What Youth will Replace an Aging Core?

By: Michael A. Chase Jr.

7/5/2019

The Washington Redskins need an injection of youth. This is because the core players on the roster are getting long in the tooth. Along with many of these players dealing with injuries or having a significant injury history. Which is why Washington needs their young players to seize their opportunities to become key contributors. This piece will look to depict what young players will form the next core of the Redskins. Along with describing the impact each side of the ball will feel from these players.

            To begin on the offensive side of the ball, this group needed young players to replenish a lacking collection of talent. Which is why these players can form the core for the Redskins Offense:

·       QB Dwayne Haskins- 22 years old

·       OT Morgan Moses- 28 years old

·       C Chase Roullier- 25 years old

·       RB Derrius Guice- 22 years old

·       WR Trey Quinn- 23 years old

·       RG Brandon Scherff- 27 years old

·       WR Kelvin Harmon- 21 years old

·       OG Wes Martin- 23 years old

·       WR Terry McLaurin- 23 years old

·       RB Bryce Love- 21 years old

In Dwayne Haskins the Redskins hope they have found their answer at the Quarterback position. He has great size, arm talent, and the intangibles to be their signal caller for years to come. Joining him in the backfield are running backs Derrius Guice and Bryce Love who are both tremendous talents that will help make the Washington running game explosive. Washington though must be patient in bringing them along, with both coming off ACL injuries. The offensive line is in solid hands with the likes of Moses, Scherff, Martin and Roullier in the fold. This quartet brings a physicality and athleticism that is rivaled by few linemen groups around the league. The group lacking the most in terms of impact players coming into this offseason was the receiver. Thus, with Washington drafting pass catchers Kelvin Harmon and Terry McLaurin they have begun to replenish this position. Add in a healthy Trey Quinn who showed promise his rookie year, and the receiver group has building blocks. These young players will push vets like Paul Richardson and Josh Doctson, while providing needed speed on the perimeter. In all, with players like Trent Williams, Jordan Reed, and Alex Smith as just some of the veterans who are gaining mileage and are injury prone. The coming infusion of young talent is key to the Redskins integrating new building blocks on the Offensive side of the ball. The franchise needs to continue to get younger and more talented, and they are on the right track it seems.

Now for the Washington Defense the talent is more established. There are pieces in place that will form a very formidable defense. With newcomers that will immediately challenge for significant playing time at several positions. Here are the player that form the Defensive Core:

·       DL Jonathan Allen- 24 years old

·       OLB Ryan Anderson- 24 years old

·       MLB Shaun Dion Hamilton- 23 years old

·       LB Josh Harvey-Clemons- 25 years old

·       LB Cole Holcomb- 22 years old

·       LB Montez Sweat- 22 years old

·       S Landon Collins- 25 years old

·       DL Matt Ioannidis- 25 years old

·       CB Fabian Moreau- 25 years old

·       DL Daron Payne- 22 years old

·       DL Tim Settle- 21 years old

·       CB Jimmy Moreland- 23 years old

·       CB Quinton Dunbar- 26 years old

For the Washington Defense it all starts with the “Alabama Wall”, with Alabama draft picks Allen and Payne being the building blocks for a formidable front. Add in the ever improving Iaonnidis and the emergence of 3rd round pick Tim Settle this past year and the Defensive line is one of the major strengths of the entire team. At Linebacker Hamilton, Harvey-Clemons, and Anderson are holdovers. The additions of draft picks Montez Sweat, and Cole Holcomb add speed and pass rush flare to this group. These two players will be key for a group that has lost some key veterans along with some of their staples like Ryan Kerrigan acquiring more wear and tear. In their secondary they have promising youngsters Moreau, Dunbar, and mini-camp star Jimmy Moreland. Though the absence of a true number one corner needs to be addressed, especially with the slight decline of veteran Josh Norman. Which is why they need these players to take hold of the opportunities afforded to bolster their back end. Then at safety with Montae Nicholson their most talented safety dealing with off field and injury issues. Plus, the release of pro bowler D.J. Swearinger the talent at the position is barren. But with the major signing of Landon Collins one of the safety spots has at least been addressed. In the end there is a youthful foundation to build upon on this side of the ball, but still plenty of depth to be attained.

The Redskins are not completely void of young talent on their football team but are certainly not set at many positions either. With this group players from each side of the ball, plus their Punter and Kicker combo of 29-year old Tress Way and 28-year-old Dustin Hopkins to sure up their special teams. This totals 25 players who can become the core of the Redskins for the next 10 years. The Redskins must continue to cultivate their young talent, while continuing to bring in more bodies to compete and address different positions. Washington needs new players for the fanbase to grow with going forward, providing new hope for the franchise. Either way Washington has intriguing years ahead with this group of youngsters ready to lead the franchise.