7 Players That Can Make The Most Impact for The Washington Redskins in 2018-19 NFL Season

By:Darrell Owens

(Headline Photo Credit:Patrick Smith-Getty Images)

RICHMOND, VA—With the majority of NFL training camps starting this week, which including the Washington Redskins in Richmond, VA. I thought to myself, the Redskins come into 2018 season with a lot of questions. Good thing for Washington, they have the pieces to fix the problems they may have. Here are my seven players who can make the most impact for the Redskins this season.

#93 Jonathan Allen & #95 DaRon Payne

In the 2017 NFL Draft, the Redskins were looking forward to upgrading their talent, especially on the defensive side of the ball, and as luck would have it, the Redskins would land Jonathan Allen, Defensive Lineman from Alabama at pick number 17. At one point, most teams had Allen as the #1 defensive player in the draft. Most experts felt the Redskins had the steal of the draft in Allen. His accomplishments at the collegiate level had Redskins fans excited beyond belief. Unfortunately, Allen’s rookie season was cut short due to injury after just six games. Allen only had 10 tackles with 1 sack. Fast Forward to this year’s draft, the Redskins held the 13th pick in the draft, the Redskins could have went a multitude of ways with this pick, but decided to once again draft a defensive lineman, and yes another from Alabama with their first pick, Mr. Da’Ron Payne. There is a reason that Washington has decided to drafted this way with their first round picks the last 2 years. Look around the league and you can see were top teams have built up their D-Lines. Teams like Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings just to name a few, rely heavily on their defensive lines. The Alabama duo could lead the Redskins defense into the future.

#31 Fabian Moreau

 The cornerback position has taken the biggest hit since the end of last season for Washington. The Redskins lost two of their young up and coming corners Kendall Fuller (Trade) and Bashaud Breeland (Free Agency). Plus let’s not forget that veteran corner De’Angelo Hall retired this off season as well. Washington still has their #1 corner Josh Norman and signed former Dallas Cowboy Orlando Scandrick to be there #2. I can’t forget Kevin Dunbar, who filled in well last year for Norman & Hall while they were out with injury. With all that being said, the most important cornerback in the group in my opinion has to be last year’s 3rd round pick, Fabian Moreau from UCLA. Moreau played all 16 games last year, but only mustard up 14 tackles and 1 pass deflection. Moreau has the talent and speed to be good corner in this league, and a breakout season from him could be exactly what Washington needs.

#18 Josh Doctson

Josh Doctson, the 3rd year WR from TCU could be ready to have a great season. Doctson, likely of the reasons the Redskins didn’t sign Pierre Garçon back last offseason, showed tons of breakout potential last season. Doctson racked up 6 touchdowns along with 35 receptions. Redskins inconsistent play on offense and of course the injury bug may have held Doctson back on what type of season he could have had last year. If he and the majority of his teammates can stay healthy, I believe Doctson has a good chance to make a run at a Pro Bowl spot this year.

# 11 Alex Smith

This one is a gimme. Quarterback Alex Smith, as I’ve said in my recent article about him has all the tools to become a Elite QB in my opinion. The biggest thing for Smith this year in Washington is for him to have a smooth transition into the unquestioned leader of this team. Redskins CB Josh Norman said about Smith at OTA’s “He Brings leadership” not a bad thing to hear coming from one of the team leaders. As long as Smith continues to put up the numbers he has the last few years, thoughts of Kirk Cousins will be a thing of the past.

#32 Samaje Perine & #29 Derrius Guice

If all goes well, the Redskins could have a 4-Headed monster at the running back position.One of those running backs, Rob Kelley, has been a nice threat when healthy, but the problem is just that, consistence. Can Kelley stay on the field? Next, Chris Thompson was a problem for defenses last season. Thompson’s ability to catch the football out the backfield, made him the Redskins biggest weapon. Unfortunately, just like a large amount of his teammates last season, the injury bug reared its ugly head and Thompson’s season ending in Week 11 because of a broken leg. 

Now I will give you the two running backs I believe could be the real game changers for Washington. The first of the two, Samaje Perine, lead the team in rushing last season. Despite only having one rushing touchdown, Perine showed in the second half of the season he could be productive. Redskins will need his ability to get ground and pound, if they want to have a great running game this season. Last, but not least, this year’s second round pick Derrius Guice from LSU. Guice has many experts thinking he could be the breakout star at running back from this year’s draft class. Why are people talking this way? Guice average 6.3 yards per carry in his college career, 2nd all-time in the SEC behind Bo Jackson “Mr Tecmo Bowl” himself. Guice could have went higher in the draft, but some believe that due to some character issues he dropped in the draft. If these two players get rolling this season, The Redskins 4-Headed Monster could be come a reality.

Be sure to check out LegacyMaker Sports Networks social media pages for updates everyday of Redskins Training Camp starting July 26, 2018.