Redskins: Quality Depth and Competition Set for Skills Positions

The time when hope runs eternal and football fans all across the country have a sense of optimism regarding their favorite NFL teams is here again. Here in the nation’s capital Redskins fans are wondering if the Burgundy and Gold has righted itself from previous years’ blunders. Recent issues have run the gamut from personnel to coaching. Some of the moves made this past offseason by the Redskins seem to indicate that the team has embraced change, hoping it’s for the best and that this will lead the organization back to the forefront of traditional NFL franchises.

Several of the offseason additions to the team ― from the front office to the field ― come from winning cultures. This is always a positive and these new players and coaches can help young players learn how to become professionals.

The talent on this 2015 Redskins team, specifically at the skill set positions, should be able to rival any team in the NFL from a sheer talent standpoint.

Wide Receivers – DeSean Jackson is back in his second year with the team and his big-play capabilities should continue to compliment his rugged counterpart, Pierre Garçon. Andre Roberts and rookie Jamison Crowder ― along with second year man Ryan Grant ― give the team several capable receivers to keep opposing defenses honest.

Running Backs – The team is not necessarily in need of a running back because of the elite productivity of Alfred Morris. But it still drafted a bruising physical specimen in Matt Jones (third round). Some have wondered if this is trouble for Morris. It is not. Two is better than one in this situation and Jones can compliment Morris in several ways. If anything, the rookie should quickly become the short yardage back in Washington. Roy Helu, Jr.’s departure for Oakland left an opening for a consistent third-down and change-of-pace back. Several players are vying for this position, including the aforementioned Jones.

Young running backs Silas Redd and Chris Thompson are both capable of having breakout years. Redd has a good combination of power and elusiveness. Thompson has exceptional speed and is tougher than his size would lead many to believe.

Don’t forget all-purpose fullback Darrel Young who, when given touches, has proven he can score in in short yardage situations and can catch out of the backfield.

Quarterbacks – In recent years, there have been (whether real or perceived) controversies about who is the #1 quarterback on this team. This year will be the first in a long time during which there should not be a question about who owns that position. Robert Griffin, III is the unequivocal #1 signal caller and could have a breakout year after enduring some tough times over the past two seasons.

Colt McCoy and Kirk Cousins will be in a battle for the #2 quarterback position and that should make for an entertaining training camp and preseason.

Cornerbacks – On the defensive side of the ball, the team and it’s new General Manager Scot McCloughan spent a lot of time upgrading the secondary. McCloughan brought in players he knew from his time with both the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks; two extremely physical teams. Cornerback Chris Culliver as well as safeties DeShaun Goldson and Jeron Johnson all come with a reputation of being tough, big-hitting players. Add Duke Ihenacho at the safety position and the competition for the starting spots will be spirited during training camp.

Second-year cornerback Bashaud Breeland looks to expand on his impressive rookie campaign and add his name to the NFL elite defensive back status. He will get added tutelage from Pro Bowl corner DeAngelo Hall who is rehabbing from a season-ending Achilles injury he sustained back in September of 2014. If Hall can rebound well and David Amerson can rally from a tough second year stint, the secondary could quickly become a strength of the team.

Punter and Kicker – The kicking duties this year should be an easy call unless punter Tress Way and kicker Kai Forbath do the unthinkable and have horrific training camps and preseasons.

Way had a remarkable 2014 and was one of the NFL leaders in yards per punt. Some even thought he was Pro Bowl worthy.

Forbath has been one of the more consistent place kickers for the Redskins over the past half-decade.

The team’s skill set positions should have quality depth and competition which is what Head Coach Jay Gruden and McCloughan have both talked about from their first days on their respective jobs. It should be exciting to see how training camp and the preseason plays out.

Note: Next will be a focus on both the offensive and defensive lines and after that, tight ends and linebackers.