After a performance that the Washington Redskins and their fans would like to forget in Week 3’s so-called dress rehearsal game, the fourth and final preseason game draws heavy attention to finding the players that will round out the final 53-man roster.
The fourth and final NFL preseason game is one that many deem meaningless. But, for a group of players in Washington, it is their last chance to impress the coaches enough to secure a spot on the active roster or practice squad. With that in mind, to follow are three players to watch during the Redskins last preseason contest against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
1. RB Rob Kelley
When looking at his body of work this year so far, he hasn’t been as effective as the other backs. In the first three games (for two of those he was the starter), he has the most carries (19) with the least number of yards (42) among active backs.
His 2.2 yards-per-attempt is a huge indicator of his inability to find the crease and hit it with authority. With the addition of future Hall-of-Fame RB, Adrian Peterson, to this running back unit, and the positive steps that Samaje Perine and Kapri Bibbs have made; Kelley needs to have a solid showing against Baltimore.
The third-year back out of Tulane needs to show decisive decision-making when carrying the football and an ability make the first tackler miss. If he has another sub-par performance — especially in the wake of Peterson’s solid showing against the Denver Broncos — he could find himself on the chopping block.
2. DT Phil Taylor
Taylor’s need for an impactful showing in this contest is based simply on being entombed behind two young and dynamic rookie nose tackles in Daron Payne and Tim Settle. This has moved the fifth-year player to getting his snaps with the third-string and with Washington having a solid defensive rotation that could put Taylor on the outside.
The former Baylor product will be someone to watch… the numbers are stacked against him. However, with teammate Stacey McGee on the PUP, Taylor has an opportunity to make a case for a roster spot. Through three games this preseason, the defensive lineman has four combined tackles and has made various contributions to this part nature of the defense.
3. WR Simmie Cobbs, Jr.
Cobbs, despite not having lightning-fast speed, has a skill set that could give him an edge for a spot on the team. Most wideouts can grab the ball at its highest point in traffic, but this is something that Cobbs does well.
After limited action in his freshman and Junior seasons, the former Indiana standout finished his college career with 139 catches for 1,990 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging 14.3 yards-per-reception.
With both Cam Sims and Brian Quick dealing with thigh injuries, the door is open for Cobbs to make a case for himself on the active roster. Even though the team did elect to re-sign Quick this offseason, his inability to stay healthy could be an issue in terms of keeping a job with the Redskins.
The Oak Park, Illinois native has shown flashes over the first three preseason games, posting four receptions for 34 yards and one touchdown. A point of emphasis for him is to bring in catch-able passes thrown his way. If he can continue to trend in an upward direction, he could at the very least land on the practice squad.