This article is the first of a series that will take a look at the current state of the Redskins, and how the roster is shaping up heading into the 2016 season.
Just over a week into Free Agency and the big name players have been scooped up by franchise’s willing to throw top dollar around. Redskins fans know as well as any fan base that winning Free Agency doesn’t exactly result in wins, and you can’t buy yourself a Super Bowl. A week into the Free Agency period and the Redskins have been one of the quietest teams in the league. The team has re-signed Chris Thompson, Tress Way, Mason Foster, Will Compton, Will Blackmon, Colt McCoy, Kedric Golston, Logan Paulsen and Duke Ihenacho. The team has only brought in one outsider, Kendall Reyes (DE from the Chargers).
Scot McCloughan said it himself that the team wouldn’t be big players in Free Agency, and that his belief is building through the draft. But did anyone really expect the team to be THIS quiet? Granted it’s only a week into Free Agency and there is a possibility that more moves will be made, but it’s also crystal clear how McCloughan intends to build this team.
Let’s kick off the series by taking a look at the state of the Redskins Offense and how the unit is looking prior to the draft, as well as where the team is good, and where they also need some help.
Quarterback:
Kirk Cousins
Colt McCoy
Analysis- Unlike the beginning of last season there is no controversy as to who the man is at the QB position. Cousins just got big boy money and the team will continue long term contract talks with him as Free Agency slows down. McCoy is a solid QB2 option and brings stability and familiarity with the position. It’s possible the Redskins could only roll with 2 QB’s, but it’s likely they will bring in another camp arm who could find himself on the practice squad to be called up if needed.
Running Back:
Matt Jones
Chris Thompson
Silas Redd
Analysis- Matt Jones showed flashes last season that had people calling him “Beast Mode version 2” , but he also had moments that had us yelling at the TV and wondering why he can’t hold onto the ball. Jones goes into the 2016 season as the expected starter, and McCloughan seems to believe that he can be the man. The verdict is still out on exactly how that will turn out, but it’s no secret that the running game needs major help. Last season the Redskins were one of the worst rushing teams in the league, and most of the season were very one dimensional. This season the Redskins will be without Alfred Morris who is a Free Agent and likely to find a new home. Chris Thompson was a big surprise last year and turned a lot of heads, and he also proved himself as a very capable third down back. Many expected the Redskins to add another RB during Free Agency, which has not happened just yet. Most likely scenario is McCloughan has his eye on a few guys in the draft who could come in and challenge Jones at the position. It’s no secret that the offense’s biggest weakness right now is it’s running attack, something that must be addressed going into this season.
Wide Receiver:
Desean Jackson
Pierre Garcon
Jamison Crowder
Ryan Grant
Rashad Ross
Andre Roberts
Analysis- Jackson, Garcon, and Crowder are locks as the starters going into the season. You can’t beat speed, which is why Djax remains the top WR on the team. Biggest issue with him is staying healthy, something he struggled with last season. The Redskins love Garcon and his toughness, he also came up in a few clutch moments last season. Crowder was a steal in last year’s draft and could become one of the best slot WR’s in the game. Grant, Ross, and Roberts are still on the bubble and could very well not end up on the final roster. Many believe that Roberts will be cut to save cap space once he returns from his injury, but that remains to be seen. McCloughan is a fan of big physical WR’s, so look for the Redskins to target a big WR in the draft.
Tight End:
Jordan Reed
Niles Paul
Derek Carrier
Logan Paulsen
Analysis- Last season Reed proved that he was one of the best TE’s in the game, while also breaking franchise records along the way. Paul was originally listed as the starting TE prior to having a season ending injury. Reed and Paul could end up being one of the most dangerous TE duos in the NFL, and put a ton of points on the board. Carrier was traded for last season and brought in to bring some injury relief in, but later got injured himself. Prior to the injury he was beginning to get into a rhythm and looked solid. Carrier is a fantastic backup plan in case of emergency and for relief. Paulsen is the best blocking TE on the roster but hasn’t seen action in over a year. Still unclear if he will just be a camp body or if team will carry 4 TE’s since the team likely won’t use a FB. This is one position that the team is set at, just need to stay healthy.
Tackle:
Trent Williams
Morgan Moses
Ty Nsekhe
Takoby Cofield
Analysis- Luckily the team has one of the game’s best LT’s in the league, if not THE best. Williams had one of his best seasons as a pro last year and continues to look like a future Hall of Famer. Moses was one of the team’s most pleasant surprises last year once he made the transition from G to RT. Moses has solidified himself as the starting RT, hopefully for years to come. The starting book-ends are locked in, but things get grey after that. Nsekhe wasn’t bad when he was called upon, but isn’t exactly the most attractive option if your starting LT goes down. The team will need to look at the draft for depth and a guy that can sit back and learn, while also being ready when injuries occur.
Guard:
Shawn Lauvao
Arie Kouandjio
Brandon Scherff
Spencer Long
Analysis- Although it wasn’t the most sexy pick in the draft, Scherff proved that he was worth the 5th overall selection in the 2015 draft. He looks like a future Pro Bowler, and had a very solid rookie season. Lauvao was having himself a strong year as well up until the injury. Once he was hurt you could really see the difference in the running game. Lauvao is still a question mark on if he can return from injury and be back to what he looked like prior to his injury. Long was very up and down during his time as a starter and didn’t exactly lock in the job for the future. Kouandjio was a guy that was very hyped up after McCloughan pointed out how proud of drafting him he was. However, Kouandjio never seemed ready to be out there and prove McCloughan right. The LG position is still very much up for grabs, and a position the team needs to address in the draft.
Center:
Kory Lichtensteiger
Austin Reiter
Analysis- Lichtensteiger was injured most of the season in 2015 and didn’t return until the playoffs. While he was healthy, he was very much up and down…mostly down. LeRibeus spent a lot of time at the position but struggled and is no longer on the roster. Reiter never got a chance and spent his time on the practice squad. As far as biggest needs on offense go, Center is at the top of the list.
Biggest Position Needs:
- Center: McCloughan needs to target a future long term starter at the position in this year’s draft. Keep an eye on Ryan Kelly (Alabama), Nick Martin (Notre Dame), Max Tuerk (USC) or Evan Bohm (Missouri).
- Running Back: How comfortable is McCloughan with Matt Jones as the RB1? Seeing as the Redskins haven’t made any moves in Free Agency (yet), so far things are looking good for Jones. McCloughan most likely has his eye on a few guys in the draft. Keep an eye out on guys like Devontae Booker (Utah) or Kenneth Dixon (Louisiana Tech)…or dare I say Derrick Henry (Alabama). If Henry comes to Washington it would most likely take the teams top pick, which is unlikely, but if he’s McCloughan’s BPA at 21…don’t be shocked if it happens.
- Guard: Will Lauvao come back and take the LG position? This position is shroud in a bit of mystery because Lauvao, Long, or Kouandjio could very well impress in camp and hold down that position. Fact of the matter is it was a weakness all of last season and the team needs to start looking for the long term answer there.
- Wide Receiver: Not a major need, but the team does need that big tall/physical WR that they are lacking. Also have to start thinking about the future…what happens with Djax and Garcon after this season?
Final Analysis:
It’s obvious that the Redskins will spend a lot of time and energy in the draft focusing on the defense. While the offense doesn’t need a lot of help, there are still some major holes that need to be filled. The running game needs to be fixed, it was beyond bad last season. Averaging 2 yards a carry isn’t helping anyone and is making the offense one dimensional. Right now it looks as if Jones will head into the season as the starter, but the position will be addressed in the draft. How early they take a RB is still a mystery. Biggest need on offense is the Center position, and if McCloughan targets the best one in the draft, you can’t blame him. Depth is also needed at both Guard and Tackle, because obviously injuries occur and the backup options on the roster won’t cut it. Adding more weapons is always smart, so look for team to pursue a big physical WR.
That’s it for the current state of the Redskins Offense. We’ll check back in with the unit after the draft and see how much things change…it’s also still very possible that a starter could be added in Free Agency before then as well. Never know…
Stay tuned next week as we analyze the current state of the Redskins defense. Will Junior Galette be signed by then?!
As always be sure to follow RCC for the latest Redskins news and features!
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