The long and dreary part of the offseason is nearly past us, as training camp is less than two weeks away. This year's camp features multiple position battles, making for what should be a very interesting and competitive training camp. I will break down a couple of potential training camp battles that will play a huge part in shaping what the Redskins starting roster will look like come week one against the Eagles.
#1 : QB1 (Haskins, Keenum, McCoy.)
The Redskins won the first round of the draft in the eyes of many when they were able to stay put with the fifteenth pick and still land Dwayne Haskins, who threw fifty touchdowns in his only season as the starting Quarterback at Ohio State. Haskins impressed Jay Gruden and the coaching staff early on in mini camp with his throwing abilities, and he certainly looks the part from a size standpoint (6'3). The Redskins also did a very good job with trading for Case Keenum, only having to send Denver a sixth round pick, nabbing a seventh round pick back in the trade. With Keenum, the Redskins are getting an experienced Quarterback who can come in and help the team win games right away. He won't wow you with his play on the field, and he tends to make the occasional forced pass, but he is good enough to get the job done with the right pieces in place. Don't count Colt McCoy out in this race for the starting Quarterback spot, either. McCoy has the most knowledge of the Redskins' offensive system, and has built a great rapport with Jay Gruden. Speaking of Coach Gruden, this could be his last year with the team as their head coach if things do not go well, so expect him to go with the Quarterback who is the most ready to come in and help win games right now. It will be very interesting to see who comes out of training camp and the pre-season with the starting gig.
#2 : Left Guard (Martin,Flowers.)
The most open position battle on the team in my opinion, the Redskins are looking for someone who can come in and hold that spot down. The team made some moves to ensure that there will be good competition at the position. They signed former first round pick Ereck Flowers to a one-year deal. Flowers struggled mightily in New York, but will get a fresh start in Washington and a chance to bump inside at Left Guard, which I think will be a much better fit for him. The Redskins also drafted a couple of offensive lineman in the middle rounds of the draft, with one of those being Guard Wes Martin. Martin was taken in the fourth round, and has a very real chance of being the Redskins starting left guard come week one. Martin had a very strong college career at Indiana, logging over 1,400 snaps and only allowing an impressive 2 sacks in his last two seasons, which was the best among all collegiate guards. I think Wes Martin fits well with the Redskins, and can form a great rapport with Trent, Scherff, Roullier and Moses. Left Guard has been a struggle for the Redskins in recent years. Martin could very well be the Redskins' final piece of the puzzle on the offensive line. Bill Callahan should have fun working with Martin and developing him.
#3 : Wide Receiver (Doctson,McLaurin,Richardson,Harmon,Davis,Sims)
With Trey Quinn seemingly locked in as the team's starting slot receiver, and Paul Richardson likely to have a secondary role in the offense, that leaves the Redskins looking for a #1 wide receiver. However, the Redskins aren't short on depth at the position. They got Dwayne Haskins' go-to-guy when they took speedster Terry McLaurin in the third round of the draft. With Terry McLaurin, the Redskins are getting a potential deep threat, special teams ace and a great locker room guy. The Redskins also nabbed another draft gem, when they were able to get Kelvin Harmon in the sixth round, who many pegged as a sure-fire second or third round pick. Harmon made some terrific contested catches while playing for NC State, and has a chance to continue developing his all-around game in Washington. Both of these draft picks have put added pressure onto Josh Doctson, who is running out of time to prove his worth to the team that took him in the first round back in 2016. Doctson has shown flashes, but a couple of injuries and inconsistencies have held him back. If Doctson cannot make a difference on the field for the Redskins in 2019, he will be wearing a different uniform in 2020. Two wild cards at the Wide Receiver position that I have to mention are Robert Davis and Cam Sims. Davis, who the Redskins took in the sixth round of the 2017 draft, suffered a very gruesome leg injury during a practice that would keep him out for the entire season. However, Robert Davis has been healing up and spent the offseason adding some serious muscle. It will be interesting to monitor his situation as he continues to work back to full strength. Another promising young player, Cam Sims fought his way onto the Redskins roster last season as an undrafted free agent, due in part to a very strong pre-season. However, he would suffer a high ankle sprain in the opening game of the 2018 season, and would never see the field again. Now fully healthy, Cam Sims is looking to prove that his burst of potential last year was no fluke. This wide receiver battle is wide open, multiple spots are ready to be seized. It would be huge for this Redskins offense if one of these young receivers can break out and be a reliable options on Sundays.
Honorable Mention : Cornerback #4 ( Jimmy Moreland, Greg Stroman, Danny Johnson, Domonique Rodgers Cromartie.)
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