• Welcome to BGO! We know you will have questions as you become familiar with the software. Please take a moment to read our New BGO User Guide which will give you a great start. If you have questions, post them in the Feedback and Tech Support Forum, or feel free to message any available Staff Member.

Burner's Burning Questions: Free Agency, The Mock Drafts, 2017 (Continual Updates)

I like most of the picks and UDFAs. Still think we could have gotten better value in Round 4 than Nicholson. He seemed to be over-drafted based on his play on the field and his draft bio was of a guy that 'plays soft' for his size.

The other thing at safety is we keep signing and drafting guys at safety that are good 'in the box' but are challenged in pass coverage.

At some point we need to invest in a true FREE safety that is good in coverage.
 
There are thirty-seven players at Redskins rookie camp on a tryout basis. Here is the list:
http://www.redskins.com/news/articl...Minicamp/b209700d-f237-47ae-8abf-bbde26c99e52

Ian Rapoport‏@RapSheet
#Redskins first-round DL Jonathan Allen signed a 4-year fully guaranteed $11.6M contract, source said. He got a $6.6M signing bonus.

A quick video today showed Jonathan Allen hitting the sleds and Jim Tomsula immediately stepping in to correct a certain technique.

That being said, the coaches really like what Allen is doing at this minicamp. They like his work ethic and ability to adjust his techniques on the fly.

Samaje Perine has impressed thus far. His explosiveness and quickness have been on full display. He has been catching the ball well and suddenly turning upfield with a great burst of energy.

Josh Holsey has been practicing on the outside and at nickel. He is doing a respectable job thus far.

Mario Norman is an invite at camp. A Canadian league prospect. Yes, he is the older brother of Josh Norman. Yes, he is wearing number 24 this weekend.

Josh Harvery-Clemons has been putting his superior speed on display, especially on special teams.

In one short video today, UDFA Kyle Kalis impressively held his own on one play against Allen.

Coaches have been very encouraged this weekend with the health of Josh Holsey. He looks to be fully healed of his injuries and is playing at 100%.

Another video shows Allen absolutely overpowering and dominating Kalis. Very quick move to get around the lineman.

In the late afternoon presser, Jay Gruden expressed that he is very impressed with Josh Holsey.

Ryan Anderson is very, very intense. That is what you need to know about him.
 
Kalis was projected at one point to be a 5/6 round pick.

If he can come on and finally give Lauvao and Kouandjio some competition at LG, that would be welcome news.

I think we have been a bit stale in that spot next to Trent Williams, getting away with players that are less than starting caliber at times.

Lauvao was cut from a Cleveland team that went 4-12.

Spencer Long was an NFL center miscast as a starting LG.

After being drafted 3 years ago, Arie needs to show a LOT more fight to gain that spot than he has to date.
 
Rookie camp is now over. Who stood out?

Ryan Anderson - He was so intense to the point where coaches decided that he is fine and ended his practice sessions early.

Josh Holsey - Flashed good skills and speed. Was able to show that he is 100% fully healed from injuries. Never allowed a pass completion the entire camp.

Samaje Perine - Did far better than coaches expected with his first reps as a Redskin.

Ondre Pipkins - More than held his own against offensive linemen. He even put one olineman flat on his back with a bull rush move.

Jeremy Sprinkle - Might've made the biggest impression of all with his good hands and excellent blocking. Very good rookie camp.

Tyler Catalina - Remember this name. He was put on his back by Pipkins early, but dominated after that play. Demonstrated great skills and athleticism.

Josh Harvey-Clemons - Was able to show his superior speed. Got downfield quickly on a punt. If it wasn't a fair catch under normal game conditions, the runner was going to be absolutely destroyed.

Jonathan Allen - Took to Jim Tomsula's coaching quickly. Did exactly as he was coached, then demonstrated dominance.

Because of their injuries, Montae Nicholson and Fabian Moreau were rookie camp observers and took "mental reps".

None of the tryout QBs made a good impression. The Redskins could still add a camp arm just to help with reps. In other words, Sudfeld is not going anywhere.
 
Thanks BB.
I'm also curious to know who stood out among the unsigned tryout players (besides the QB's), and if any of the tryouts have a chance of signing. Gotta start early rooting for the underdogs.
 
Thanks BB.
I'm also curious to know who stood out among the unsigned tryout players (besides the QB's), and if any of the tryouts have a chance of signing. Gotta start early rooting for the underdogs.

I can just tell you from previous experience covering Rookie Mini-Camps, there are guys we drafted who won't make the 53 man roster... the chances that anyone there today that wasn't drafted making the 53 man roster are extremely slim. There may be a very slim chance for 1 or 2 of the guys (BB has highlighted several of them). Practice squad is more likely a dream for most of these guys.

Tough to make an NFL squad if you aren't drafted in the first 5 rounds.

Not to be a buzzkill :)
 
Last edited:
Another thing to remember is that we will get our first look at rookies with the veterans starting in a couple of weeks. Yes, Holsey was impressive against rookie camp invite QBs - none of which are on the roster. Pipkins looked good against the other rooks, but how will he do later this month and next month? We'll start to get a better idea at that time.
 
Last edited:
Free Agency, The Mock Drafts, 2017 (Continual Updates)​

Greetings to all. Summer is knocking on the door and the weekend rookie camp has come and gone. As we continue to look at free agency and the recent draft, today will be devoted to evaluating eighteen veterans who could be on the roster bubble.

These evaluations are highly subjective, but we will attempt to look into the future and see if any of these players will be cut or if they remain for another season. Who will survive another season? Who will ultimately be cut? Who will be a surprise cut? Will a player or players be traded?

OTAs arrive next week and will continue until the middle of next month. We’ll also provides updates and observations as they become available.

Let’s get right to it.

Veteran Evaluations

Quinton Dunbar, CB
A fan favorite for the last couple of seasons, but Dunbar has struggled at times and has impressed as well. He’ll need to show more improvement in OTAs and training camp.
BBQ Prediction: He will make the roster and should continue to improve.

Bashaud Breeland
This summer is very important for Breeland. He could slip on the depth chart by late August. Is he a candidate to be traded before the season begins? Could he be a surprise cut? Probably not, but BBQ can’t make that claim with 100% confidence.
BBQ Prediction: He will make the roster, but anything beyond this season is not a given.

Dashaun Phillips, CB
Phillips seems to show up late in the season as a needed replacement for corners who are injured. He likely gets cut by late summer and his tenure as a Redskin is probably over – at least until an injury or two occurs by December.
BBQ Prediction: He likely won’t make it to the final fifty-three, but any injuries could bring him back – unless he is with another team.

Matt Ioannidis, DE
It’s probably unfair to put him on this list, but is the team willing to invest in him another season? The bottom line is that the former fifth rounder needs to show significant improvement in the coming weeks. There are new additions to the defensive line and Ioannidis needs to see where he fits in.
BBQ Prediction: He probably makes the cut, but could go to the practice squad when Trent Murphy and Fabian Moreau are added to the roster during the season.

Arie Kouandjio, G
Is he finally ready to step into a starting role? He started two games last year – struggled in the first one and did a decent job in the second game. This is likely his “prove it” year.
BBQ Prediction: It depends on how quickly the draft pick and UDFAs develop, but his roster spot is safe for now.

Shawn Lauvao, G
Is the injury bug behind him? Can he last the season? He is free agent after the 2017 season and is unlikely to return – unless it is at the vet minimum and as a backup. Don’t expect Kouandjio to push him. His job at left guard is safe for now.
BBQ Prediction: We already gave it away in the last sentence, but an injury in the preseason could change everything.

Dustin Hopkins, K
The team hasn’t brought in another kicker to challenge Hopkins and while that is normally a good sign, the team certainly hopes he will be improved over last year. Kickoffs are great, but more consistency is needed on field goals.
BBQ Prediction: His job is safe, but Hopkins needs to prove that kicking field goals is not a nail biting thing for the team.

Houston Bates, OLB
Can Houston Bates bounce back from a torn ACL? He could be caught in a numbers game at linebacker – there are a bunch of them right now. He needs to continue to shine as a special teams player. It’s realistically the only way he can remain on the roster.
BBQ Prediction: He probably falls just short of making the roster and likely heads back to the practice squad – unless another team adds him to their roster.

Junior Galette, OLB
Simply put, he needs to stay healthy. Another injury means his career (or lack thereof) in Washington is over. Galette, with his history of personal issues, is also one misstep away from being released. It’s now or never.
BBQ Prediction: An injury this summer or in the preseason ends his so called career as a Redskin. Ditto for any major personal issue. Otherwise, he makes the cut.

Trent Murphy, OLB/DE
One more substance abuse infraction will cost him an entire year and his time in a Redskins uniform. He had a solid 2016, but needs to do so again after returning from his suspension.
BBQ Prediction: His roster position is safe, but Murphy needs to stay clean. He likely gets a second round tender in 2018, so look for him to be in a Redskins uniform until early 2019.

Preston Smith, OLB
Can he overcome the party life and lackluster performances of 2016? He truly could be on the bubble this summer and certainly has a short leash. Could he be a candidate for the trading block? Don’t rule it out.
BBQ Prediction: He stays on the roster and is the likely starter at left side OLB. Reports suggest he is in better shape this offseason and that could be a good sign.

Martrell Spaight, ILB
It’s unlikely he will crack the starting lineup – ever. He only makes the roster with his special teams play – which is actually a strength for him.
BBQ Prediction: He really could be in danger of getting cut. Needs to shine on special teams, but it may not be enough.

Matt Jones, RB
He was rumored to be on the trading block before and during the draft. His days of being in a Redskins uniform is numbered and if there is no trade, then he will probably be released.
BBQ Prediction: He is likely gone and is hanging by the last thread.

Deshazor Everett, FS
Adding UDFA Fish Smithson all but put Everett on notice. With Will Blackmon as the backup at free safety and D.J. Swearinger as the starter, Everett is pretty much on the outside looking in.
BBQ Prediction: One of the hardest hitters on the team, but that alone is not enough to save his job.

DeAngelo Hall, FS
After the additions in free agency and post-draft, the free safety position is crowded. It looks as if the end of the line has come for DeAngelo Hall. Injuries over the last two seasons have sidelined him for prolonged stretches and that can’t be ignored.
BBQ Prediction: Would it surprise anyone if he gets injured in training camp or the preseason? His days are numbered.

Derek Carrier, TE
When the Redskins selected Jeremy Sprinkle in the fifth round, it meant that Derek Carrier’s roster spot was in serious jeopardy. The Redskins would save just over $1 million if he is cut. He could be released in early June.
BBQ Prediction: Read those last two sentences again.

Niles Paul, TE
The addition of Sprinkle could also mean that Niles Paul is on the chopping block sometime this summer. If Paul can continue to prove his worth as a special teamer and part time fullback, then he may stay. Injuries have taken a toll in recent seasons and that will be examined as well. Too, the Redskins can’t ignore the $2 million in savings if Paul is released.
BBQ Prediction: We put this at 50-50. Flip a coin.

Ryan Grant, WR
The receivers are getting taller and faster. Grant is neither. Never a fan favorite, but he has persisted and always found a way to make the team. That time may finally be running out.
BBQ Prediction: We don’t rule out a return and BBQ also puts the odds at 50-50.

Some of these observations could be too optimistic. Some could be too pessimistic. How do you think the Redskins careers of these players will continue to unfold? Which ones have reached the end of their careers? Which ones will the Redskins jettison? Feel free to agree or disagree. Too, feel free to post any of your career evaluations and expectations of these Redskins veterans.

We’ll continue our offseason examinations of the roster later this week. We will look at players who could step up and may have a surprisingly good season in 2017. It will also be the final look at player evaluations. Feel free to scroll back to see our previous evaluations over the last couple of weeks.

OTAs start soon and we’ll have daily reports during these sessions. When OTAs end in mid June, BBQ will have the first roster of fifty-three and practice squad prediction. Then we will take a break of about five weeks. When training camp arrives we will have daily updates and additional roster predictions. We’ll also post any free agency updates as needed.

See you as we go along.

Hail To The Redskins!
 
Quinton Dunbar -
Utility guys always have a bonus factor. May not be much but he could be called on as a WR if they needed to. Like an emergency QB, it has some value. You really need to give WR's & CB's 2 to 3 years to develop depending on their snap count. So it's his third season but hasn't had a full one yet and only 4 starts. He did have an INT in each of those years plus 5 PD's in each. He may have plateaued but has a shot.

Bashard Breeland -
If last year wasn't an outlier he'll be watching from the bench but Skins won't give up on him, hopefully, in that case.

Matt Ioannidis -
Don't think he's had a fair shot and has tried to do what was asked of him. Washington might be better suited to more of a 3/4 using an Up Tackle,. A good position for him and Murphy. It's really not a 3/4 at that point unless the UT backs up, more of a 3 1/2; 3 1/2.

Arie Kouandjio -
A position you need to give some time to if you're developing players. He played well at the end of the season so if he picks up where left off he'll challenge at least as a backup. That said, he's where Maurice Hurt was in his 3rd season. He'll have the opportunity in camp but needs to take advantage of it.

Dustin Hopkins -
Last year he had no competition in camp and started out flat. Maybe bring in a guy to push him early on to be all that he can be by Week 1. Shouldn't have to but he's a Kicker...

Houston Bates -
He does well with what the Skins ask him to do. Depending on the ACL, a good candidate to start on the PUP. Clear waivers to get to the PS? Doubt it as the Eagles have no depth at LB and there are other teams. Philly took Daniels from the waiver wire; 1 day after he was released by Washington.

Derek Carrier -
Sprinkle is the biggest TE on the roster and Carrier hasn't really impressed as a blocker (or receiver for the matter) in the past. If Jeremy makes it as the #2 or #3 guy Carrie quite possibly goes. Depending on where Sprinkles winds up on the depth chart and how well he shows up as a receiver, might they keep Carrier over Paul?

Niles Paul -
Due to injuries, he might be better suited as a WR than a TE. I don't know that he can take the abuse at TE. On the other hand, after running out of TE's a couple of years ago, he may warrant some consideration. But he was one of the injured guys.

Ryan Grant -
Ryan is a good blocker but Quick is better and will see more targets. Grant would be a good guy for the 49er's to considered as their WRs don't really have too much size. 13 WRs; 6 are under 6 foot and only 1 is over 6'1". And Kyle likes former Redskins. Make that, Kyle loves former Redskins.
 
Great observations, guys. We'll see what happens.

Here is some news - filed under "Campus" and "Fodderus":
John Keim‏Verified@john_keim
The Redskins signed free agent tight end Manasseh Garner and corner Tevin Homer --both were the tryout players.

Washington Redskins‏@Redskins
#Redskins sign CB Tevin Homer & TE Manasseh Garner, waive LB Khairi Fortt & TE Wes Saxton, release CB Tharold Simon.
 
Great observations, guys. We'll see what happens.

Here is some news - filed under "Campus" and "Fodderus":
John Keim‏Verified@john_keim
The Redskins signed free agent tight end Manasseh Garner and corner Tevin Homer --both were the tryout players.

Tevin Homer.
What a great name for a tryout player, signed off the street.
 
Last edited:
We need to move on from Niles Paul and Ryan Grant.

These guys have just not gotten on the field and produced. Whether its injury, inconsistency or simply not taking advantage of opportunities, their time is up.

We have drafted and signed multiple players at these positions who have greater upside.
 
So, does the absence of a FB mean we keep extra RB's or extra TE's ?
Or a little of each ?
Maybe Niles finds a place on the roster due to that fact, and plus his Special Teams play, if he can stay healthy thru preseason.
Reed, Davis, Sprinkle, Paul, is not a difficult scenario to envision.
 
We need to move on from Niles Paul and Ryan Grant.

These guys have just not gotten on the field and produced. Whether its injury, inconsistency or simply not taking advantage of opportunities, their time is up.

While I am not certain you are wrong about Paul, to say he has not produced for this team is laughable. He has been the single best ST player we've had over the past 5 years, injuries notwithstanding. I'm inclined to see us move on from him, but don't suggest he was unproductive.
 
He absolutely has been unproductive at his primary position.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Wonder if either Dunbar or Paul could make it, if they switched back to their original positions, and land a 5th WR spot.

If they could, then our WR corps needs some serious help. I don't see our WRs being so bad that either Paul or Dunbar even catches a whiff of that position. Even if there are injuries.
 
I think we are looking at Niles Paul through a tight end prism only. If we consider that narrow view, then yes, the production has been lacking over the past couple of seasons - mostly due to injury, fair or not. He had thirty-nine receptions in 2014 and was set to be a quality backup to Jordan Reed. Then a serious concussion occurs with a sandwich hit between two safeties. He loses 2015 and a good chunk of 2016 to injury.

Vernon Davis is locked into the number two tight end. Jeremy Sprinkle likely makes it as the number three. Where does that leave Paul? I say that he is now a tight end in name only.

As a special teams ace and reliable part time fullback, the Redskins will consider his worth to the team. Cutting him could save $2 mil. Is keeping him on the roster an option? Is a special teams ace and fullback worth the money he receives now or do the Redskins move on? This is why I put it at 50-50, but we probably need to consider that Niles Paul is a tight end in name only.
 

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Total: 1, Members: 0, Guests: 1)

Help Users
As we enjoy today's conversations, let's remember our dear friends 'Docsandy', Sandy Zier-Teitler, and 'Posse Lover', Michael Huffman, who would dearly love to be here with us today! We love and miss you guys ❤

You haven't joined any rooms.

    You haven't joined any rooms.
    Top