Homer: Redskins training camp power rankings

[themurf]

(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 has 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.

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[terrifNick21]

Awww Murf, why do you have to post these things? Getting me all excited.

Great read and thanks for posting.

[SonOfWashington]

On the flip side, here are a few guys who would most likely prefer to step up their game sooner rather than later:

1. Albert Haynesworth, diva – Yeah. This one was a gimme.

Nice write up.

[Assassin 21]

Great read

[fullnelson9999]

Nice read. I will say though that your impression of Fred Davis made be a tad bit sad. I just can't see the Redskins keeping Cooley long term if Davis is as good as everyone says he can be.

The hardships of having depth on the roster I guess. I wouldn't know.

[Paris88]

Great work, so you have Barnes over Buchanan and Tryon as the nickel?

[BigMike21]

Disappointed in Kemoeatu's place in that article. I was hoping he could become some sort of defensive line force in the middle.

[tr1]

Really an excellent article.

Of note is that the two WRs mentioned are both small...one's got a great track record, the other is a rookie - drafted as a ST guy.

The third WR mentioned is likely on his way out.

So, basically, we're in the same boat we were in three years ago when Vinny used to high picks for guys who look like total busts.

Fortunately, once training camp cuts begin in earnest, there should be a decent veteran or two we can pick up.

Otherwise, regardless of the scheme, we'll end up with guys who can't separate and could get our qb killed.

Deja vu.

[ddub52]

I was hoping to hear better news about KemoEATu, but real excited to hear that Kareem Moore is killing it at safety. I was worried about who would play along side Landry, but it sounds like we may have found a gem

[Mordac]

With Moore as FS and Doughty at SS, our pass defense could be vastly improved.

[themurf]

Disappointed in Kemoeatu's place in that article. I was hoping he could become some sort of defensive line force in the middle.

Thanks to everyone for the feedback so far. If I were to name the next two guys on the "disappointing list" after Kemoeatu, I'd probably have to say running back Willie Parker and receiver Roydell Williams. Parker has done nothing to distinguish himself on the days I'm out there and Williams drops too many passes for a veteran.

[jflow78]

Great article!

I'm disappointed about Kemo too. Is it just because he hasn't made any big plays or is he getting destroyed in camp? The guy's just supposed to be a space eater right?

[HailGreen28]

Another great article. Thanks Murf!

Second the disappointed about Kemo so far.

[HailGreen28]

Really an excellent article.

Of note is that the two WRs mentioned are both small...one's got a great track record, the other is a rookie - drafted as a ST guy.

The third WR mentioned is likely on his way out.

So, basically, we're in the same boat we were in three years ago when Vinny used to high picks for guys who look like total busts.

Fortunately, once training camp cuts begin in earnest, there should be a decent veteran or two we can pick up.

Otherwise, regardless of the scheme, we'll end up with guys who can't separate and could get our qb killed.

Deja vu.

I thought our passing issues were due to a QB that didn't know what he was doing, and a patchwork O-Line. Not WRs, even though Moss has been our only good WR since 2005.

[LD0506]

As usual, thanks for the insight murf. What I find most encouraging is that they will all be assessed by competent personnel that don't have to worry about who makes what or who has TheDan's the ear. People need to relax a little and let this play out, the entire franchise is being made over.

[Hitman21ST]

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.

If he's standing out as much as you're saying, think there's a shot he takes over the starting job?

[themurf]

If he's standing out as much as you're saying, think there's a shot he takes over the starting job?

Not yet. Clinton Portis looks slimmer and quicker, and by all accounts, he's highly motivated to show folks he's still got plenty of football. That's why I'm thinking Portis will be the lead back. That being said, Johnson appears ideal to be the guy who runs over defenders on short-yardage downs and in goal-line situations. They really have a chance to compliment the hell out of each other.

[tshile]

great writeup.

I'm sad to see tryon on the disapointed list I really think that kid has a lot of potential, and is definitely putting in the work. Hopefully this seasoned coaching staff can get the light to turn on for him. If him and barnes can step up and be the future CB's on this team, then that goes a long way towards locking up a position. Carlos and Hall aren't bad - but they're getting older, and there will only be more contract disputes down the road. Given Shanahan and Allen's trends, I'd be willing to bet both of them are shipped out in the next few years solely based on contract issues...

[Hitman21ST]

Not yet. Clinton Portis looks slimmer and quicker, and by all accounts, he's highly motivated to show folks he's still got plenty of football. That's why I'm thinking Portis will be the lead back. That being said, Johnson appears ideal to be the guy who runs over defenders on short-yardage downs and in goal-line situations. They really have a chance to compliment the hell out of each other.

So you think more yards for CP, more TDs for Johnson?

[Nickclone]

Nice read. I will say though that your impression of Fred Davis made be a tad bit sad. I just can't see the Redskins keeping Cooley long term if Davis is as good as everyone says he can be.

The hardships of having depth on the roster I guess. I wouldn't know.

I like Cooley and he has done a lot for this team, but I don't think he's as great as everyone says he is. He can catch the ball and he's very reliable, but I think the dude is very slow. He kinda reminds me of Riggo, but slower and less power. I think Sleepy (can we still call him that) will eventually be the leading, go to TE.

[tshile]

Shanahan loves 2 TE pacakges.

If both can block, both can catch, and both can be ellusive in their own way, then there's no reason to get rid of one - or put one over the other.

It'll just depend on the situation in the game, and the oponet's defense, as to who is used how.

[TD_washingtonredskins]

Great write-up...much appreciated.

Excited for LJ, Davis, and Austin on O...Moore and Kemo (I'm hopeful) on D!

[Hitman21ST]

Great write-up...much appreciated.

Excited for LJ, Davis, and Austin on O...Moore and Kemo (I'm hopeful) on D!

Kemo will get into the swing of things...he's recovering from a season-ending injury and not playing last year. Give it a little time, he'll be fine.

[NattyLight]

I'm very, and genuinely excited to hear about Tue progression of kareem Moore, that position was a real ? for me. It's imperative to have a no joke fs in this league. Bring on the games.

[NattyLight]

My silly mobile won't let me edit...Fred Davis is some serious trade bait....