Five Most Important Redskins for the Future

RGIII

1. Robert Griffin III - Griffin is easily the most important player on the Redskins not just for the present but the future as well. He is dynamic on the field and composed off the field. He is a natural leader who has single handedly rejuvenated the franchise. If Griffin can stay healthy then its possible the Redskins have a quarterback who can lead them for over a decade. Franchises like the Colts can attest to what a franchise quarterback can do and Griffin fits the bill.

2. Trent Williams - If RGII is the most important player then the guys protecting his blind side has to be next. Williams really stepped it up last year showing that he has the capability to be a top left tackle in the NFL. He is a warrior and seems to really have his head on straight after problems earlier in his career. If he can continue to prove the Redskins will have finally found their heir to Chris Samuels.

Ryan Kerrigan

3. Ryan Kerrigan - Some may be surprised I have Kerrigan this high up and higher than Orakpo. Kerrigan seems to have something Orakpo doesn't that may be even more important. He plays every snap and, while he is not as physically gifted as Orakpo, stays healthy and continues to improve. Kerrigan seems to compare favorably to London Fletcher and his production should only be increased with Orakpo's return.

4. Brian Orakpo - If #98 can take the step forward everyone keeps waiting for then he can become one of the most dominate defensive players in the NFL. He has the ability to become a Demarcus Ware type of player for the Redskins. He is by far the most talented player on the defensive side of the ball but if he can't improve significantly this year then he becomes a bit more expendable. Orakpo is in a contract year and seems to have the motivation to make a big jump. With the NFL becoming more of a passing league than ever having to pass rushers like Kerrigan and Orakpo is a necessity.

Pierre Garçon 

5. Pierre Garçon- This was a tough pick because there are a few players who could fit here but, if Griffin is going to lead this team for the next decade he will need a receiver he can grow with and lean on when he is in a tight situation. I believe Garçon can be that player. It will be debated if he will ever be a "true" #1 receiver but last year showed he can make a big difference. His biggest problem is his health which does worry me. The Redskins were 9-1 when Garçon was healthy so if he can avoid injury he should have a big year.

Honorable Mentions: Alfred Morris, Kirk Cousins, Barry Cofield

Morris has a strong argument for being in the top 5 of this list, but there are still a few questions around him. While I do not doubt his talent I would just like to see another year of production from him before I put him above any of those listed. Also running backs typically have shorter careers and until a competent back up proves himself Morris will continue to carry the ball too often.

Cousins is the insurance policy in case Griffin can not get past his injury history. He seems to have support of the team and the coaches and did show promise during his limited playing time last season. Its good to have two young quarterbacks who have plenty of potential.

Barry Cofield

Barry Cofield is the most consistent player on the defensive line. He is a veteran leader who has played every game except for one since he came into the NFL. Cofield will not have eye popping stats but he does most of the dirty work taking on blockers. Look for him to make some noise this year.