Redskins Preseason Depth Chart Observations

Roy Helu Jr.

The Redskins have released their first depth chart of the season and to be frank there are very few surprises considering most of the starters from last years NFC East championship team return. However, there are a few things worth noting.

1. Bacarri Rambo is listed as the starting free safety. For those who have been following the Redskins this is no surprise as Rambo has been getting the most reps with the 1st team D for some time now. The interesting part is that it means this is Rambo's spot to lose. Rambo is a very intelligent safety with big play ability but his most glaring weakness is his sideline to sideline speed. So far in college and camp Rambo can cover this up by reading and reacting quickly to plays, but preseason games may reveal it. If Rambo can continue to out play Gnomes and Doughty then the job is his. But if he starts to struggle against the speed of the NFL he could see himself slide. Overall, Rambo should begin the season as a starter even if it is not quite set in stone yet.

2. Calm yourselves, Santana Moss is listed as the 3rd "Z" wide receiver behind both Josh Morgan and Leonard Hankerson. In reality Moss is the #1 slot receiver, but because the depth chart does not have a designated position for slot receivers it fails to show that.

3. Rookie safety Phillip Thomas is behind both Meriweather and Doughty at the strong safety position. This does not come as much of a surprise but at the same time is a little disheartening. Thomas struggled early on in camp adjusting to the Redskins system so he finds himself 3rd on the depth chart. He has started to show signs of progression and I would expect him to beat out Doughty for the #2 spot well before the end of the season. 

4. Niles Paul and Richard Crawford are the Kick and Punt returners. Both Paul and Crawford have big struggles ahead of them fighting to keep their spots on the team. The fact that they are proving to be valuable on special teams helps to insure their spot. Also, a tight end returning kicks is pretty amazing. Might be the coolest thing about the depth chart so far.

5. RGIII is the #1 QB. This is completely obvious and really not worth mentioning except for the fact he likely won't see a snap in any of the preseason games.

6. Last but not least Roy Helu is penciled in as the 2nd running back for now and Evan Royster is the 3rd. If Helu stays healthy he will fill the need as a 3rd down back and provide a receiving option. My biggest question is if Royster will maintain his spot at #3 or if a now healthy Chris Thompson will push for that spot.