The players arrived within the past few seasons, bumping veterans from their spots in the Washington Redskins' lineup. Will the same thing happen to them? In some cases, the answer appears a definite yes. In others, it'll take a lot longer to know.
The Redskins' early-round draft choices will lead to interesting situations with several players. They drafted according to their board, not just harping on need. In doing so, it led them to players who will challenge for starting jobs immediately or, at least, taking over a role from a veteran.
Here are the Redskins' starters or key backups who could be affected by the new arrivals:
CB Bashaud Breeland: It'll be an interesting year for Breeland. He changed agents earlier this offseason as he prepares for a contract year. But with the Redskins drafting Fabian Moreau in the third round, they have a potential replacement. It's not a given that Breeland doesn't return, of course. Moreau, who might not be ready until September because of a torn pectoral muscle, would have to play well -- Kendall Fuller, too, -- and Breeland would have to struggle. That would make any decision easier.
But Breeland offers versatility others do not. He can play inside or outside and he's physical. He could play safety in a pinch (though that position is not a legitimate option full time until much later in his career). Breeland had tough moments last season, some of which stemmed from his play and others from botched safety assignments or coverage calls. Breeland finished strong. He had a good rapport with former assistant secondary coach Aubrey Pleasant, who is now with the Los Angeles Rams. The Redskins have a new secondary coach in Torrian Gray.
The Redskins could end up using more press coverage, which suits Breeland's strengths. They've always played a decent amount of press, but certainly mix in playing off. Breeland isn't as comfortable playing off-man. If he plays well, he would command a big contract. If Fuller and Moreau develop -- both were third-round picks who fell to that round because of injuries -- then the Redskins wouldn't have to pay him. If they don't play well? Then it's hard to let a good corner walk. Corners and pass-rushers are like pitching in baseball: You can never have enough. Don't count out Breeland.
LB Preston Smith: He's not in jeopardy of losing his roster spot, but the Redskins made it a priority to draft an edge rusher in part because of his lack of development last season. It wasn't just that his sacks went from eight as a rookie to four last season; he just wasn't consistent. Too often he was close to making plays and didn't. Teammates have compared his talent to former San Francisco 49ers pass-rusher Aldon Smith, but he'll have to flash more than just every several games.
Ryan Anderson wasn't just drafted because of Smith; there are also questions about Trent Murphy (suspension/pending free agent), Junior Galette (two years without playing) and Houston Bates (torn ACL). Redskins coach Jay Gruden also raved about the attitude Anderson plays with on the field, displaying a nasty demeanor that impacts others.
But even if Anderson starts immediately, Smith can play a role. His size enables him to play along the line in obvious pass situations, creating a faster rush package (they used this on occasion a few times last year). The Redskins rotated their outside linebackers more often in 2016 as well.
LB Trent Murphy: His four-game suspension didn't help, but he is coming off a nine-sack season. It was, by far, his best showing. But he's also a free agent after next season. If Galette comes through, it'll be interesting to see how Murphy is used when he does return. Like Smith, he can play along the line in obvious pass downs. Murphy was going to play end last season, but Galette's injury forced him back to linebacker. The Redskins have more depth along the line now (they hope) and need it at linebacker.
RB Rob Kelley: He ended the season as the starter and certainly will challenge for the job this year. But the Redskins rated Samaje Perine as the fourth-best back in the draft and love his power. It's not a given that Perine starts and even if he does, Kelley probably would have a role.
RB Matt Jones: He'd already lost his starting job to Kelley last season and, even though the run game started to suffer, never got it back. Also, Mack Brown continues to improve so the Redskins could keep him as a fourth back if they wanted. So with the arrival of Perine, Jones becomes expendable. Barring injuries to others, it's hard to see him making the roster.
