The Washington Redskins were surprise division winners in 2015. Kirk Cousins shocked the world as he set out the prove the RG3 era was nothing more than a flash in the pan. Washington was able to lure star cornerback Josh Norman to town in an effort to repeat as division champs. What’s next for the skins in 2016?
3 Position Battles To Watch:
- Wide Receiver: Desean Jackson vs. Pierre Garcon vs. Josh Doctson
Doctson was the team’s first round pick this season and is pushing his way into the starting lineup. To do so he will have to conquer either veteran wide out in Jackson or Garcon. Regardless Jamison Crowder will work the slot as he did so well during his rookie year via Duke.
2. Cornerback: Breshad Breeland vs. Kendall Fuller
Breeland has been solid during his first two years including an all rookie team appearance in 2014. Fuller is the rookie 3rd round pick who comes from Virginia Tech. Fuller’s brother plays for the Bears and has made a nice little transition to the pros himself. Josh Norman of course is the team’s number one option.
3. Outside Linebacker: Preston Smith vs. Trent Murphy
This battle has much less pizazz now that Junior Gallete is done for the season. Smith and Murphy shared the duties in 2015 opposite of Ryan Kerrigan who collectively did a nice job a year ago. Smith racked in 8 sacks and will likely start. Murphy had 3.5 a year ago and is an option at defensive end as well.
Ready To Breakout: Matt Jones
Alfred Morris is gone and Matt Jones is now the lead back. Jones showed he is a complete back having a productive rookie season in 2015 in both the run and pass game. Jones, the 3rd round pick in 2015, could be a fantasy stud in the Jay Gruden zone running scheme.
Fantasy Sleeper: Vernon Davis
This is probably a huge reach but I bet you didn’t even know Davis was on the Skins. With big Vernon in the fold, this gives Jay Gruden more toys to play with having the option to run two tight end sets. One injury to Jordan Reed and maybe Vernon Davis returns to fantasy glory. We all know what Jordan Reed did a year ago, wow.
Rookie To Watch: Keith Marshall
I’ll be the first to admit I didn’t really understand the Redskins draft this year. Having said that they may have just struck gold with tailback Keith Marshall. The former Georgia Bulldog was more highly recruited than former college teammate Todd Gurley to give you an idea of how good Marshall can be. Injuries are the reason Marshall slipped all the way to the 7th round.
