AUGUST 6, 2019Warpath 5NEXT IN LINE
First-rounder Montez Sweat’s
work ethic could help him
become a starting linebacker
by week 1.YOUTH MOVEMENT
Paul Richardson and other
incumbent receivers will be
challenged in camp.USA TODAY Sports/GEOFF BURKEThompson plans on being the third-down back, but
fourth-rounder Bryce Love wants that job.
The good news is the Redskins will run more than
usual this season so there are carries for everyone.
Maybe it changes throughout the season, but the Red-
skins are hoping Guice gets more carries than Peter-
son. Thompson probably keeps Love on the bench.
Who’s the short-yardage back? That’s a great ques-
tion.
And, don’t overlook Samaje Perine, who was sharp
when finally healthy during the spring. However, Per-
ine may get caught in a numbers game. If the Red-
skins keep three passers after just two in recent years,
they may carry only four running backs instead of
five.
TIGHT END–Is this the year Jeremy Sprinkle
gains real playing time? Jordan Reed missed the
spring rehabbing and given his history who knows
how much he’ll play. Vernon Davis is 35-years old
and may give way to young blood. That leaves Sprin-
kle to show whether he’s the future or a stopgap.
DEFENSIVE LINE –The front three of Jonathan
Allen, Daron Payne and Matt Ioannidis is set for sev-
eral years. But, who’s the fourth linemen who will see
real time? Tim Settle was solid in the 2018 preseason
before fading away. Still, he’s worth another look.
Caleb Brantley might grab Settle’s spot, though. Gru-
den talked about Brantley throughout the spring, a
good sign for the defensive end.
LINEBACKERS –Reuben Foster’s OTA injury
opens an inside spot between Mason Foster and
Shaun Dion Hamilton. Foster gave way to Hamilton
last season, but the former lost 15 pounds over the
offseason to increase his speed and has been a steady
player and signal caller. Yet, Hamilton is the coming
storm. This one is close.
Meanwhile, third-year outside linebacker Ryan
Anderson finally gets a chance to start and looked
good during spring camps. But, first-rounder Montez
Sweat has amazed teammates and coaches with his
speed and size. Sweat could be a game-changer, the
next LaVar Arrington for the Redskins. It will be hard
not to start Sweat coming opening day.
NICKEL BACK –Seventh-rounder Jimmy More-
land delivered an impressive effort during minicamp.
He has a clear nose for the ball, but the question is
whether he can compete when the game gets faster
in regular season. Greg Stroman wants that job, too,
with good speed. Moreland may get the nod if prov-
ing himself in preseason against reserve the quarter-
backs.
That’s a lot of jobs at stake.
What else will we see at training camp? Expect the
crowds to be bigger than recent years in Richmond.A new quarterback does that. People want to see
Haskins and morning practices will feature passing
drills before the heat forces afternoon walkthroughs.
It’s the Redskins’ seventh training camp in an
eight-year deal so it wouldn’t be surprising to see fans
who haven’t come recently to attend once more time
before the team heads north for good. Most likely, the
Redskins return in 2020 for the final camp, but you
never know.
After 2020, the team is a free agent and most likely
either trains where the coming 2027 stadium will be
built or hangs out at Redskins Park for a few years
until the new venue is completed. Oh, Washington
officials would be fine with returning to Richmond,
but the latter doesn’t want to pay the $500,000 an-
nual deal to host practices.
The Redskins would also like flexibility to have
joint practices with other teams, but that usually re-
quires a two-years deal where each team hosts. The
current Richmond deal prevents that. In 2021, the
NFL may have a new labor agreement that shortens
the preseason to two games while adding two games
to the regular season. That makes preseason joint
practices even more vital.
Another long, hot summer lies ahead and the Red-
skins need to sweat out a few decisions. Certainly,
there are plenty to be made.USA TODAY Sports/GEOFF BURKE