Roster Breakdown: Linebackers With training camp set to start on July 24, here’s a look at the Redskins’ linebackers, along with an outline of what can be expected from the players at the position. Click here for previous positional breakdowns. Position: Linebackers Projected Starters: OLB Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo, ILB London Fletcher and Perry Riley Returning: OLB Rob Jackson, ILB Bryan Kehl, ILB Roddrick Muckelroy, ILB Keenan Robinson, OLB Vic So’oto Players Added: OLB Darryl Tapp (free agent – Eagles), OLB Brandon Jenkins (fifth round – Florida State), OLB Ricky Elmore (futures contract), ILB Marvin Burdette (undrafted – UAB), ILB Will Compton (undrafted – Nebraska), ILB Jeremy Kimbrough (undrafted – Appalachian State) Players Lost: ILB Lorenzo Alexander (free agent – Cardinals), OLB Chris Wilson (free agent) The Good: Orakpo returned from injury at the start of spring workouts and said he’s healthier than he’s been in a long time, which could assist the fifth-year linebacker in having a big season. Orakpo tore his left pectoral in the final game of the 2011 season and then tore it again, albeit in a different location, in Week 2 last year. While he hasn’t surpassed the 11 sacks he had during his rookie season in 2009, which helped him earn a trip to the Pro Bowl, Orakpo has spoken often about his continued maturation as a pass rusher and believes he can be one of the top sack artists in the league. The time is ripe to prove it: Orakpo is entering the final year of his five-year, $15.4 million rookie contract, and he can set his value next spring with a strong season. The Bad: The loss of Alexander, who signed a three-year, $9.5 million contract with Arizona after seven years in Washington, will hurt more than the Redskins’ special teams. Alexander served a utility role with the Redskins in recent seasons but was incredibly useful in 2012, especially when he stepped in on passing downs in the early part of the season with the sole purpose of pressuring the quarterback. Alexander not only knew the defense inside and out, owing to his progression from defensive tackle early in his career to inside linebacker, but he also worked during the preseason as a backup at fullback and tight end. His football insight and his unwavering leadership made him a valuable member of the Redskins’ locker room. Worth Watching: Kerrigan has been as steady as they come during his first two years in the league, and he was rewarded for a solid sophomore season with a trip to the Pro Bowl in January. Things will change now, though, as the linebacker enters his third season – one in which he’ll be expected to realize his potential as one of the better outside linebackers in the league. Like many of the team’s outside linebackers, Kerrigan played his entire collegiate career as a 4-3 defensive end, and he has struggled at times with dropping into coverage – especially against tight ends. He deflected eight passes last year, second on the team among linebackers, and also returned an interception for a touchdown. Where he’ll make his money, though, will be as a pass rusher, and he’s proven to be more than adequate in that regard. He had 8.5 sacks last year, one more than in his rookie season, and analytics website Pro Football Focus ranked him as the top 3-4 outside linebacker with 50 quarterback hurries. Orakpo’s return will lead to more single blocks, which should boost Kerrigan’s effectiveness – and raise his sack total. … Fletcher is entering the final year of his contract, and, at 38, it’s worth wondering – again – if this will be his last season. The inside linebacker may be the most respected voice in the locker room, and that voice carries weight especially because Fletcher continues to get it done on the field. He played in the Pro Bowl again in January after making 139 tackles and intercepting five passes, the most he’s had in any one of his 15 years. After undergoing surgery on his left ankle and right elbow during the offseason, Fletcher said during minicamp he’s ready for the season. … Riley is also entering the final season of his rookie contract and will count for $1.455 million against the cap with a $1.323 million base salary. If the Redskins weren’t hampered by the salary cap penalty this offseason, it’s likely they would have approached Riley about a long-term deal. He’s a steady run-stopper and a perfect fit in the defense. … Jackson’s impending four-game suspension shouldn’t impact the outside linebacker rotation too much to start the season. Kerrigan and Orakpo are capable of playing every snap – indeed, Kerrigan has missed only nine snaps in his two seasons – and Kehl, Tapp or Jenkins will be fine playing a half-dozen snaps a game as the situation dictates. … Keep an eye on Robinson, who some at Redskins Park believe has the ability and intelligence to succeed Fletcher as a cornerstone inside linebacker. Robinson tore his left pectoral in November and should be ready for the start of training camp. … Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said during minicamp last month it shouldn’t be difficult getting Kerrigan, Orakpo and Jackson on the field at the same time. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see one of the three – perhaps Kerrigan – with his hand in the dirt when the situation dictates. … The Redskins had Jenkins, also a collegiate defensive end, ranked as a first- or second-round talent before he broke his left foot in Florida State’s season opener. He hasn’t stood up since high school, but said after offseason workouts the transition has gone smoothly. … Kehl will probably stick in the jack-of-all-trades role Alexander had last season, including on special teams, though some of the coaches like Muckelroy’s tenacity and athleticism. … The Redskins took a flyer on Tapp, a Virginia Tech product, because of Jackson’s suspension. It’s uncertain whether the affable veteran can make the transition to 3-4 outside linebacker after seven seasons as a 4-3 defensive end, but it’s the type of low-risk move the Redskins could afford this offseason.
Posted on: Tue, 16 Jul 2013 18:13:05 +0000