Because there aren’t enough ‘experts’ analyzing the roster:
Quarterbacks
Locks: Jason Campbell, Todd Collins.
Colt or Chase: Colt Brennan. His errors have been bad, but correctable – they come from indecisiveness, which can be helped through experience. But Brennan best not have a bad game. Another factor: It’s doubtful that Daniel would be picked up by another team if he’s cut, so the Redskins could stash him on their practice squad. My guess is that the coaches would like to keep Daniel because they like his intangibles more, but that Brennan has a higher ceiling.
Running backs
Locks: Clinton Portis, Ladell Betts, Rock Cartwright, Mike Sellers.
One more?: Yes, but who? Don’t forget, draft pick Eddie Williams is a fullback. But he’s recovering from a knee injury and needs to get stronger to be ready to play in a game. He’s practice squad material.
Mason or Alridge: Alridge. Love Marcus Mason’s style – tough, patient runner. But the Redskins have three guys ahead of him who run the same way. If they’re going to keep an extra back, it should be someone who offers something they don’t have, like speed. Anthony Alridge has that. He also fumbles a lot (Mason’s weakness: pass protection). Did we mention that Alridge came recommended by Mike Shanahan? Vinny Cerrato gets along with the former Denver coach, who cut Alridge last summer.
Receivers
Locks: Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle El, Malcolm Kelly, Devin Thomas, Marko Mitchell.
One more?: Don’t see where there’s room. Also, none of the other receivers have done anything from scrimmage, nor have they stood out on special teams. So why not Mitchell? Trent Shelton could be a decent gunner, but he hasn’t made plays. Is he good enough to keep as an extra guy? D.J. Hackett hasn’t done anything and doesn’t play special teams. Adios.
Offensive line
Locks: Chris Samuels, Derrick Dockery, Casey Rabach, Randy Thomas, Stephon Heyer, Will Montgomery, Jeremy Bridges, Chad Rinehart.
Williams – in or out: Probably in. It’s hard to see them cutting Williams after the way they initially touted him. But if he comes out of Thursday’s game with another injury, I don’t see how they could keep him. As coaches like to say, they want their guys to be part of the able family – as in, available.
Who else: Edwin Williams, D’Anthony Batiste and Rueben Riley. Of this group Williams has steadily progressed. Batiste is interesting inside. Both could be practice squaders if Williams makes the team and they only want to keep nine linemen.
Tight ends
Locks: Chris Cooley, Fred Davis, Todd Yoder. There’s no mystery at this spot.
Defensive line
Locks: Phillip Daniels, Albert Haynesworth, Cornelius Griffin, Andre Carter, Kedric Golston, Jeremy Jarmon, Anthony Montgomery, Lorenzo Alexander.
On the fence about: Renaldo Wynn. It looks like they’ll have room for a ninth linemen, which means Wynn should stick around. But keep in mind that Brian Orakpo will play rush end, as can Chris Wilson. However, Wynn can play the run and, though he doesn’t make plays, he can help and provide insurance if something happens to Daniels.
Linebackers
Locks: Orakpo, Wilson, London Fletcher, Rocky McIntosh, H.B. Blades.
Who’s next: The Redskins have typically kept six linebackers. If that’s the case, then four players are vying for one spot: Robert Thomas, Darrel Young, Cody Glenn and Robert Henson. However, it wouldn’t be stunning to see them keep two considering Orakpo and Wilson are swing guys. Thomas can play all three spots; Glenn has ascended lately, plus the Redskins know that he’s still new to the position (as is Young). Greg Blache is not a big fan of rookies, so it’s hard to imagine him not keeping another veteran, one who could fill in for McIntosh if needed. Young and Henson to the practice squad.
Secondary
Locks: DeAngelo Hall, Fred Smoot, Carlos Rogers, Reed Doughty, LaRon Landry, Chris Horton, Kareem Moore, Kevin Barnes, Justin Tryon.
Anyone else: Hard to imagine them keeping more than this, unless Moore’s hamstring injury is bothersome. They could survive for a week without him, though I’m not comfortable with Smoot at safety. But if someone is added here, I’m guessing it’ll be someone who was in camp with another team.
Specialists
Locks: Hunter Smith, Ethan Albright.
Suisham or Rayner: It’s up to Suisham. If he has a tough night Thursday, he’s gone. But he’s the incumbent and has had one year where he made 80 percent of his kicks. Rayner is a career 71 percent kicker. He needs a knockout. That hasn’t happened. If they both have good nights Thursday, we’ll stick with Suisham.
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