Washington Redskins: 3 Things to watch for in Preseason Week 1
2. Which receivers will play?
For as much as people will discuss the depth at running back and which players will play, there’s quite a battle going on at wide receiver, too. Washington will likely keep six receivers and with Jamison Crowder, Josh Doctson and Paul Richardson all locks to make the roster, that means there are a host of players battling for two or three roster spots.
Some of those players are Maurice Harris, Brian Quick, Robert Davis, Trey Quinn, Simmie Cobbs and Cam Sims. Harris, a former undrafted free agent, has flashed his first two years.
He needs consistency and is having an outstanding camp. Quick, a veteran, played sparingly last season but did have a solid game at Seattle. Davis has big-time physical gifts and is still learning the nuances of the position.
The Redskins will have interesting decisions at receiver. But one who has consistently stood out among the backups is Maurice Harris. He did it again when the Redskin ran some two-on-two drills vs. the corners. He was able to get a clean release vs.... https://t.co/XmlquD6KXO
— John Keim (@john_keim) August 5, 2018
Quinn was the last pick in the draft and has flashed all offseason. He can also help in the return game, too. Cobbs and Sims are both undrafted rookies who can play. Preseason action could determine roster spots among this group.
Doctson is unlikely to see any action on Thursday. He injured his shoulder last week and while that appears to be minor, he is also battling a heel injury. Washington will take it easy with Doctson.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if Richardson played. Gruden will not keep him in the game long, however, the team does want to see him on the field as he adjusts to a new offense and quarterback.
This may be the most interesting battle for the Redskins this preseason.
1. Young defenders
There’s a lot of excitement surrounding the offense — and rightfully so — but this defense has several young faces eager to make an impact. And it begins up front. Rookie first-round pick Daron Payne will not play as he is recovering from a minor ankle injury.
But fellow rookie, Tim Settle, has a chance to make a big impact. Settle has massive talent and Thursday night could be a showcase game for him.
More from Washington Commanders
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
- Washington Commanders: Jahan Dotson primed for second-year jump
- NFL: Will Commanders reach expectations under new ownership in 2023?
- Washington Commanders 3 bold predictions heading into 2023 season
- Malik Willis should be on the Washington Commanders radar
At linebacker, Josh Harvey-Clemons and Shaun Dion Hamilton have been seeing plenty of time with the No. 2 defense on the inside. Hamilton could be a steal for the Redskins, he just needs to stay healthy. Harvey-Clemons is a former college safety who has stood out at times in camp. His athleticism gives him someone the team can comfortably drop into coverage.
Outside of veteran Josh Norman and newcomer Orlando Scandrick, the Redskins have several young faces at cornerback. Quinton Dunbar is entering his fourth year and is poised to start on the outside opposite of Norman. Fabian Moreau is entering his second season and is showing his versatility this summer, playing both outside and inside in the slot. He has as much raw ability as anyone on the team.
Three rookies are battling for what is likely a pair of roster spots. Greg Stroman and Adonis Alexander, both from Virginia Tech, are talented but haven’t stood out in camp. Stroman has punt return ability and can also play in the slot. Alexander has outstanding size and may be better suited for safety long term. Rookie Danny Johnson of Southern is an undrafted free agent who has really stood out this summer.
Next. Biggest camp battle for all 32 teams. dark
Johnson is a player everyone should keep an eye on Thursday night as he has a real shot to make this team.