One is pushing 30 years old, another can’t stay healthy and a third might not even start. When it comes to forming a list of potential breakout veterans for the Redskins, it’s not hard to view it with pessimism. But there is hope: If the top guy on the list breaks out, then that means any problems with the running game will have ended.
Feel better?
Anyway, here are the Redskins’ top five breakout veterans:
Running back Ryan Torain » He finished with 742 yards last season, getting the most carries of his young career. He ran hard, broke tackles and became the back Mike Shanahan anticipated. But Torain still hasn’t proved he can stay healthy with an increased workload. To best maximize his value, the Redskins will need to find another reliable back.
Defensive end Adam Carriker » He’s entering his fifth season, so he’s getting a little late to break out. And it’s all relative; he’s not going to become dominant. But he can play better, and he had his best games when there was decent nose tackle play in the last two games of the season — and when Carriker started to get more comfortable as a 3-4 end. Find a good nose tackle and Carriker could flourish.
Left tackle Trent Williams » He was way too inconsistent as a rookie. He showed terrific athleticism, but he also displayed flaws in terms of recognition. Williams said he has been working out hard this offseason. But the real work for Williams will come in the film room. If he excels there, he can become an elite player.
Cornerback Kevin Barnes » If the Redskins let Carlos Rogers leave as expected, there’s a chance Barnes could start. As one team source said of Barnes, “It’s now or never.” The third-year cornerback is smart and has good height and speed. But he’s an unproven starter.
Quarterback John Beck » This makes sense if only because he’ll likely enter the season as the starter and he’s never done anything. But a legitimate breakout year means you become a solid starter; that’s the challenge Beck faces. And it’s asking a lot.
