With only a few weeks until the beginning of preseason football, NFL fans are getting anxious to see their favorite teams take the field. The same holds true in Ashburn, Virginia, where the Washington Redskins have been hard at work.
The mood around the practice field is one of optimism and expectation; preseason feelings not associated with this team since the offseason after RG3’s breakout rookie campaign. The defending NFC East champions have seemingly strengthened their lineup on all fronts, and, for the first time in almost a decade, there is no controversy regarding who should start at quarterback in the upcoming season.
Outside of the already established players on the roster, there are a few Redskins who fans should keep an eye on this offseason.
Trent Murphy
Going into his third season as a pro, Trent Murphy will be one of the most interesting players to keep tabs on this offseason. Drafted out of Stanford as a linebacker and edge rusher, Murphy was brought in to complement the pass-rushing abilities of Pro-Bowl linebacker Ryan Kerrigan. Over the past two seasons, Murphy has put up pedestrian totals of 65 tackles and 6 sacks in 30 games played.
Murphy’s somewhat disappointing production throughout his first two years has prompted head coach Jay Gruden to make a change. Gruden has told Murphy that he will be playing defensive end this upcoming season, in an effort to spur the Redskins’ lackadaisical pass rush. Murphy came into camp having bulked up to 282 pounds, about 25 pounds heavier than he finished last season. Seeing how Murphy can adjust to his bigger frame will be an important storyline throughout the preseason.
If Murphy can successfully transition to his new role, it will fill a blatant void along the Redskins’ defensive front. Murphy’s move onto the line will allow last season’s standout rookie linebacker, Preston Smith, to cement his role as a starter, while still allotting plenty of snaps for Murphy. Should the decision to move Murphy to DE pan out, the Redskins will have a much improved pass rush this season.
Vernon Davis
One of the more under-the-radar offseason additions to the Washington Redskins is veteran tight end Vernon Davis. Davis, who has spent the majority of his career with the San Francisco 49ers, will not challenge Jordan Reed for a starting position, but can still have an immediate impact on the field.
At 32 years old, it is fair to say that Davis’s best years of football are behind him. Luckily for both him and the Redskins, Davis will not be asked to be an every down player. Instead, Davis will be a situational substitute, who could thrive lining up alongside Jordan Reed. Defenses will be forced to try to deny any pass to Reed, which will likely leave Davis in frequent 1-on-1 coverage. With his 6’3”, 250 pound frame, Davis should be able to win most of those battles.
As it gets closer to the regular season, it will be interesting to watch what type of chemistry Davis will develop with Kirk Cousins. Davis will be a valuable red zone target for Cousins and could play a more important role in the offense than what most people think. If he can prove to be even 75% of the player he was earlier in his career, the Redskins got an absolute bargain of a signing.
Keith Marshall
Fighting injuries throughout his collegiate career at the University of Georgia, rookie running back Keith Marshall will look to earn a spot on the Redskins’ 53-man roster when all is said and done. Marshall, who was in danger of not being drafted at all, ran a 4.31 40-yard dash, the fastest at the NFL draft combine in February. The Redskins decided to take a flyer on the speedy back, selecting Marshall in the final round of the NFL draft.
With Alfred Morris gone, the running back position is a much bigger question mark for the Redskins than in years past. Matt Jones is prepared to take over starting duties, but in only his second season in the league, it is still unsure how the fumble-prone, power runner will rise to the challenge. Behind Jones, the rest of the depth chart is up for grabs. Presumably the versatile Chris Thompson will start the season as Jones’ backup, but depending on how Marshall can perform in the preseason, don’t be surprised if he has taken over Thompson’s role by the end of the year.
Several reports have stated that Marshall has already made an impression on Washington’s coaching staff. Marshall’s blend of speed and elusiveness will provide the Redskins with a weapon coming out of the backfield, should Marshall prove to be deserving of a roster spot. Unlike Murphy and Davis, Marshall is fighting every day just to earn a chance to play for the team, which will make keeping up with him throughout the preseason very intriguing.
As everyone knows, winning or losing preseason games mean nothing in the NFL. However, these games do have importance for the men playing in them, as it can make or break their chances as a professional. As the Redskins begin their preseason schedule, keep an eye on Trent Murphy, who will look to transition to a new position, Vernon Davis, who will look to revitalize his career, and Keith Marshall, who will look to prove that he belongs in the NFL.
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