One thing to keep in mind about this rookie class: The fact that more rookies are on the bubble is a good thing. If the Redskins somehow kept all 12 rookies, or even, say, 10 of them, it would not mean it was a terrific class. Rather, it would mean the roster was pretty bare. Don’t forget, the Redskins kept nine of their 10 rookies in 2008, with Rob Jackson making the practice squad. Four players now remain.
From this group, I could see six players making the roster with several more on the practice squad. If, in a couple years, they ended up with three of four starters and a couple more backups from this group, that would be considered a good draft. And that’s a realistic vision for this group.
LB Ryan Kerrigan
Stock: Same. Made another effort sack – not trying to minimize it because many great rushers make these — against Baltimore. He’s improving with his takeoff, but needs to get used to hearing hard counts in certain situations (third and long). Just more of the learning curve.
DE Jarvis Jenkins
Stock: Down, for obvious reasons (uh-oh, a Mike Shanahan-ism). Too bad because the start of the Ravens game might have been his best showing. The problem with losing Jenkins is they don’t have another player who can do what he could. Had he just been a run stopper that would be one thing, but his ability to collapse the pocket was big.
WR Leonard Hankerson
Stock: Same. Haven’t seen a reason to bump him up or down. He made a nice grab, reaching low for a catch vs. the Ravens. Those big hands help in this situation. Still see him on pace to help in some situations. But still need to see consistency with his hands. Also, the experts say receiver is one of the toughest positions to adapt to in the NFL; how hard will it be after this sort of offseason?
RB Roy Helu
Stock: Same. He’s still not adept at picking up blitzes; this could take a little while. I’d like to see him in those situations vs. Tampa Bay; he needs more experience in this role. Thought he did a good job of squeezing out whatever yards he could vs. the Ravens; typically falls forward and that’s a good sign. He’ll be on the roster and should help, but his ability to do so increases the better he gets in protection.
S DeJon Gomes
Stock: Up. With Kareem Moore likely to open the season on the physically unable to perform list, Gomes’ chances of making the roster have increased. The hard part is trying to project rookies based on one month of practice, but Gomes has shown an ability to make plays moving forward. The more he learns about coverage the better he’ll get. I think. I’d keep him.
WR Niles Paul
Stock: Same. He’s another one who is hard to project. Talked to one GM who liked him coming out of college who thought he’d only be a special teams player and occasional contributor at WR. He doubted anyone would pick him up to be a receiver this year, meaning he’d be safe on the practice squad (just one opinion; you never know). Like his attitude and physical style; he doesn’t get slowed by press coverage when DBs try to get their hands on him. But has he done anything that stands out enough to win a roster spot? If the Redskins keep six WRs, the answer is no. If they keep seven, would you rather have him or Donte Stallworth? One helps you on special teams; the other as a receiver. Of course, if Brandon Banks’ knee doesn’t respond well after playing Thursday night, then …
RB Evan Royster
Stock: Down. He hasn’t played in two games so when it comes to a roster spot hard to say it’s the same or even up. Heard that he’s still inconsistent in practices. But Royster gets a chance Thursday night to prove he can play. However, it’s still difficult to see him on the roster. Now, if Ryan Torain gets hurt Thursday and Royster plays well…But even in that situation I’d keep Keiland Williams at RB ahead of Royster.
WR Aldrick Robinson
Stock: Down. Don’t see any way he makes the roster. And the practice squad is questionable. Just depends how many receivers they keep on the roster. If you have six or even seven on the roster do you really need another one on the practice squad? He needs to show some of the elite speed he has.
CB Brandyn Thompson
Stock: Up. Has a shot to make the roster because his play has improved. He’s not perfect and got off-balance defending one Raven last week. But with Phillip Buchanon out for the first four games, the Redskins will need another corner. Reggie Jones has not distinguished himself, either.
OL Maurice Hurt
Stock: Same. For every good play there seems to be four bad ones. Wouldn’t give up on him because he’s still shown better than Selvish Capers. But if they keep eight linemen, he’s out. If they keep nine? He has a chance. But I’d also look for someone off waivers and let Hurt develop on the practice squad.
LB Markus White
Stock: Up. He appeared to have a good game vs. Baltimore, but that doesn’t mean he’ll make the roster. He’s still considered raw. Good player to develop on the practice squad.
NT Chris Neild
Stock: Same. Just haven’t been wowed, but that’s also not his style. He’s too slow to be a flashy player. But do you really need to keep three nose tackles? Don’t think so. The only way you might? If you want to use Barry Cofield more in nickel situations to help the rush. Even if you do that, there’s no way Neild would be active on Sundays. So stash him on the practice squad.
