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Former Maryland Terrapins defensive lineman A.J. Francis is among the nine players who have been signed to reserve/future contracts by the Washington Redskins, the team announced on Monday. 

Here is the complete list: 

DL A.J. Francis

WR Matt Hazel

LB Rufus Johnson

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DL Joey Mbu

OL Ronald Patrick

DB Shak Randolph

TE Wes Saxton

WR Kendal Thompson

T Isaiah Williams

Those nine were all members of Washington's practice squad. The only player from the practice squad not signed to a contract was cornerback Tye Smith.

MORE REDSKINS: THE 7 PLAYOFF TEAMS WASHINGTON WILL FACE IN 2017

At NBCSportsWashington.com, we projected the Redskins’ 53-man roster (offense, defense) right after minicamp.

Now we are taking it one step further and ranking the 53 players we think will make the team.

The rankings are determined by who we think will have the most impact on the 2018 Redskins.

No consideration was given for past performance or for what a particular player might do down the road. We’ll be revealing the rankings between now and the start of training camp. 

<<CLICK HERE FOR OUR 2018 REDSKINS RANKINGS, PLAYERS 53-31>>

Today we’re starting up the list with the players we ranked from 31-53, Here are some of the players in our latest update:

— Seven of the team’s draft picks, including the pick they made last week.     

— All three specialists.

— The team’s leading rusher from 2017.   

<<CLICK HERE FOR OUR 2018 REDSKINS RANKINGS, PLAYERS 53-31>> 

MORE REDSKINS NEWS:

• Defensive Depth: major questions at LB
• Opposing QBs: Ranking the best the Redskins will face
• Fantasy Football: Ranking the Redskins players

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With Redskins Training Camp set to begin July 26th, JP Finlay takes a look at 10 of the most pressing questions for the Burgundy and Gold. 

No. 10: Major questions at linebacker on Redskins depth chart 

No. 9: What is Kevin O’Connell's new role in Redskins offense?

It might be hard to remember now, but there was a week late last season for the Redskins where most informed people considered Kevin O'Connell on his way out. The talented young quarterbacks coach was being pursued by Chip Kelly to be offensive coordinator at UCLA, and the smart money suggested O'Connell would take the job. 

Except he didn't. 

O'Connell decided to stay with the Redskins and continue to work on Jay Gruden's staff. In turn, Washington promoted O'Connell to passing game coordinator, a new title that likely means much more involvement in game-planning. 

Working for Gruden comes with some perks. Sean McVay ran the offense for Gruden for a few seasons and landed a prime head coaching job with the Rams. McVay has plenty of his own talent, but throughout the NFL, Gruden's offense is widely respected. 

How will O'Connell's influence shape things this fall?

Consider that he deserves some credit for Kirk Cousins improved play out of the pocket in 2017. Now combine a coach that schemes plays for QBs on the move with new Washington passer Alex Smith, a strong runner and serious athlete, and this offense could look much more mobile in 2018. 

Gruden still has the final call on gameday, but O'Connell's voice will matter this year, more so than before. Bill Callahan and Matt Cavanaugh retain their roles and prominence in the offensive game-planning, for sure, but as Washington imports more run-pass option plays and QB movement, know that O'Connell is playing his part. 

Things will look different with Alex Smith running the Redskins offense than they did with Kirk Cousins at the helm. 

Just remember, O'Connell didn't turn down a job in Hollywood for no reason. 

MORE REDSKINS NEWS:

• Need to Know: Best receivers 'Skins will face in 2018
• Position Outlook: Defensive line
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#REDSKINSTALK PODCAST

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Click here for the #RedskinsTalk on Apple Podcasts, here for Google Play or press play below.