Thrash has size, tremendous speed and experience that could cause match-up problems with many nickel and dime backs. McCants has worked his way from a who's-that-pick-from-Delaware-State four years ago, to a legitimate redzone threat. At 6-3, he can out-jump a lot of DBs and has an uncanny knack for coming up with big plays. Look for him to improve upon his 27 catches and 360 yards. Jacobs got little playing time last year because of a freak preseason injury, but has been very impressive in practices and mini-camps. He could emerge as a very effective speedy slot receiver.
Tight End/H-Back
Not surprisingly, Gibbs loaded up with new faces at this critical position in his offense. They are essentially two very different positions. The TE's primary responsibility will be blocking, but they will have an occasional opportunity to run out in pass patterns. Walter Rasby and Fred Baxter were brought in to compete with holdovers Robert Royal and Leonard Stephens. Both new additions are skilled blockers and have earned their stripes in the trenches.
The H-Backs will spend more time in motion and running pass routes in addition to their blocking duties. The Redskins spent next year's second-round pick for the opportunity to draft Chris Cooley this year. Cooley, 6-3 and 265 pounds, led the NCAA in receptions (62) and yardage (732) for a TE playing primarily as an H-Back for Utah State. Duplicating his college numbers is too much to ask, but Gibbs is hopeful that Cooley can demonstrate that he can be just as effective in the pros... and quickly. Mike Sellars and Brian Kozlowski will provide competition and insurance in case Cooley falters.
Offensive Line
Only minor changes were made to the personnel of what was one of the leagues worst offensive lines last year. Few QBs endured as many crushing hits as Ramsey took, and most of the blame was placed squarely on the shoulders of the OL. But don't mistake this year’s rendition with the disaster that blew through town the past two seasons. The biggest change of all will be roaming the sidelines, barking instructions and coaching up his latest creation, the Dirtbags.
Joe Bugel, who coached the Hogs to near mythical-status in the 80s, has been hard at work taking a talented line and rebuilding it from ground up. Chris Samuels and Jon Jansen return at tackle, with Jansen now being responsible for protecting the blind-side of the lefty Brunell. Both have the talent to be dominant, but have struggled the past two seasons under the Fun N' Gun.
Randy Thomas is a fierce run blocker and an athletic lineman, and could be devastating as a pulling guard in the counter trey. Derrick Dockery stumbled at first during his rookie campaign, but improved steadily as the season went on. At 6-6, 345 pounds, and with better coaching, he has the potential to be a giant on the OL. Cory Raymer returns to DC to start at center, and should be an improvement. He is extremely fragile, but when healthy he is highly regarded for his ability to read defenses and make those around him better.
Behind the starters, the depth is mostly young and unproven. Lennie Friedman has logged the most playing time and has been competent and versatile playing both guard and center. Brandon Winey, Pita Elisara, and Kenyatta Jones join late-round draft picks Jim Molinaro and Mark Wilson rounding out the depth chart.
Defensive Line
Arguably the biggest need for the Redskins this off-season was the defensive line. Whether the moves they made prove to be an answer remains to be seen. Gone are all-time sack leader Bruce Smith, reclamation project Darryl Russell, Lionel Dalton, and Bernard Holsey. Enter Cornelius Griffin, Phillip Daniels, and the return of Brandon Noble from a potentially career ending knee injury.
Griffin is an athletic lineman who has the ability to be effective against both the run and the pass. He will be relied upon to be a force along the line, but he has been plagued with inconsistency since an impressive rookie season in 2000. Daniels also has seen his production tail off the past few seasons, but he was hand picked by new defensive coach Greg Blache, who coached him in Chicago. He has the character and work-ethic to be a positive influence in the locker room, and his ability to play both end and tackle will be important.
Noble seems fully recovered, but he will be brought along slowly. If he can return to form, he is solid run-stopper, and can make those around him look better. Renaldo Wynn and Regan Upshaw return as DEs and both were solid but unspectacular in extensive roles last year. Jermaine Haley and Joe Salave'a team with a collection of undrafted free agents and NFL Europe players to compete for playing time.
