Fansided

Every NFL team’s roster, ranked by preseason potential

By Rucker Haringey

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 3, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 3, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 17: Cornerback Josh Norman #24 of the Washington Redskins stands on the field in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field on December 17, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 17: Cornerback Josh Norman #24 of the Washington Redskins stands on the field in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field on December 17, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

17. Washington Redskins

Much has been made about the quarterback change from Kirk Cousins to Alex Smith, but that really shouldn’t hurt the offense that much. The lack of playmakers at receiver is a much bigger issue in the nation’s capital.

Jamison Crowder is an adequate NFL starter, but he’s not a No. 1 wideout. That means either Josh Doctson or Paul Richardson is going to have to step up and play at that level. That’s a massive ask for either player. Expect the Redskins to keep searching for the right receiver combination all season long.

The organization hopes Derrius Guice can rejuvenate the run game, and that’s definitely a possibility. He’s the type of downhill runner that could thrive playing behind the likes of Trent Williams and Brandon Scherff. Don’t be surprised if he garners offensive ROY consideration.

The defense has some quality pieces, but remains a few players short of what they need to be a top 10 unit. Josh Norman is obviously a shutdown corner. The only problem is that Orlando Scandrick on the other side is a major question mark.

The defensive front will need first round pick Da’Ron Payne to play well from the word go. He’s talented, but sometimes it takes rookie nose tackles a year or two to adjust to the NFL. The Redskins cannot afford to give Payne that kind of time.

Look for the Redskins to stay in playoff contention until deep in the season. Ultimately their lack of dynamic receivers will probably cost them a postseason berth, but it will be close.