Now that this season’s Training Camp is finished, Redskins Capital Connection is going to take an in-depth look at each unit on the team, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, projected starters and points of interest. In the lead up to the Week One game versus the Miami Dolphins, RCC will break down every single unit on the Redskins team.
LINEBACKERS
Unit Coach: Kirk Olivadotti
Projected Starters: Trent Murphy, Keenan Robinson, Perry Riley Jr, Ryan Kerrigan
Projected Backups: Junior Galette, Will Compton, Preston Smith
On the Bubble: Jackson Jeffcoat, Terrance Plummer, Houston Bates, Martrell Spaight, Sage Harold, Alonzo Highsmith, Dyshawn Davis
KEY ADDITIONS
The Redskins made a late free agent acquisition after the New Orleans Saints released Junior Galette. In 2014 the Saints paid Galette a whopping $18 million dollars. The surprise cut came after a video surfaced of Galette fighting and swinging a belt at a group of people who looked to be trying to attack him. What made the video have so many red flags was that there were women involved. The charges were later dropped, however it is still unknown if he will face any type of suspension from the NFL. The Redskins did their homework and felt comfortable adding Galette. The last two seasons Galette has 22 total sacks, 85 tackles, and 2 safeties and 4 forced fumbles. Look for Galette to push Trent Murphy for the starting SLB spot.
In the 2nd round of the 2015 NFL Draft the Redskins selected Preston Smith 38th overall. Smith played his college ball at Mississippi State and was considered by many to be a first round talent. Smith had an impressive 40yd dash time of 4.74 seconds, making it the fastest time for a DE during the combine. He also finished 1st place in the broad jump, 3 cone drill, and and 60yd shuttle. It’s not secret that Smith is a physical freak and really impressed Scot McCloughan during the draft process. So far in the preseason Smith has looked impressive by consistently showing his speed and getting pressure on the QB. Smith has also recorded his first sack. Right now Smith looks to be more of a rotational player considering who is ahead of him on the depth chart, but once Smith gets comfortable he will be a real force.
UNIT WEAKNESS
The biggest weakness that I see for the Redskins Linebacker corps is the drop off in depth. Jackson Jeffcoat, Terrance Plummer, Alonzo Highsmith, and Dyshawn Davis are not very liable backups in case of an injury(s). I do like the potential of Houston Bates and Martrell Spaight but they will need to maximize their potential. The team has real solid starters in Keenan Robinson, Ryan Kerrigan, and Junior Galette. Also not counting out Trent Murphy and Preston Smith, but after that there is a pretty big drop off in talent. Not to mention as a starter Perry Riley Jr had a very average to below average season. It was tough watching him get torched against the Giants and allowing TE Larry Donnell to score 3 times. Now I know that the entire defense was terrible last season and I’m by no means putting the blame all on Riley but there were plenty of times where he was a weakness. I believe that Will Compton could eventually push Riley out of his starting job if he continues to slide.
UNIT STRENGTHS
RYAN KERRIGAN. ‘Nuff said right? HBK was a stud last season recording 13.5 sacks and forcing 5 fumbles. He got national respect as well by being voted by his peers as one of the top 100 players in the NFL (click link for video). It appears that Kerrigan has also emerged as the new fan favorite on the team and doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon. The team showed him the love he deserves by giving him a nice new contract and keeping him in Burgundy and Gold. Expect 91 to pick up where he left off and keep flexing his guns after a sack.
Keenan Robinson has become one of the most underrated players in the NFL and very easily could have made the Pro Bowl last season. Robinson had 109 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 3 PDEF, and an INT (in 13 games). Robinson was consistently a solid player and is emerging as one of the best leaders on the team. I expect Robinson to continue his momentum from last season and be a solid anchor that this team can count on each week.
Outside pass rush is a big strength of this unit. We all know that Kerrigan will rack up sacks, but then you add Galette, Murphy and Smith in the mix. That is a formula that should wreak havoc on offenses all season.
YOUNG PLAYER TO WATCH
The obvious choice here is Preston Smith who has had himself a solid camp and is already turning heads in the preseason. However, I’m going to go with a surprise name and say Houston Bates. With the unfortunate injury to Adam Hayward it opened up the door for Bates to make the final 53. Bates has had a strong camp and has been on absolute fire in the preseason and has recorded 3 sacks in the first two games. Right now Bates leads the team in sacks and has also contributed to special teams. Bates is a former DE from Louisiana Tech and was passed over in the NFL draft despite having an impressive pro day.
Also, like I said earlier keep an eye on Will Compton. Personally, I think he eventually pushes Riley out of his starting job.
UNIT GRADE
B+
With Kerrigan, Robinson, Smith, Galette, and Murphy this team has a very solid corp. There should be little question that this team is going to rack up some sacks this season and bring the heat. Right now my biggest concern is the play of Riley and the deep depth in the case that the injuries start piling up. If this group can stay healthy and play to it’s potential there is little doubt that they will become one of the best position groups in the NFL.
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