The Washington Redskins are down tot he final 2 preseason games. Most fans cheer that fact. Most fans despise preseason games as boring, meaningless, and full of potential for significant injuries. BUT, to fringe roster players, these games are the most important of their professional football careers. Make or break time. That being said, DCPSR takes a look at what we believe are the main roster battles and players who stand to win or lose.
First, you can view the Redskins current ROSTER here. In our assessment here, a * indicates rookie.
Let’s first look at DEFENSE.
Defensive End: The starters are pretty much set and belong to Andre Carter and Phillip Daniels. The spots for backups at this point look strong for veteran Renaldo Wynn and 2009 supplemental pick Jeremy Jarmon. Wynn is an older veteran, but what makes Wynn attractive is the flexibility to move inside if needed. Jarmon was down right impressive in camp. Jarmon’s arrival could be the end of Rob Jackson, depends if the ‘Skins carry 5 DEs. We are assuming the Redskins will carry 4 to 5, with a bigger possibility of 4 because Orakpo and Chris Wilson, also converted to LB, could fill in at DE in need situations. Skins are listing Lorenzo Alexander as a DE and will be hard pressed to NOT find a spot because he can also play on the offensive line.
Projected Starters: Andre Carter, Phillip Daniels
Projected Backups: Renaldo Wynn, Jeremy Jarmon *
Bubble guys that could snag a spot: Lorenzo Alexander, Rob Jackson
Long Shot: JD Skolnitsky *, Alex Buzbee
Defensive Tackle: The starters and backups are set and the defensive middle is the stronger 
part of the defense. Big man Albert Haynesworth and Cornelius Griffin will anchor the middle and be extremely formidable. The Redskins will rely much on the $100 million Haynesworth. The good thing for the Redskins is both backups are home grown, both have starting experience, and both have played effectively. Anthony Montgomery and Kedric Golston have locks. Antonio Dixon has received some praise and could be a man to watch in the final 2 games.
Projected Starters: Albert Haynesworth, Cornelius Griffin
Projected Backups: Anthony Montgomery, Kedric Golston
Long Shot: Antonio Dixon *, Michael Marquardt
Linebackers: The starters are pretty much set with veteran London Fletcher anchoring the middle, 13th overall pick Brian Orakpo on the strong side and Rocky McIntosh at the weak side. The bigger question will be backup roles and these will likely be made based on special teams play and say by Danny Smith. HB Blades is the most certain lock, backing up Fletcher in the middle. Robert Thomas is a veteran and could fight for a spot, but the problem is, spots are limited. Alfred Fincher would be a strong candidate because of superb play on special teams, though he’s looked bad in pass coverage during the preseason. The Redskins darft two middle round linebackers and I can’t see both making the roster. Likely this will be a special teams choice. Chris Wilson has been earning praise and has pass rushing ability the Redskins need and has been converted to LB like Orakpo. Fact is, guys like Thomas and rookies Henson and Glenn, well, they are very limited to maybe one spot left and these last two games are absolutely critical to impress.
Projected Starters: Rocky McIntosh, London Fletcher, Brian Orakpo *
Projected Backups: HB Blades, Alfred Fincher, Chris Wilson
Bubble guys that could snag a spot: Robert Thomas, Robert Henson *, Cody Glenn *
Long Shot: Darrell Young
Cornerbacks: The starters are set with DeAngelo Hall and Carlos Rogers. Problem here is Rogers’ health. He has missed a big chunk of camp and preseason because of an ailing calf. Word right now is, he is a no go for Friday night. One of the biggest lingering battle of the roster is here at backup. Fred Smoot appears a lock. The other 4th and 5th corner slots are wide open. Redskins drafted Kevin Barnes in the 3rd round. Somehow I suspect the Redskins will not cut a third round pick. That leaves one spot. Byron Westbrook and Justin Tryon are battling for that spot.
Projected Starters: DeAngel Hall, Carlos Rogers
Projected Backups: Fred Smoot
Bubble guys that could snag a spot: Kevin Barnes *, Justin Tryon, Byron Westbrook
Long Shot: Michael Grant, Doug Dutch
Safeties: The starters are set with Laron Landry and Chris Horton. Landry is one of the best in the NFL. Horton, a 7th round pick last year, stunned the Redskins with exceptional play after Reed Doughty went down to a back injury. Horton deserves the starting role. Doughty will fight for it and likely win a backup spot along with 2008 draftee Kareem Moore. I think the Redskins safeties and depth is one of the strongest parts of the defense. Redskins utilized the draft well at this position. Landry, Horton, Doughy, and Moore are all draft selections.
Projected Starters: Laron Landry, Chris Horton
Projected Backups: Reed Doughty, Kareem Moore
Long Shot: Lendy Holmes
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