a critical element of the defensive chemistry. He often played in the box, but on passing downs he was far from a liability.

The depth at safety is adequate. Kareem Moore is entering his second year and will back up Landry at FS while Reed Doughty returns from an injury to back up Horton.

Moore showed he can play center field in spot duty last year. He started the final game of the year against San Francisco and played solidly. He isn’t a game-changer, but as a backup he is more than capable.

Doughty has been through some tough times. He injured his back  and missed most of 2008. However, Doughty shrugged that off and is back to play some SS in 2009.

Doughty is almost totally deaf and also had to deal with a family tragedy the past few years. His son, Micah, suffered a kidney failure and needed a transplant to stay alive. Micah is not well, but it was yet another issue Doughty has had to deal with during the past few seasons.

Despite all the hardship, Doughty is tough-as-nails. His pass coverage has dramatically improved during camp, and he has always been good against the run.

Doughty will probably play special teams and fill in for Horton on some passing downs. He will be an emotional leader and rock for the whole defense so his health will be important.

Michael Grant played some CB the other night, but is listed as a safety. Either way, he won’t make the team giving up 64-yard pass plays. Grant tried to jump a route, but missed and the Ravens receiver had plenty of room to operate after that gaffe.

Lendy Holmes is the final safety on the roster. Though a longshot, he played well Thursday night against the Ravens, logging six tackles. Should the ‘Skins want a fifth safety (unlikely), Holmes will be the guy.

Overall Grade: B

 

This would be higher, but we have yet to see how aggressively Blache will play Landry. The secondary will go as far as Landry carries them. He certainly can’t carry them as far when he’s standing 30 yards off the ball.

Horton and Doughty will combine to form a good SS tandem. Both can play the position well.

If Landry goes down, I doubt Moore would survive for very long. The depth is decent, but unspectacular.

Redskins Roundtable: The Beginning

Hey, hey, hey! Fat Albert Haynesworth and the rest of the Washington Redskins are back for the 2009 NFL season.

To commemorate the start of what we in the ‘Skins community hope will be a “Super” run in 2009, we give you the Redskins Roundtable.

Every week, four writers from the Redskins community will each answer a question regarding the team, how things stand, or the upcoming match-up for the week.

The questions are prepared by yours truly so if any writer (‘Skins or otherwise) wants in, feel free to shoot me a message. I am open to hearing opinions from all comers especially from writers within the division.

The first edition of Redskins Roundtable is a sort of a test run. I will be answering one of the questions. The other three will be answered by new members to RR: Dan Stalcup, Dan Yoke, and JW Nix.

So without further ado, I give you the Redskins Roundtable!

Question 1: What are the three biggest position battles that will begin in training camp? (Dan Stalcup)

1. Right tackle—Easily the most important position battle. Most believe Stephon Heyer has the inside track to the starting job, but Mike Williams is the sleeper in this race. He’s lost weight, in shape, and ready to work. His first few days of training camp have been a bit disappointing, though.

2. Wide receiver—I think this is the make-or-break year for second-year players Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas. Both have great potential, particularly Devin Thomas, who I think will emerge as the No. 2 or No. 3 receiver on the team after Santana Moss and maybe Antwaan Randle-El.

3. Nickel back—Carlos Rogers and DeAngelo Hall seem pegged to be starters. Rogers is one of the better coverage corners in the league, but doesn’t rack up interceptions so often gets underrated. Hall just signed a huge contract, so it’d be strange for him not to be on the field most snaps.

After that, the scenario is unclear. Who will play nickel? Veteran Fred Smoot boasts the most experience, but there are several rookies and second-year players who could make some noise: Kevin Barnes, Justin Tryon, and Byron Westbrook chief among them.

Beyond those three battles, other important ones will be defensive end and linebacker. Those are especially murky since nobody’s sure how draftee Brian Orakpo will contribute to the team (Update: Orakpo has been adapting very well to the pro game at both positions).

Safety could be interesting, with Reed Doughty and overachiever Chris Horton battling for time.

Question 2: Who will be the three most important players to watch in training camp? (Dan Yoke)

The Toronto Experiment: Why The Bills Should Never Move To Canada

There has been talk in some circles concerning the possibility of relocating the Buffalo Bills across the border into Canada.

Quite frankly, the move would be a total disaster.

On the surface it sounds good. The NFL would expand its reach outside the United States, giving commissioner Roger Goodell a taste of the international flavor he so desperately craves. It would pave the way for future international expansion as Canadians would get a glimpse of professional football at the elite level.

Yet digging deeper, one can reveal plenty of pitfalls in the Toronto experiment.

Should Goodell move the Bills from Buffalo, he would be doing a great disservice to the city (an American city). Buffalo’s economy is struggling, and removing one of its primary sources of revenue would surely prove costly.

Now Goodell is not obligated to act in Buffalo’s best interests, but the city needs the Bills. If he wants to show support for the U.S. and its economy, then he must attempt to keep the Bills in Buffalo at all costs. It’s the right thing to do.

In addition, moving the team to Toronto doesn’t guarantee any increase in revenue for the NFL. In fact, it may do more harm than good.

If the team moves, many of the fans in Buffalo will not attend the games. Toronto is only a couple of hours away, but Canada now requires passports (previously U.S. citizens could simply come and go) in order to cross the border, which many fans don’t have.

Passports are not cheap, so many fans most likely won’t go.

Another fraction of the fans will be unhappy with the move, which could mean boycotts. This means there could be even more people from the U.S. who won’t be attending games in Toronto.

Furthermore, tailgating in Canada is non-existent. Canadian citizens don’t do it and Canadian officials limit it. That’s about as un-American as it gets, so throw in a few more no-shows.

Think I’m crazy? Bills fans are rabid tailgaters, as Buffalo was ranked the No. 1 tailgating NFL city by Sports Illustrated. Tailgating is as big as the game to many of them. Without it, they won’t show up in Toronto.

The NFL will also have to market to a new type of fan, as hockey reigns supreme in Canada while the CFL is extremely popular.

When the Bills played in Toronto last year, some Canadians boycotted the game, standing behind the CFL. 

So the purists on each side of the border won’t be attending.

The CFL has its own traditions and history. Canadians won’t abandon it for the same reasons Americans wouldn’t pay any attention if the Calgary Stampeders moved to Las Vegas to hype up the CFL.

Another issue would be the location Goodell has picked in Canada. Toronto is very corporate and white-collar, which doesn’t bode well as far as attracting a fan base goes.

That kind of environment isn’t one that is sports-friendly. Sporting events in Toronto are for the upper class to mingle and network. Business colleagues often go and bring prospective investors, clients, etc.

If the NFL can’t connect with the everyday guy in Canada, there will be plenty of empty seats. We saw that last season when the Bills hosted the Dolphins in Toronto. The crowd was far under the capacity and the Rogers Centre only holds 54,000.

With all these problems, Goodell would be wise to ensure the Bills stay put. I know he wants to see the NFL become a world game, but will the world ever truly embrace it?

The games in Japan and London are purely gimmicks. People in Europe and Asia won’t ever prefer the NFL to soccer. In fact, Asia has more baseball and basketball fans than football fans.

There’s not as much money to be made internationally as Goodell thinks there is. In fact, it might turn out to be a disastrous move for the NFL. Football is an American game that outsiders will never fully understand, much like America will never fully understand soccer.

Buffalo loves their team with a passion and that can’t be matched by many other fan bases. Why take the passions, history, and tradition away?

For Buffalo’s sake, Roger, keep them here at home where they belong.

Five Longshots Who May Make the Washington Redskins Final Roster

Every year in training camp there will always be those unknown players who pop out at the coaching staff due to their strong work ethic and consistent performance.
That has held true at Redskins Park this year as several players have emerged to contend for roster spots.

1. Will Montgomery: He is competing for a utility position along the offensive line and has a great shot at making the roster. Washington needs young, up-and-coming blockers to freshen up the offensive line.

Montgomery is just what the doctor ordered.
Coaches have raved about his strong play and his versatility. Montgomery can play center and guard and has held his own against first teamers.

With Jeremy Bridges going down today with a sprained ankle, the odds are even higher that Montgomery sticks around for the long haul.

2. Marques Hagans: Hagans was QB/WR from UVA who was a major long shot coming into camp. However, his kick returning abilities help his case. Add to that the fact Hagans has grabbed nearly everything thrown his way, and he is making a serious run.

Hagans is buried beneath four WRs (Devin Thomas, Malcolm Kelly, Santana Moss, and Antwaan Randle El) who are all assured of spots on the roster. Marko Mitchell was taken in the seventh round and has speed. Being a draftee gives him the inside track, but Hagans has impressed.

It will most likely come down to which one will provide the best special teams performance. However, given the injuries that have plagued Moss, Thomas, and Kelly, the ‘Skins may need Hagans down the stretch.

3. Reed Doughty: So Doughty isn’t exactly a long shot as he was in position to backup Chris Horton at SS, but he was coming off a season-ending injury and there have been questions regarding his ability in coverage.

Those question are long gone as Doughty has put together a great camp. He has three picks already and Jim Zorn is liking what he sees. Enough to give him this vote of confidence:

“I see him being a real part of our special teams and I think he’s going to be in a supportive role [on defense], but he’s going to work his way onto the field. I have confidence in him when he’s out there, no question.”

There you have it. Barring an injury, Doughty will make the final roster.

4. Marcus Mason: Mason has been quiet this camp, but his real time to shine is during the preseason. Last year, he was the NFL preseason rushing leader, but still failed to make the team due to his inability to contribute on special teams.

Colt Brennan had nothing but praise for Mason who he played with last preseason. “He’s a natural football player,” he said, “I can’t tell you how many times in the preseason last year it was so nice to have him, because he would make good plays, make good runs.

“You only get so many chances when you’re young, and you’ve got a running back like that, gaining extra yards, picking up first downs for you, doing the little things.”

This year Mason has developed his kick coverage skills and should also get some reps at RB during the preseason. The main thing working against him is the presence of five other backs on the roster in Clinton Portis, Ladell Betts, Rock Cartwright, and Anthony Alridge, and Dominique Dorsey.

5. Edwin Williams: The undrafted center out of Maryland is third on the depth chart behind Casey Rabach and Will Montgomery, but Montgomery could very well be lining up at guard, leaving the number two center spot up for grabs.

Williams is a smart, hard worker who was all-ACC last year with the Terps. ”Over the summer he did a great job of weightlifting and…I’ll tell you what, he’s a smart kid. He comprehends a lot between what’s good and what’s bad. I think in the long range he’s going to be a good football player,” said offensive line coach Joe Bugel.

Williams didn’t miss a game his senior year and helped pave the way for an 1,100 yard rusher. With Casey Rabach aging, Williams might be the perfect player to groom for the starting center spot.

Washington Redskins Roster Review: Cornerbacks

As training camp continues on, I have several more positions to cover to finish off the roster review.

Corner is shaping up to be one of the better positions on the team from top to bottom.

Carlos Rogers and and Deangelo Hall return to man the starting spots while Fred Smoot, Justin Tryon, and Kevin Barnes will provide support.

Rogers came into his own last season as a great cover corner. He drew plenty of criticism for some shaky hands as he dropped several interceptions last season, but he is still the best cover CB on the team.

Shawn Springs departed for New England, and though he was great in man coverage, he couldn’t stay healthy. Rogers brings similar  coverage skills to the table and thus far has improved his hands.

Hall isn’t quite the man corner Rogers is, but makes up for it with his playmaking ability. Hall will get beat underneath as he plays soft on his receiver.

Hall’s speed protects him against the deep ball and allows him to gamble. He has a nose for the ball, and can jump routes incredibly well. He will provide the takewaways the ‘Skins lacked last year.

Smoot appears to be in control of the nickel corner position. He is a nine year vet who will fit nicely into the third CB slot.

He is physical against the run despite his poor tackling form, and is adequate in coverage. He won’t stop any elite WRs, but he should matchup well enough against receivers in the slot.

Tryon is a bit of a question mark. He entered the league last year talking a big game only to hardly see the field all season.

He was terrible last preseason, getting burned routinely, but this year appears to be much improved. His small stature (5-9, 183) is working against him, but he has the speed and athleticism to be a pesky CB.

Meanwhile Kevin Barnes was drafted in the third round this year out of Maryland. The former Terp has a reputation stemming from a big hit laid on a Cal RB last year. The hit was so hard, the RB literally lost his lunch and Barnes became a YouTube sensation.

Barnes accumulated 85 tackles, 14 passes defended, and six interceptions during his collegiate career and should transition smoothly to the pros. He has the height at 6-1, but he might need to put on a few pounds to matchup against big WRs.

Byron Westbrook is trying to make the team yet again after two straight years on the practice squad. Westbrook has athleticism, but the numbers are working against him. He will need a strong preseason to overtake Tryon or Barnes, and even that will unlikely save him as the ‘Skins will not cut draft picks.

Doug Dutch is the final CB on the roster. He’s an undrafted rookie out of Michigan who was a solid special teamer with the Wolverines.

Overall Grade: A-

It’s not often teams get two CBs that compliment each other so well. Hall and Rogers are a dynamite one-two punch and each one makes up for the other’s deficiencies.

Hall has his question marks considering he mailed it in with the Raiders last year before coming here, but he appears to have really found his niche in DC. The ‘Skins overpaid for him, but he should still be a vital part of the secondary if all goes well.

Rogers is underrated and may actually get his due this season which is his contract year while the depth is nothing to complain about. Smoot is a solid vet and the two youngsters behind him are oozing with potential.

Not much to complain about at CB.

Brian Orakpo Signs With The Redskins After Missing First Day Of Camp

The deal had to get done.

Brian Orakpo was signed Thursday evening, missing just a day of training camp before inking his deal with the team.

Terms of the deal are not yet disclosed.

This might very well end up being the most important move in training camp. Orakpo is expected to move from defensive end, the position he played in college, to the SAM linebacker.

The transition requires Orakpo attend training camp and familiarize himself with both his new position and the pro game.

A lengthy holdout would have hurt his ability to quickly make himself an impact player, and would have put his availability for the 2009 season in question. Now those concerns are history.

Orakpo showed some maturity signing his deal before many of the other first round picks above and below him. It’s rare for a player to do that since he risks leaving money on the table, but Orakpo proved he wants to play football and play it well.

The Redskins certainly need him to be up to speed in time for the regular season. They don’t have another player with Orakpo’s skills at the SAM LB position so it was key to get him in camp.

At Redskins Park, the team kicked off the 2009 season with their first set of two-a-days. No injuries thus far which is the big news and things seem to be in much better order as Jim Zorn begins year two.

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