Running backs
Then » Clinton Portis would be the starter followed by Larry Johnson and possibly Willie Parker, with Ryan Torain and Keiland Williams behind them. Portis lost 15 pounds to better fit this system. How much would he have left?

Now » Portis is the starter and Johnson is the No. 2. Portis is not going to be an explosive runner anymore, but can still be fine. Though Parker is listed third on the depth chart, I’m not sold on that. He still has to show he can pass protect and I haven’t yet seen that. In this offense, you can’t have two of the top three running backs be bad pass blockers (as Johnson has been in his career). Torain has looked good at times, but needs to do a better job pressing the hole on cutback runs.

Receivers

Then » It’s a weakness. Beyond Santana Moss, who is the proven No. 2? Malcolm Kelly is in trouble. Devin Thomas will start opposite Moss. Joey Galloway is a has-been and Anthony Armstrong was the spring star.

Now » It’s a weakness. Galloway is working as the No. 2 while Kelly can’t even get on the field. We all know Vincent Jackson is available, though San Diego is not calling teams about him (would lower his value). One GM said the Redskins likely would have to part with a No. 2 pick to get him. Thomas is working with the third team. Armstrong looks like he could crack the top 5 and Brandon Banks – not Terrence Austin – could be the sixth receiver (though used as a returner).

Tight ends

Then » It’s a strength. Chris Cooley and Fred Davis will make a good one-two tandem. Dennis Morris would be the No. 3 tight end, a guy to groom.

Now » It’s a strength. Cooley, after some drops early in camp, looks like his old self and Davis has had a good summer. Athletic and an improved blocker (though merely OK). But Morris is the fifth tight end at this point behind Lee Vickers and Logan Paulsen.

Offensive line

Then » A big improvement over the end of last season, but depth is an issue. Trent Williams looked good in the spring, but how about when the pads go on? What a trade for Jammal Brown.

Now » Still a big improvement, but there are still question marks. Williams is the real deal; haven’t seen a rookie this impressive since Chris Samuels and he is more athletic than Samuels. His ability to recover is impressive. Brown still could be good, but now there are concerns about his hip – will it be an issue this season? The guy is strong and plays with a nasty streak. I still have worries about right guard Artis Hicks; he improved in camp, but he still has to prove he can be a good starter for 16 games. He’s mostly been a reserve. Depth is still an issue, especially at tackle. Actually, all over.

Defensive line

Then » Who will play where? Will Albert Haynesworth play nose or end? Is Adam Carriker really a better fit in a 3-4? Is Maake Kemoeatu healthy enough?

Now » The depth looks pretty good. Haynesworth will play the nose, but we still don’t know if he’ll play as hard as the Redskins want. One good thing: Mike Shanahan has established who’s in charge – and seems to take every chance to remind Haynesworth of that fact, even if it’s a subtle comment in a presser. Kemoeatu hasn’t missed much time in camp, but he’s still adjusting to playing the nose full-time. For a big guy he’s been driven back a couple times on double teams. Sometimes you see his strength; sometimes you don’t. Carriker has looked good; for a big guy he gets really low and, as many have said, he does seem to be a better fit in a 3-4 – as is Phillip Daniels at this stage of his career.

Linebackers

Then » Can Andre Carter adjust to playing on the outside? Brian Orakpo will be used like DeMarcus Ware. London Fletcher’s size might be a bigger issue in this scheme. Rocky McIntosh has to adjust to playing inside full-time.

Now » Fletcher looks every bit as good as he did in a 4-3. Same with McIntosh. Orakpo was not as dominant as he was last summer, but you can credit Trent Williams for that. He seems to be better rushing the passer as a standup ‘backer on the line. But they are using him all over. What I haven’t seen is him lining up in a three-point stance (have seen McIntosh do it, only to drop in coverage). Carter just doesn’t look comfortable at this spot. Doesn’t play with the same sort of knee bend as Orakpo, which could impact his explosiveness. He’s better moving forward. This is still a work in progress. Lorenzo Alexander is more fluid, but he doesn’t get to the quarterback vs. starting linemen. However, he is good taking on blockers and tight ends in the run game.

Secondary

Then » The corners should be fine, but how is the depth after the top three? Kareem Moore has the speed, but he’s never been a full-time starter. LaRon Landry should benefit from playing strong safety.

Now » The secondary is a strength; both corners have looked good for most of camp; Carlos Rogers is being used in the nickel and his physical style suits this defense. DeAngelo Hall is just not as physical. Landry has been more visible in camp playing closer to the line; he’s made more plays. However, he still has coverage issues. Moore looks good deep, but we haven’t seen him play a full game at this spot yet. He’s a smart and tough player. The safety depth is solid. The guy who has surprised me most is Kevin Barnes; he’s clearly improved. He’s rangy and physical. Meanwhile, don’t be surprised if Byron Westbrook makes the roster ahead of Justin Tryon. As of now, that’s what would happen. Westbrook is good with his eyes and is better on special teams.

Special teams

Then » A young long snapper? No chance. Graham Gano is unproven and Josh Bidwell should be good … if he’s healthy. But who will return kicks and punts?

Now » A young long snapper? No chance. In fairness to Nick Sundberg, he has improved in the past week but it’ll take an entire preseason of good snaps in games before he has their trust. They brought in James Dearth to challenge him and he’s been OK. Bidwell looks good, but they don’t have him punt much. Gano has been OK, but some of his misses in practice stemmed from poor snaps. Brandon Banks could provide a jolt on punt returns; his first step is excellent and he can get to full speed awfully fast. Devin Thomas and Westbrook could end up returning kickoffs. Terrence Austin needs to show he could handle either role. He has three more games.

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