[THIS IS THE SECOND PART OF A TWO-PART ARTICLE. READ PART ONE HERE.]
We already know the Redskins have the oldest roster in the NFL, the product of neglecting the draft for years in order to focus on older, more expensive free agents. That trend has been accentuated this season, with new Head Coach Mike Shanahan trading for a veteran quarterback and adding two veteran running backs. Recently Bill Barnwell of Football Outsiders ranked the Redskins 32nd — dead last — in talent on the roster under the age of 25.
I’m not quibbling with his conclusions, they seem fair to me. But I thought I would take a closer look at the Redskins roster to see what sort of youth it contains and if we can reasonably expect those younger players to make a contribution to the team in the near future or ever.
Below is part one of my analysis of the Redskins young prospects. The rule is that each player must be no older than 25 on September 1, 2010 — the standard Barnwell used in his analysis. I will assign to each player their chance to make the active roster this season and whether or not their prospects of becoming a solid contributor for years for the Redskins are poor, fair or good.
We began, in part one of this analysis, with players with the last name beginning with the letters A-L. This covers players with the last name beginning with the letters M-Z.
| PLAYER |
POS |
AGE |
YRS |
CHANCE |
COMMENT |
| Dennis Morris |
TE-FB |
23 |
R |
50+ |
6th round draft pick so he's got a good chance. Needs to improve blocking as a FB, but versatility will help him. Prospects: Fair |
| PLAYER |
POS |
AGE |
YRS |
CHANCE |
COMMENT |
| Brian Orakpo |
OLB |
24 |
1 |
100 |
All pro with 11 sacks in his rookie year, Orakpo will rush more this year and may lead the NFL in sacks. Potential to be best pass-rusher in Redskins history. Prospects: Excellent |
| PLAYER |
POS |
AGE |
YRS |
CHANCE |
COMMENT |
| Logan Paulsen |
TE |
23 |
R |
50 |
Undrafted out of UCLA but good size and a very solid blocker. Must excel on special teams. Prospects: Poor to Fair |
| PLAYER |
POS |
AGE |
YRS |
% CHANCE |
COMMENT |
| Perry Riley |
LB |
22 |
R |
75+ |
4th round pick is a solid tackler who played against top competition at LSU. Will back up at ILB. Prospects: Fair to Good |
| PLAYER |
POS |
AGE |
YRS |
CHANCE |
COMMENT |
| Chad Rinehart |
OG |
25 |
2 |
50+ |
Former 3rd round pick has been a bust so far, but injury to Mike Williams opens up reserve spot on OL. Prospects: Poor |
| PLAYER |
POS |
AGE |
YRS |
% CHANCE |
COMMENT |
| Anderson Russell |
S |
23 |
R |
-50 |
Decent against the run at OSU, but struggles against the pass and safety is crowded. Prospects: Poor |
| PLAYER |
POS |
AGE |
YRS |
CHANCE |
COMMENT |
| Nick Sundberg |
LS |
23 |
1 |
75+ |
No other long snappers on the roster ensure Sundberg makes it if he doesn't screw up. Prospects: Fair |
| PLAYER |
POS |
AGE |
YRS |
CHANCE |
COMMENT |
| Devin Thomas |
WR |
23 |
2 |
100 |
One-year wonder at Michigan has completely underwhelmed in NFL. Good speed & size, but doesn't get open enough. Prospects: Fair |
| PLAYER |
POS |
AGE |
YRS |
CHANCE |
COMMENT |
| Ryan Torain |
RB |
24 |
1 |
-50 |
Started 1 game for Shanny in Denver in 2008 and ran for 69 yards on 15 carries. Knows the system, but RB is full. Good chance to make practice squad. Prospects: Fair |
| PLAYER |
POS |
AGE |
YRS |
CHANCE |
COMMENT |
| Edwin Williams |
C-G |
23 |
1 |
50 |
Didn't impress last year, but injury to Mike Williams opens up a spot. Must beat out Rinehart. If he can't do that, he's not very good. Prospects: Poor |
| PLAYER |
POS |
AGE |
YRS |
CHANCE |
COMMENT |
| Keiland Williams |
RB |
24 |
R |
50 |
My dark horse to become a real player down the line. Probably the best RB in the crowded LSU offense, he ran well when given a chance but stiff competition, injury and versatility conspired against him. Can run inside, catch the ball and return kicks. Willing blocker and hard worker. Not fast, but quick feet and tenacious will to get yards. Practice squad is probably most he can hope for this year. Prospects: Fair |
| PLAYER |
POS |
AGE |
YRS |
CHANCE |
COMMENT |
| Trent Williams |
OT |
22 |
R |
100 |
Superb athlete who lost mental focus in college. Should be perfect for Shanahan offense. Needs to work harder on mental part of the game. Prospects: Excellent |
| PLAYER |
POS |
AGE |
YRS |
CHANCE |
COMMENT |
| Darrel Young |
RB |
23 |
R |
-50 |
College linebacker moved to RB. Physical player who must excel on special teams to have a chance. Prospects: Poor |
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