The Washington Redskins' 2015 draft class contains a strong mix of potential starters, backups and players no longer on the roster. Here's a look at where the 10-member class stands in year two:
Guard Brandon Scherff (first round): He improved throughout last season and definitely looks further ahead this summer. There are times he still allows defenders to get their hands into him, but he does a better job now of reacting when they do and anchoring, thanks to a consistent base and good strength. There were definitely times he struggled during one-on-ones in Richmond. Still, he should be a mainstay at right guard for a while, but the question is whether he can become a perennial Pro Bowler. When you’re the fifth overall pick, that’s the expectation.
Projection: Starter
Linebacker Preston Smith (second): Had a good spring, but for the most part, his training camp was relatively quiet in terms of making his presence felt. However, that’s what he must do for the Redskins, something the coaches have let him know. They have high hopes for him. Smith played well in the preseason opener vs. Atlanta, using his strength to either make stops or help others do so. I like him on stunts up the middle; his footwork seems better in that area this summer, which helps. A new approach has helped him develop, but I wonder if it could take him another year to fully get his rush moves down. He’s not a burner off the edge and getting the timing of footwork and hands down can take longer.
Projection: Starter
Running back Matt Jones (third): He enters as the No. 1 running back, but amid plenty of questions. Jones has good size at 232 pounds, but at 6-foot-2, he has to always work on staying low. Sometimes he remembers; sometimes he does not. The Redskins liked how he developed in the offseason, but the real test is game action. Jones still must prove he can be a 16-game back; the Redskins are convinced he can be. A big question: Will he create when plays break down?
Projection: Starter
Receiver Jamison Crowder (fourth): Don’t forget about him just because there is talent elsewhere in the passing game. It might be hard to match last season’s 59-catch total for that reason, but he should still be effective. He looks a little quicker off the line vs. press coverage; too often last season he didn’t fool the defender in that coverage and it limited him. That will be something to watch this season. But he’s a guy who stood out during offseason workouts. I’ve consistently heard they want to keep him on the field in three-receiver packages, even if and when Josh Doctson returns.
Projection: Top slot receiver
Guard Arie Kouandjio (fourth): Entered camp as part of a competition for left guard, but that really is a two-man race between Spencer Long and Shawn Lauvao. Kouandjio still struggled at times in the one-on-ones, sometimes with his hands and other times his footwork. He’s worked at tackle this summer; it’s too early to fully gauge his progress (he’s had expected early struggles) but he still seems best suited to guard.
Projection: Backup
Linebacker Martrell Spaight (fifth): Had a good camp after missing last season with a concussion. Worked mostly with the No. 2 defense, where he made his presence felt. He can get caught in traffic, but he also plays aggressive and loves to hit.
Projection: Backup/special teamer
Safety Kyshoen Jarrett: He was cut before camp because of his inability to recover from the nerve damage to his arm. His future in the NFL remains in doubt.
Corner Tevin Mitchel: He was cut after a shoulder injury last year and claimed on waivers by Indianapolis. He has a decent shot at making the Colts’ 53-man roster this season. The Redskins are set at corner.
Center Austin Reiter (seventh): Has worked exclusively at center and there’s a gap between he and those ahead of him, Kory Lichtensteiger, Long and Josh LeRibeus. Reiter looks better this summer than he did a year ago, but last year’s camp prompted him to not only be cut, but to not be signed immediately to the practice squad. That didn’t happen until later. Reiter bulked up to 307 pounds and appears to be playing with better strength. Lately, he’s worked consistently as the No. 3 center.
Projection: Practice squad/backup
Receiver Evan Spencer (seventh): The Redskins cut him last summer -- too many drops in camp, among other issues -- and he’s now trying out with Tampa Bay.
