The Washington Redskins have acquired many different players this offseason. While each one is expected to help the team win games, some will shine and some will fall short of expectations. In this article, I will reveal which first-year Redskins will flourish and which players will ultimately flop with the burgundy and gold.
Alex Smith:
Arguably the biggest acquisition for Washington this offseason, Smith is facing very high expectations with his new team. Luckily for him, he is in an offense that suits his skill set.
Head coach Jay Gruden has been praised repeatedly for how well his scheme tailors to quarterbacks. Smith, a savvy vet, should not only produce in Gruden’s offense, but he should put up big numbers to go along with his success.
Prediction: Flourish
Paul Richardson:
The Washington Redskins signed wide receiver Paul Richardson to a five-year deal this offseason. Richardson is expected to act as the No. 1 receiver for Washington this season, in order for Josh Doctson to continue his development.
Whether Richardson can perform at the level he is expected to this season remains to be seen. In Seattle, Richardson was afforded the luxury of having Doug Baldwin draw double coverage, allowing him to take advantage of his matchups.
He won’t have that in Washington which is cause for concern for Richardson’s productivity and numbers.
Prediction: Flop
Derrius Guice:
After falling to the Redskins at pick No. 59 in the NFL Draft, running back Derrius Guice is out to prove his doubters wrong.
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Washington has struggled in the run game ever since RB Alfred Morris left in free agency in 2015. Guice is slated to be the day one starter at running back, and he should do fairly well behind a line that doesn’t really have a glaring hole. Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams and right guard Brandon Scherff should open holes for the former LSU Tiger.
With all the right pieces in place, Guice will shine in the Redskins’ offense and should be in the running for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Prediction: Flourish
Orlando Scandrick:
Cornerback Orlando Scandrick was released by the Dallas Cowboys earlier this offseason and signed a one-year deal with the Redskins shortly after.
After the loss of conerback Bashaud Breeland in free agency, Washington began to search for his replacement at CB2. Scandrick should push for this spot along with fellow cornerbacks Quinton Dunbar and Fabian Moreau.
I think that the No. 2 cornerback slot, opposite of Josh Norman, is a wide open position for Washington.
Unfortunately, solid numbers are very important to be considered a flourishing player on this list. Scandrick won’t put up career numbers in Washington, but his presence in the locker room will be felt.
Prediction: Flop (on paper)
Da’Ron Payne:
Washington went into this past offseason with a major goal in mind: improve the run defense. The Redskins began to work towards this goal with the drafting of defensive tackle Da’Ron Payne. Payne was a standout at Alabama and will make a big impact for the Redskins this year.
I expect Payne to put up big numbers in the run game, working alongside fellow defensive lineman Jonathan Allen and Matt Ioannidis. He may also sneak in a few sacks throughout the season as well. There’s a lot to look forward to during Payne’s rookie campaign.
Prediction: Flourish
