Projecting the Depth Chart: Linebackers

ROLB: Brian Orakpo
Backup(s): Rob Jackson

Rob Jackson hitting Tony Romo

This is a big year for Orakpo as he is in the last year of his contract. He has the talent to be a great player and has his goals for this year set high. If he can even come close to defensive player of the year then he will be receiving a deserved long term deal. At the very least Orakpo needs to reach double digit sacks. Jackson was mostly an unknown coming into last season but he showed that he has the talent to be a difference maker. While he had a solid season, it was toward the end of the season when he really exploded on to the season. In the last 7 games of the season he recorded 4 sacks, 2 Ints, and 2 forced fumbles. Jackson is a young player with a lot of talent and should be a valuable backup. He does have to serve a 4 game suspension at the beginning of the year but after that he will get his playing time. This seems to be a strength position assuming Orakpo can stay healthy.

LOLB: Ryan Kerrigan
Backup(s): Daryl Tapp, Brandon Jenkins

Ryan Kerrigan

Kerrigan is a good player and should have a career year with the return of Orakpo. He is a hard worker and never rests. He had a good season last year but suffered some when Orakpo went down. Daryl Tapp is a veteran who will fight with Brandon Jenkins for playing time. Tapp is not much more than a role player ultimately but will most likely play ahead of Jenkins for at least this year. Jenkins has some talent, but also has some health issues. If he his healthy he could make some noise as a pass rusher.

ILB: London Fletcher, Perry Riley
Backup(s): Keenan Robinson

London Fletcher

Fletcher is the heart of the defense and never misses a game. He is also tackle machine and made some big plays late in the season. That said he is also getting older and looked it for the first time in his career last season. He is still going to make plays and hold the defense together and make plays but the lack of depth at the position is worrying. Perry Riley has continued to progress and looks to be a good starter. He still has more to work on but if the Redskins can resign him after this year he should be a strong player for years to come. Keenan Robinson was injured for most of last year, which was also his rookie year, so his ability is still unknown. Many fans, including myself, had high hopes for him when he was drafted. Besides Robinson there is little talent. It would appear that while the Redskins have a strong pair of starters there is little behind them in case one goes down. This will be something the redskins will have to work out next offseason through the draft, free agency, or development of the younger players.