Here is what you need to know on this Tuesday, May 1, 10 days before the Washington Redskins hold their rookie minicamp.
Projecting the 53-man roster—Defense
Sure, it’s too early to project the Redskins’ 53-man roster but that has never stopped me before. Before a single OTA or training camp practice is held, here is my look at who I think will make it on defense; I did the offense yesterday.
Defensive line (7)
Jonathan Allen, Da’Ron Payne, Matt Ioannidis, Anthony Lanier, Stacy McGee, Tim Settle, Ziggy Hood
This competition is likely to last all the way through training camp and the preseason. McGee, Hood, and Phil Taylor will be battling for one or maybe two roster spots. Hood and McGee are likely to have the inside track but there is a long way to go. It should be noted that they kept six after final cuts last year and injuries at other positions could force them to do the same this season.
Outside linebacker (4)
Ryan Kerrigan, Preston Smith, Ryan Anderson, Pernell McPhee
This seems to be set unless they bring in a free agent to add depth and contribute on special teams.
Inside linebacker (5)
Zach Brown, Mason Foster, Zach Vigil, Josh Harvey-Clemons, Shaun Dion Hamilton
The NFL.com comp player for Hamilton was Martrell Spaight. Hamilton could be replacing Spaight on the roster. Spaight won’t go without a fight and he could push Harvey-Clemons. I think Vigil played well enough after injuries hit last year to warrant a spot but he’ll have to earn it.
Cornerback (6)
Josh Norman, Quinton Dunbar, Fabian Moreau, Orlando Scandrick, Josh Holsey, Greg Stroman
The Redskins are relying on a lot of potential to come through. Norman and Scandrick have a lot of playing experience, Dunbar has had moderate duty in his three seasons, Moreau and Holsey have just a handful of snaps each on defense, and Stroman is a rookie. All eyes will be on this area of the defense.
Safety (4)
D.J. Swearinger, Montae Nicholson, Deshazor Everett, Troy Apke
They like Everett a lot on special teams but they would be happy if Fish Smithson gave him a run for his money. Maybe both could make it as they kept five safeties after the final cut last year (that was quickly reduced to four after the Su’a Cravens “retirement” incident).
Specialists (3)
K Dustin Hopkins, P Tress Way, LS Nick Sundberg
It looks like the Redskins will have the same trio of specialists for the fourth straight year. I will look it up at some point but for now, I’ll say that it’s been a while since they had such stability here.
Rookies (5): Payne, Settle, Hamilton, Stroman, Apke
New to the Redskins in 2018 (7): Rookies plus McPhee, Scandrick
Total on offense and defense, 7 rookies and 12 new to the Redskins
Stay up to date on the Redskins. Rich Tandler covers the team 365 days a year. Like his Facebook page, Facebook.com/TandlerNBCSand follow him on Twitter @TandlerNBCS.
Tandler on Twitter
Who’s the backup center on the roster right now?
Bergstrom. He played well there last year with very little time to prepare after Roullier got hurt. https://t.co/yShsqAYTDN
— Rich Tandler (@TandlerNBCS) April 30, 2018
Timeline
Days until:
—Rookie minicamp (5/11) 10
—OTAs start (5/22) 21
—Training camp starts (7/26) 86
The Redskins last played a game 121 days ago. They will open the 2018 NFL season at the Cardinals in 131 days.
In case you missed it
- Projecting the Redskins' 53-man roster—Offense
- Will the Redskins move Nsekhe to guard after drafting Christian?
- Too early Redskins 53-man roster projection
- 2 Redskins rookies are endorsed by Fuller and Vick
- After D-line draft haul, Redskins move on from McClain, Francis