Ten thoughts on the Washington Redskins' roster:
I wasn’t surprised by any of the cuts, which is a rarity. Usually there are one or two that either you didn’t see coming or involved a bigger name. But the fact that linebacker Terrance Plummer was cut (I had him on my 53-man projected roster)? Not exactly a shocker. He’s an undrafted free agent who should end up on the practice squad. That’s fine by me. I wasn’t surprised that Houston Bates was cut; liked his early showing but when you watched him closely, he needed some work -- and he wasn’t getting past better tackles. To me, Jackson Jeffcoat became a lock the more camp progressed.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Redskins still addressed linebacker in some fashion. Tight end, perhaps, is another to watch as the Redskins kept two true tight ends knowing that tackle Tom Compton can serve as a blocker. But they’ll likely keep Je'Ron Hamm on the practice squad.
Rookie corner Deshazor Everett was not invited to the NFL combine, was cut by the team that originally signed him this year (Tampa Bay) and was not signed by Washington until Aug. 1, yet he made the roster.
Meanwhile, since 2009, tackle Ty Nsekhe has played for five different Arena League teams and also in the Canadian Football League. The Redskins are his fourth NFL organization, but he’s been on an active roster for just two games (with St. Louis in 2012).
The Redskins kept seven new players on offense and 11 on defense. It makes sense that the defense changed over more, after changing staffs -- and needing a talent infusion in the first place. Of the 18 new players, five are expected to start: guard Brandon Scherff, end Stephen Paea, nose tackle Terrance Knighton, corner Chris Culliver and safety Dashon Goldson.
Washington has six new starters overall on defense, with linebacker Trent Murphy and safety Duke Ihenacho also additions. And they have two other new starters on offense with right tackle Morgan Moses and quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Seven of this year's 10 draft choices made the roster. That’s about right; after the draft I figured eight would make it (anticipating Evan Spencer being on the roster). But I always thought Austin Reiter was a practice squad player based on the construction of the line and the numbers inside. And I thought they had enough depth at corner to make it difficult for Tevin Mitchel, who was waived/injured in August and claimed by Indianapolis.
Of their rookies, running back Matt Jones stood out, though he needs to get that upright running style under control to increase his effectiveness and durability. Scherff did not wow this summer, but he also was the only rookie consistently facing starters. Linebacker Preston Smith's development over the last few weeks is encouraging. Before camp, I pegged him to be a starter by now based on what those in the organization were saying. I still think that happens, though I’m not sure when.
The Redskins have more former draft choices on offense (15) than defense (nine). Six former draft picks will start on offense while four will start on defense. They have four players on offense and six on defense who were never drafted.
The position I feel most comfortable with on defense: the line. They lack a dynamic playmaker, but they have quality depth, which helps not only over four quarters but the course of a season. Chris Baker's play this summer has put him in the conversation to start. Don’t know if that will happen, and if nothing else it illustrates their depth up front.
The position group I wonder about the most on offense? No, it’s not quarterback. It’s the line. Like everyone else, I’m curious to see what Cousins can do at quarterback. He might be average at best, who knows? I only know he’s better than the others on the roster. So the expectations are lower at quarterback. But the line needs to be the engine of the offense, especially after changing the right side -- and drafting Scherff at No. 5. The Redskins kept 10 players here, and I think in time their depth will be good. But I’d like to have seen more push up front and better backup play from second-year Spencer Long, among others. In time the line could be good -- with Bill Callahan in charge, I feel confident it will be at some point. How quickly it takes them to mature could alter the direction of the season.