A look at the Redskins rookies thus far. There’s a chance only two of the draft picks will make the roster. Because no team wants to cut five draft picks, that probably won’t happen. But that doesn’t mean they deserve a spot.
LT Trent Williams. Obviously a keeper. He reminded everyone vs. Baltimore that he’s still a rookie; will he learn? Williams failed to block to the whistle once and was beaten by Terrell Suggs’ quick hands a couple times. But he’s looked good most of the summer. My only question is how will he prepare and how long will it take him to be a quality starter. Considering the first six games for him, it needs to happen soon.
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LB Perry Riley. Liked him in the first game; even though he missed a couple tackles, the first step is getting to the right spots and he did. But he didn’t fare as well in the second game and couldn’t make a stop at the goal-line. He’s likely in a fight with Robert Henson for the last backup inside linebacking spot. Riley should have the edge, however. I say he makes the roster. And I like him down the road, too.
TE Dennis Morris. There hasn’t been one time where I’ve thought, “This is why they drafted him.” Let alone a reason why they should keep him on the roster. He’s worked as the No. 5 TE all summer. Not that he’s messing up all the time, I just haven’t seen consistent blocking or any catches. At best he’s a practice squader, but even that has to be iffy.
WR Terrence Austin. Showed a lot early and has done enough to at least be in the mix. But at this point I don’t see how he makes the roster unless he has a really good night returning punts or kicks. But he’s worth keeping around on the practice squad. He’s run good routes and has caught the ball well, but he doesn’t have much explosiveness and he’s not big. Really, there are a lot of guys like him. That’s why a big night on special teams is a must. He’s fallen behind Brandon Banks, but there’s time for him to recover.
OL Erik Cook. He’s played mostly center since early in camp when he was working at guard. He was overmatched at guard, partly because he’d be too high and also because he doesn’t anchor well. Not a good combo at center, either. He’s improved, but how much? We can’t watch practices anymore. Practice squader.
OT Selvish Capers. He’s athletic and has shown glimpses of being someone worth developing. But, goodness, did he struggle in the final series vs. Baltimore. Was all technique, too; too upright, lunging at defenders. It’s hard to imagine him making the roster right now; practice squader. However, he could make it if the Redskins want to keep four tackles; Will Robinson isn’t a draft pick and Capers is. Who wins?
WR Brandon Banks. Love his speed, which gives him something not many on this team have. He can be a threat as a returner, obviously. As a receiver? His speed forces defenders to play off him, opening up comeback routes and slants. But he must have huge separation to catch balls. If defenders are on him tight, they’ll be able to easily go through him to defend the pass. Right now, I think he’ll make it as a sixth receiver who returns punts. However, injuries to others could make him a luxury.
RB Keiland Williams. Like a lot about him, but enough to land a roster spot? Not there yet. He’s shown flashes running the ball, in pass protection and catching the ball. But in the first two categories he’s shown enough to give you pause. He’s a willing blocker, but a good one? Not yet. Practice squad.
WR Shay Hodge. He’s done better than expected, but he’s not in the mix.
TE Logan Paulsen. He’s shown more than Morris, especially as a blocker, which is why he’s probably the fourth tight end right now and more worthy of keeping on the practice squad.
