Washington Redskins 2020 Training Camp Preview
The Redskins have had a big offseason, highlighted by the hiring of Ron Rivera. This is a big year for second-year quarterback Dwayne Haskins. Haskins had a bumpy 2019 season, posting 7 interceptions, and 7 touchdowns in 9 games. He looks to prove himself this season.
3 Position Battles To Watch
Running Back: Adrian Peterson, Derrius Guice, Antonio Gibson, Bryce Love, J.D. McKissick, Peyton Barber
The Redskins RB room is crowded, but I can for a guarantee that Adrian Peterson and Derrius Guice will make the team. 3rd round rookie RB/WR Antonio Gibson out of Memphis will almost certainly make the team because of his versatility. He can line up at either RB or WR, and I can see Scott Turner using him similar to how he used McCaffery in Carolina.
Bryce Love, J.D. Mckissic, and Peyton Barber will all have to fight for a roster spot. Bryce Love should be fully recovered from his torn ACL, He is a former Heisman candidate, so he will have to show he still has the skills to play like a Heisman candidate. J.D. Mckissic has the skills to be an excellent 3rd down back. Peyton Barber who signed with the Redskins for a 2-year $3 Million deal, is coming off a down year, only having 470 rushing yards in 2019.
Each RB has the skills to make the team, there just isn’t enough spots for everyone.
Left Tackle: Geron Christian Sr. Cornelius Lucas, and Saahdiq Charles
During his first two years in the NFL, former 3rd round pick Geron Christian has yet to prove that he has the skills to be a viable starter or backup. The Redskins recently signed Cornelius Lucas to a 2-year $5.3 Million deal. Improving depth towards a weak position. Lastly, Rookie Saahdiq Charles was the starting LT for LSU and had a great season protecting for Heisman QB Joe Burrow. This position will mostly be a two-way battle between Lucas and Charles.
Tight End: Jeremy Sprinkle, Logan Thomas, Richard Rodgers, and Thaddeus Moss
With the departure of Jordan Reed and Vernon Davis, the Redskins look to fill this void at TE. Jeremy Sprinkle has been on the team for three years and started 13 games last year. He is a good blocker but has yet to prove he can be a reliable pass catcher. The Redskins signed Logan Thomas and Richard Rodgers over the offseason. Ron Rivera and Scott Turner have mentioned how much they like Thomas, and what he can do. Moss had a big season at LSU, and many people will be drawn towards him because of the name. But playing for LSU will be much different than playing in Washington. Expect Thomas to lead this group. But anything can happen at training camp.
Ready to breakout: Derrius Guice
Former 2nd round pick Derrius Guice has suffered many injuries throughout his first two years in the NFL. While on the field, he has displayed many highlight-reel plays, averaging 5.8 YPC. Guice has the talent to produce on the field, the only question is can he remain healthy and stay on the field?
Rookie To Watch: Antonio Gibson
2020 3rd round pick RB Antonio Gibson is a very versatile player. He can play both RB and WR. During the 2019 season at Memphis, he scored 14 total touchdowns, and 7 of them went for more than 40 yards. Scott Turner wants to use him in a Christian McCaffery like role. So I’m interested to see how Turner uses Gibson in a crowded running back room.
Fantasy Sleeper: Antonio Gandy-Golden
Rookie WR Antonio Gandy-Golden. Antonio had an amazing 2019 season at Liberty, racking up 1,396 receiving yards, 4th most in college football. With WR Kelvin Harmon recently tearing his ACL, this opens up an opportunity for Antonio Gandy Golden. He will line up opposite of Terry McLaurin, allowing for him to get many targets from QB Dwayne Haskins.
