Sep 13, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) talks with Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden before the game between the Washington Redskins and the Miami Dolphins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
The Washinton Redskins conclude the 2017 offseason this week with a final minicamp before breaking for training camp next month.
As crazy it sounds, we are mere weeks away from the beginning of training camp. That means a new NFL season isn't far behind. For the Washington Redskins, one final minicamp awaits in Ashburn.
For the Redskins, many questions loom. How will all of the new players fit in on defense? Can quarterback Kirk Cousins continue to build chemistry with some of his newer targets? And how will head coach Jay Gruden adjust to calling plays once again?
All of these are good questions. While Washington is coming off back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in 20 years, a lot of folks aren't too high on the Redskins. Oddsmakers have the Redskins last in the NFC East.
While the books may not be high on the Redskins, optimism is aplenty around Redskins Park. Despite losing offensive coordinator Sean McVay to a head-coaching gig and the ugly firing of former general manager Scot McCloughan, Washington did several good things in the offseason. The Redskins signed some talented — and bargain — free agents and followed it up with a strong draft.
Here are three things to watch for at mandatory minicamp.
Washington Redskins
Sep 18, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins running back Matt Jones (31) carries the ball past Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Maliek Collins (96) in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
3. Will Matt Jones be present?
Just two years ago, running back Matt Jones was a third-round pick of the Washington Redskins. After some promising moments in his first year, Jones was essentially handed the starting gig last year. Needless to say, Jones struggled.
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Whether it was fumbling — Jones cost Washington a win at Detroit — tentativeness or simply missing open holes, Jones regressed in a major way in 2016. Undrafted rookie Rob Kelley passed Jones on the depth chart and never looked back. Kelley wasn't exactly a world-beater, though he was solid. However, he was so much better than Jones that coaches gave him the starting job heading into the 2017 offseason.
Jones chose to skip the OTAs over the last few weeks. It's important to note that Jones was well within his right as OTAs are voluntary. But what does it show your teammates and coaches that you choose not come in and compete?
According to those close to Jones, the third-year back was told he was not in the team's plans and was fifth on the depth chart. Whether that's true or not, he's still a part of the team and isn't doing himself any favors by staying home.
Ex-Washington starter Matt Jones has been told by coach Jay Gruden he is the team's No. 5 RB and is staying away from OTAs. @nflnetwork
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) June 1, 2017
If Jones wants a new team — or to show his current team what they could be missing — he should be at minicamp competing.
Oct 30, 2016; London, United Kingdom; Cincinnati Bengals running back Jeremy Hill (32) is grabbed by Washington Redskins linebacker Will Compton (51) during the third quarter at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports
2. The battle at inside linebacker
It's no secret the Washington Redskins weren't exactly thrilled with the production they received from the inside linebacker position over the last couple of seasons. While the coaches love both incumbents — Will Compton and Mason Foster —the Redskins needed someone with speed to roam the middle.
Enter Pro Bowl linebacker Zach Brown.
Brown, who was looking to cash in after a big season last year in Buffalo, signed a one-year deal with the Redskins in March. He offers Washington the type of player who has the speed to roam sideline to sideline and can rush the passer when called upon. Most importantly, Brown can cover tight ends. The Redskins have struggled to cover opposing tight ends in recent years. While it would be easy to assume Brown has one inside spot locked down, that isn't necessarily true.
Compton, who calls the team signals, is safe at one spot. The Redskins love his smarts, toughness and reliability. Compton is a good tackler and could be even better with a more productive player alongside him. Could Brown be that guy?
Foster was a solid addition for the Redskins two years ago. At times last fall, especially in the Week 17 loss to the Giants, Foster played with reckless abandon and was one of the better players on the field. Unfortunately, Foster is a bit limited and can struggle to get off blocks. He is a good player, but the coaches would obviously like to upgrade.
If Brown adjusts to the defensive scheme fairly quickly, Compton and Foster could end up competing for the other spot at one point. For right now, all three players will rotate. It will be interesting to see how much time Brown gets with the starters at this week's minicamp.
May 24, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws the ball during drills as part of Redskins OTAs at Redskins Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
1. Kirk Cousins and his receivers
The Redskins lost a lot of production at the wide receiver position from a year ago. While Washington will certainly miss DeSean Jackson's speed, this group is far from a barren wasteland. Jordan Reed and Jamison Crowder are on the verge of becoming stars. Reed's health is the only thing keeping him from the Pro Bowl every season. Vernon Davis, Niles Paul, Maurice Harris, Ryan Grant and third-down back Chris Thompson also return.
However, it's newcomer Terrelle Pryor and last year's first-round pick, Josh Doctson, that everyone is talking about it. And for good reason. Both players have the type of potential to be No. 1 receivers. For Doctson it's all about health. As for Pryor, it's about building off last year. The skills are certainly there for both players.
Throughout this offseason, Cousins has worked to get on the same page as Pryor. Gruden noted Cousins is still getting used to Pryor's speed. While Jackson was fast, Pryor is a different kind of fast. Jackson would blow by defenders at the line of scrimmage with ease. Pryor takes long strides and doesn't appear as fast as Jackson, but don't be fooled.
This week's minicamp gives Cousins more time to work with Pryor and Doctson. Watching Cousins throw to his new receivers should be fun to watch, especially in the deep passing game. In order for Washington to replace Jackson's production, it'll need Pryor and Doctson to have big seasons. And anytime Cousins can get to work with his receivers, it's an important event.
