themurf Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 (photo by Brian Murphy) There will be plenty of intrigue and noteworthy subplots between now and the start of the regular season for the Washington Redskins. The question of who will be the starting quarterback – John Beck or Rex Grossman – for the season opener will garner the most attention. It’ll also be interesting to see how many of the team’s 12 rookies will make the final 53-man roster. But one of the position battles that’s most interesting to me is taking place at receiver, with several fringe players doing their best to stake their claim to a spot on the roster. It’s safe to assume that the top three wide outs will be Santana Moss, Anthony Armstrong and Jabar Gaffney. If that is indeed the case, the passing game should be in much better shape than a season ago – when over-the-hill players like Joey Galloway and Roydell Williams conned their way into a paycheck. The next two names on the depth chart will likely be Leonard Hankerson and Niles Paul, both rookies who might not put up monsters numbers this year, but should become more involved in the offense as the season progresses. And that brings us to an interesting question – will the Redskins keep more than five receivers? The only way I see it happening is if the sixth and final player on the depth chart is a special teams guy. That would leave three players fighting for one possible roster spot, and a case can be made for each of them. First up is second-year player Brandon Banks, who has already become a fan favorite thanks to his abilities in the return game. Banks might be a receiver with just two catches for 10 yards on his resume, but he’s the most exciting return specialist in Washington since Brian Mitchell. He might only have one kickoff return for a touchdown to his credit, but Banks is someone opposing teams must gameplan for. Look no further than Washington’s 16-7 preseason victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Banks returned a kickoff 58 yards and a punt 19 yards, both the longest in the game by either team. Plays like those can make a huge difference – especially when the offense is still such a work in progress. That being said, I wouldn’t consider the 23-year-old a lock to make the roster by any means. Generously listed at 5-foot-7 and 155 lbs., Banks is rarely 100 percent healthy. He might be an elusive runner, but a guy that small is going to take some serious punishment once defenders finally catch up to him. Add to that the off-the-field concerns that come when a young and immature player gets stabbed in the abdomen because he decided to mock someone’s attire at a D.C. night club and the question becomes: how much trouble is one player worth? Sure, Banks is electric with a football in his hands, but how much patience will head coach Mike Shanahan have for an injury-prone player with baggage? I asked half a dozen media members which player is most likely to end up in Shanahan’s dog house now that Donovan McNabb and Albert Haynesworth are elsewhere and Banks was the unanimous choice. Those two players were much more accomplished than Banks and they were shown the door. That’s got to count for something in this discussion. Click here for the full article. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skinsinparadise Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 of the three I hope Austin makes it because it looks like he has a good future as a WR but I am a bit worried that Paul might be the odd man out, wasn't he behind Austin on the depth chart? If Paul hits the practice squad i presume some team grabs him, maybe even the Giants who are looking for WR help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wrecker Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Since Austin is still eligible for the PS, I see Banks on the 53. If Banks knee isn't holding up or he sustains another injury then I can see Banks going to IR and Austin being brought up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
repo_4 Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 I just do not see how Banks doesnt make the team. He brings way too much to the return game to ignore. Having a Devin Hester type player that other teams have to plan for because he scares them so much is exciting to me as a fan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KDawg Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 I vote for TA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KingGibbs Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Man that's tough, but I'm a fan of Austin. Good hands, seems to run crisp routes, good work ethic and good character. I think he has a big upside. He's the kind of football player they seem to covet now. Thank God. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhoRUSupposed2Be Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Excluding Stallsworth, the nail biters will be between BBGunner and Austin... Austin at times reminds me of Santana Moss with his football dirt spiraling antics (not that makes any difference lol) I'd prefer the 'Skins to implement some Wildcat into their offense that would allow Banks to see the field with much more success... you can even put some route assignments for him to run during certain plays because team have to account for him anyway... just put him on the field. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S.T.real,lights,out Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Like them all but im taking Banks. He has a chance to score a TD everytime he gets the ball. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GaryGreenMonk Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 at least this is a good problem to have. last year, we did not have this problem... lol add: i vote for Austin.. the man does nothing but catch balls for big gains.. and while not as explosive,.. he can return decently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
themurf Posted August 16, 2011 Author Share Posted August 16, 2011 I just do not see how Banks doesnt make the team. He brings way too much to the return game to ignore. Having a Devin Hester type player that other teams have to plan for because he scares them so much is exciting to me as a fan. If the team just went out of its way to eliminate off-the-field distractions like McNabb and Haynesworth, why wouldn't the only other problem child on the roster also be in the conversation? Plus, the guy is always banged up. Sure, when Banks is on the field, he's fun to watch. But if he's a headache off it and he can't stay healthy, then he's far from a lock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boss_Hogg Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 I would not be surprised if Banks was cut in late August. Just a hunch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrypticVillain Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Murf, why not keep Austin and Banks and put Paul on the Practice Squad? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GaryGreenMonk Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Murf, why not keep Austin and Banks and put Paul on the Practice Squad? that is also possible. however... someone might try to swipe Paul. So you'd have to be prepared to cut someone and bring Paul up if someone tried to snag him... which puts you back in the same situation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rypien1191 Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 If the team just went out of its way to eliminate off-the-field distractions like McNabb and Haynesworth, why wouldn't the only other problem child on the roster also be in the conversation? Plus, the guy is always banged up. Sure, when Banks is on the field, he's fun to watch. But if he's a headache off it and he can't stay healthy, then he's far from a lock. What other "problems" has he created other than the stabbing, which from all I've heard was a result of him rushing to a friends defense and not something that he instigated? He doesn't have the reputation of being a lazy malcontent like McNabb or Haynesworth. From what I've seen the guy has a good attitude and work ethic. He wants to get better. And I believe he only missed 2 games last year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atlanta Skins Fan Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Banks has already made the 53, as a returner. He's no longer a WR from a roster accounting view. He'll see the field as WR only in special circumstances, such as screens. Will also be used as a decoy, since his rare appearances will distract the defense. Barring injuries, here's the WR roster: Active Roster Moss Gaffney Armstrong Austin* Stallworth** Hankerson*** *Austin sees the field more than Stallworth due to his youth and career upside. Also serves as game-day backup to Banks. **Veteren experience makes him an effective backup at all WR positions. Injury history risk negated by limited touches. ***Makes the 53 strictly as a developmental player and fear that he'd be picked up off waivers before ever reaching practice squad. Inactive on most game days. Practice Squad Paul* Robinson** *Has almost zero risk of being claimed by another team. He's this year's Austin. **At risk of being an outright cut if he doesn't show something. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoskins Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 This is going to be tough. I'm just glad the choices aren't Roydell Williams and Joey Galloway. My head says Austin. But seeing Banks live again last Friday and feeling the excitement in the stadium when he has the ball, it is tough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audible_Red40 Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 I don't understand why anybody/everybody thinks that if we cut Paul to land him on the PS, that some team is gonna just come in and scoop him up?!?! If you pick him up while on the PS, he has to be an active player. I am rooting for Paul but he has no NFL experience, no team just wants our 5th round cuts. I am sure there are a couple teams that might, but we do not know what teams want and or are looking for. We are not the only team who has young, possible promissing WR's. He was a 5th round pick. The poster above states the Giants may be looking for WR help. I have a buddy who is a Giants fan and states they have 10 WR's in Camp, including Manningham, Nicks, Hixon and Clayton, who all have more experience then Paul. Not to mention they took a solid WR in the 3rd round, who "fell" like Hankerson. As well as Victor Cruz, last years preseason beast. They have their own home grown talent to worry about. I am sure they are not watching Paul like there own. And they have all world Devin Thomas!! My point is, every team has decisions to make. With a camp of 90 players, most teams have 8-11 WR's fighting for 5-6 spots. Let's not worry about the practice squads just yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MonkFan8 Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Banks, assuming Kyle is able to get him involved elsewhere in the offense (reverses, etc). I really like Austin and could see Paul ending up on the practice squad. I don't see another team jumping at him like a lot of people do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rypien1191 Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 It's comically tragic that MK isn't even in this discussion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
themurf Posted August 16, 2011 Author Share Posted August 16, 2011 What other "problems" has he created other than the stabbing, which from all I've heard was a result of him rushing to a friends defense and not something that he instigated? He doesn't have the reputation of being a lazy malcontent like McNabb or Haynesworth. From what I've seen the guy has a good attitude and work ethic. He wants to get better. And I believe he only missed 2 games last year. If you actually believe Banks was stabbed because he rushed to a friends defense and he wasn't the instigator you're either related to him or you've chosen to bury your head in the sand. The guy started the entire ordeal by mocking a random person in front of a night club because he didn't like what the guy was wearing. Talking to police who were involved, it sounds like Banks threw the first punch and the guy with the knife was the one who was defending himself. So yeah, you might want to re-think your stance. Besides that, there are also whispers around the locker room about the guy being a little too full of himself. As one guy put it, he carries himself like he's Jerry Rice or something, but he hasn't done anything to earn that right yet. Add it all up, and like I've said, Banks isn't a lock to make the 53-man roster. ---------- Post added August-16th-2011 at 09:59 AM ---------- I don't understand why anybody/everybody thinks that if we cut Paul to land him on the PS, that some team is gonna just come in and scoop him up?!?! If you pick him up while on the PS, he has to be an active player. There are more than a few people out there who firmly believe that Paul will be the team's steal of the 2011 draft when it's all said and done. People love his toughness, his versatility, etc. If that's the case, then it becomes much tougher to stash him on the practice squad than say, a guy like Austin who was there last season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrypticVillain Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 It's comically tragic that MK isn't even in this discussion. No what is even funnier is that until you made this post, I didn't even think about him. :doh: I think that our receivers going out there on Friday and looking nice just made me close the book on Kelly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Botched Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 As of right now, I'd take Austin over Hankerson or Paul without a second thought. And I'd take Banks over all three of them. I'll be upset if Stallworth takes up a roster spot, unless somebody gets injured. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cgray88 Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 During one of the Shanny pressers in the last few days, when asked about Banks not fully practicing, Shanny said something to the effect of 'we're following a plan to make sure he is ready to go week 1' My reading of the tea leaves is he is a virtual lock to be the starting returner... we've all seen it and there is no arguing what he is capable of there. Since he is listed as a WR, he'd be the 6th WR, but you could list him RB, LB, LT, whatever... he's the returner. I see the competition for the 5th WR spot as being between Paul, Austin, and Stallworth. And I guess Aldrick Robinson and the others... but those 3 on top. To me, that is a really tough call. Stallworth is obviously the best guy to help us right now, but that would mean exposing the others to every other team and no guarantee of being able to stash them on the practice squad. Luckily there are 3 more games to see whats what. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swift Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 I'd rule out Banks because he is a bit of a one-trick pony and the rule change hurts his value. Between Auston and Stallworth, I think Stallworth has more to offer at this point because of his experience, but Austin has more upside. I'd like to see if Austin can contribute, I say give him a shot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Santana_89 Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Good question Murf of the three I'm going to go with Austin all he ever does is make plays when he's in the game. Although a healthy Stallworth would be an added benefit to the offense. Banks who I like will likely find himself cut. It's comically tragic that MK isn't even in this discussion. I had MK making the roster this year too I've finally given up on the guy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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