redskins training camp power rankings
(photo by Brian Murphy)
With the first week of training camp in the books for the Washington Redskins, I figured I’d try something new. With that in mind, I present to you my first stab at the top 10 Redskins players through Week 1. These are the players who have risen to the challenge and managed to make a strong impression through the first seven days of camp.
One quick note before we dive in – these rankings are completely subjective, biased and, ultimately, meaningless. They simply represent one person’s take on the first week of training camp. If you see things differently and/or feel like I’m forgetting someone, that’s okay. Feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts on the subject.
1. Kareem Moore, safety – No player has done more to turn heads in the last week than Moore. Don’t believe me? Consider this: in the last two days, Moore has three interceptions. He’s rapidly turning into a ball hawk and appears to be developing more and more confidence every day he takes the field. In fact, he’s looking so comfortable that I’d go as far as to say it’s officially his position to lose.
2. Fred Davis, tight end – Chris Cooley is the man. I’ve got no problem saying it and neither does Davis. But the offensive star throughout this entire offseason has easily been Freddie Delight. The days of oversleeping practice and/or looking lost on the football field are long gone. These days, the third-year pro is automatic – especially when running a seam route. If a quarterback can get the ball near him, Davis has had no problem catching the ball in stride and blowing by defenders. If he can improve his blocking, Davis is going to be a force in this league.
3. Carlos Rogers, cornerback – Before training camp began, I boldly predicted Rogers would set a new career high for interceptions in 2010. After seven days, I’m feeling even more confident in the Auburn product. I’ve heard from a player or two that the cornerbacks under Jerry Gray spent too much time goofing off and cracking jokes. Although Gray was very good at his job, some wonder if he made a mistake trying to be buddy buddy with guys like Rogers and Fred Smoot. With those distractions gone and hopes of a long-term contract in front of him, Rogers has more than enough incentive to come out strong this season.
4. Larry Johnson, running back – There’s no way this is the same guy who half of Kansas City despises. He’s been an absolute model citizen on and off the field for Washington and has managed to stand out in a very crowded backfield. Clinton Portis will likely be the primary ball carrier, but Johnson brings a physical presence this offense needs. At this point, I’m genuinely excited at the prospect of him being the goal-line back this season.
5. Trent Williams, left tackle – Before training camp began and before the highly-touted rookie even signed his contract, I suggested that at some point this season Williams might be swapped with right tackle Jammal Brown. Well, if he continues to play like this, that’s not going to be an option. Williams is exactly the athletic offensive lineman that thrives in a Mike Shanahan-led attack and he’s already managing to hold his own against linebacker Brian Orakpo when the two square off. I can’t help but think he’s still playing mostly on pure instincts which means he’ll likely improve once he fully grasps everything the coaches are throwing at him. If that’s the case, Williams is going to be protecting the blind side for the foreseeable future.
