Washington Redskins vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Pre-Game 53 Man Roster Projection

Well, it’s about to get real. The Washington Redskins are set to square off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the preseason finale Thursday night at 7:30 pm. Washington’s starters will not play, although there was some deliberation on if the team’s offense should play a series or two after laying an egg in Baltimore last week. However, the right decision was made and now starters can focus on preparing mentally for the Houston Texans.

It will be a crucial game for several players, as the cut down to 53-man rosters are set to commence after the preseason finale. With that in mind, we’ll take a look at who could possibly make the squad by projecting the final roster:

 

Quarterback:

1. Robert Griffin III

2. Kirk Cousins

3. Colt McCoy

• With all three players expected to make the team, this is a fairly easy projection.

 

Running Back:

1. Alfred Morris

2. FB Darrel Young

3. Roy Helu Jr.

4. Lache Seastrunk

5. Chris Thompson

• Thursday Night’s game is huge for Chris Thompson — HC Jay Gruden said it himself earlier this week. But I think this team needs speed at the position — both Thompson and Seastrunk provides that. Silas Redd has looked like a quality back this preseason, however, he doesn’t provide that explosive — Gio Bernard esque ability. I think he’s a guy you stash on practice squad. Seastrunk and Thompson aren’t great blockers — they also are still a bit raw as runners. But, Jay Gruden isn’t Mike Shanahan. He would make the most out of their explosive ability by playing them on second or even first down for a change of pace. You could even see them on the field in a two-back set.

 

Tight End:

1. Jordan Reed

2. Logan Paulsen

3. Niles Paul

• Easy decisions here. Washington should be able to stash rookie Ted Bosler on practice squad.

 

Wide Receiver:

1. DeSean Jackson

2. Pierre Garcon

3. Andre Roberts

4. Santana Moss

5. Ryan Grant

6. Aldrick Robinson

• Leonard Hankerson will go on PUP. I’d try to trade a receiver like Aldrick Robinson. He’s showed that he can play in this league. However, the Redskins already have a couple deep threats and he isn’t going to help you on special teams.

 

Offensive Tackles:

1. Trent Williams

2. Tyler Polumbus

3. Morgan Moses

• The real battle has been between Moses and Tom Compton. Based on in-game play, I think Moses won that battle proving he can fill-in at LT. However, they have to be sure he’s healthy. If not, you could see them also hold on to Compton — who hasn’t looked very good.

 

Offensive Guards and Center:

1. Shawn Lauvao

2. Chris Chester

3. Spencer Long

4. Josh LeRibeus

5. Kory Lichtensteiger

• It appears that LeRibeus will make the squad after the team releasing Adam Gettis earlier this week. The Redskins can get away with keeping only one center as Chester and LeRibeus could both fill-in, if needed.

 

Defensive Line:

1. Jason Hatcher

2. Chris Baker

3. Barry Cofield

4. Jarvis Jenkins

5. Kedric Golston

6. Clifton Geathers

• With Stephen Bowen likely not being ready for the season, Geathers will probably make the squad. Of course, there’s only one listed Nose Tackle. However, Chris Baker, Golston and Hatcher could all fill in there if needed.

 

Outside Linebacker:

1. Brian Orakpo

2. Ryan Kerrigan

3. Trent Murhpy

4. Everette Brown

 

Inside Linebacker:

1. Kennan Robinson

2. Perry Riley

3. Will Compton

4. Adam Hayward

5. Akeem Jordan

• Not many surprises at the LB positions. I think Will Compton is a savvy player. Adam Hayward will be a stud on special teams. If I’m the Redskins, I’d try shipping Akeem Jordan back to Kansas City for a bag of popcorn. But if that doesn’t happen, I think he’ll make the team.

 

Cornerback:

1. DeAngelo Hall

2. David Amerson

3. Tracy Porter

4. EJ Biggers

5. Bashuad Breeland

• The Redskins do not have much behind Amerson and Hall at the cornerback position, other than Breeland. I think Breeland can get playtime early, as he’s proved capable of playing nickel. IMO, he’s already a better nickelback than Porter.

 

Safeties:

1. Ryan Clark

2. Brandon Meriweather

3. Bacarri Rambo

4. Phillip Thomas

5. Trenton Robinson

• I think the Redskins will end up keeping five safeties with so many question marks at the position. Meriweather is facing a two-game suspension and Phillip Thomas is still having foot issues. So I think a guy like Trenton Robinson makes the squad. He’s a guy they like and he’s really good on special teams.

 

Specialist:

LS Nick Sundberg

P Robert Malone

K Zach Hocker

• From the moment Hocker was drafted, I knew he’d beat Kai Forbath out of a job. Many had him as the best kicker in the draft. He has a strong leg and is able to drive kickoffs at will. He has franchise kicker potential.

 

Offense: 25

Defense: 25

Specialist: 3

 

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