The No. 1 topic this week, without a doubt, involved the Washington Redskins run defense -- will it be better and who will line up at nose tackle? But there are questions about the rookies, running backs and receivers as well. Thanks to @joeyt5656, @stew_PDM, @Tdreamer7, @ElonThaDon, @olearyeddie, @CJ_workman, @blockaderunnerX, @PHamburg91 and @jwill45.
On the Redskins' defensive line and stopping the run: Got a few questions on this topic, including who will start opposite Chris Baker. My early guess now would be Stephen Paea. That is, after all, why he was signed in the 2015 offseason. He lost his starting job last year in part because of how Baker was playing. But you’d like to see more production from him if he does return. I don’t see anyone else taking that job and I know Trent Murphy is transitioning there, but he not only has to gain more weight but learn a new job. That’s tough. It's impossible to know what he can do. i do think they'll miss Jason Hatcher's size and leadership, at least initially. And for those who are concerned about how this group will fare against the run, I’m right there with you. Doesn’t mean they can’t, but they were not good in this area last season – and as always I don’t just blame the line, but they do need to play better.
One thing I’ve always been told about a 3-4 by those who have coached it over the years: It starts with really good play over the nose. It has been true for several years that they don’t use their base package all that often (25 percent), but that doesn’t mean you discard 15 or so plays per game. Names that have been mentioned as possible starting nose tackles: Kedric Golston (is he getting too old); Matt Ioannidis (he’s a rookie and only 299 pounds) and Baker (he wants no part of it). I have a feeling it might look a little different in training camp. But they are setting themselves up to be better in the pass game than at stopping the run. And stopping the run is just as important with their nickel packages and maybe more so given the amount of time they’re in that look.
On Matt Jones and the running back situation: For now, Jones will receive the bulk of the carries. I just don’t see another full-time option on the roster just yet. Pierre Thomas is in the same spot he was a year ago – content with waiting until a situation opens in the season (money can change everything, of course). But I’ll be curious to see what the Redskins do here before camp – will there be any interesting cuts by other teams? This is an unsettled running back situation; Jones needs to prove he can stay durable and be a productive runner. I know Arian Foster remains unsigned, but he’s coming off an Achilles tear and is 29 years old.
Ryan Grant and Josh Doctson: Doctson will back up DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon, but it’s clear that he can earn a lot of playing time. And if he’s playing better than someone else? He’ll get more time. As for Grant, it’s a big year for him because his play hasn’t matched the way coaches talk about him. I’ve heard that he trained differently in the offseason (working was never an issue for him, but he focused on different aspects of footwork, etc). We’ll see if that helps. Regardless, as of now he’d be the fifth receiver. That’s about right.
On the rookies and undrafted free agents: OK, I obviously want to watch the first two picks, Doctson and Su'a Cravens. And, in all honesty, it’s hard to focus too much on a lot of the rookies – we can watch practice Saturday, but it’s hardly enough time to get a good feel for a lot of players. But among the lower-round picks I’m eager to see: Ioannidis and running back Keith Marshall. Ioannidis because they need the depth up front, and Marshall because of the speed and the fact they have holes in the backfield. As for undrafteds, it’s tough to make the roster, but I’m guessing one or two will. I really have a tough time paying close attention to them until training camp, however. Too many other storylines. But some of the players I’m curious to see include mammoth offensive lineman Kevin Bowen because he’s 6-foot-9; Dominick Jackson because in time he could help at guard, and defensive end Anthony Lanier because he played two years of college hoops in addition to football at Alabama A&M.
