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Football > Teams > NFC East > Redskins > Outlook

Washington Redskins

The Heisman winner, blessed with a power arm, world-class speed and movie star poise, is ticketed for stardom – just maybe not in 2012. Unlike Cam Newton, RGIII's rookie year will not be played behind a stud line or with a reliable ground game, though receiving options could surprise. His own legs should help those fantasy numbers. Training camp progression will dictate draft status, but target Griffin's upside after the clear top 12-14 passers are gone.

Injury Status: Out - Knee

Everyone's favorite passing piñata is the clear backup behind rookie Robert Griffin III. In 13 starts last season Grossman threw for 3,151 yards and 16 touchdowns, plus 20 interceptions and dozens of other ill advised throws. Should RGIII sit, Grossman is a sneaky fantasy play depending on the foe - if you can stand holding your breath the entire time.

The Redskins "other" rookie quarterback, Cousins shined during his days at Michigan State. Many a scout suggested Cousins would be among the ready-made passers in the 2012 draft and early on in the preseason he's shown that take is not a stretch. He's no threat to Robert Griffin III, but there is an outside the Redskins fourth-round pick could unseat No. 2 Rex Grossman. Regardless, Cousins is a long term hold, but unless he gets traded, there really is no reason to roster him.

Rarely do marginal sixth-round runners from non-BCS schools warrant even minimal fantasy consideration. The Redskins' lack of backfield depth makes Morris a potential exception, at least in truly deep leagues. The all-time leader rusher at Florida Atlantic offers an inside option should Tim Hightower and Evan Royster falter.

Injuries provided the Penn State rookie with playing time over the final two weeks last season and Royster powered his way to consecutive 100-yard rushing games. The sneaky option in the Redskins backfield, but lack of speed suggests a limited role unless more injuries pop up. He is handcuff worthy as long as he remains at least third on the depth chart and is only a Hightower injury away from a larger role.

Garcon amazingly nearly totaled 1,000 yards in the dreadful Colts offense last season. The Redskns paid a steep cost to land the free agent, who now must prove his skills translate into the number one target role. Despite his real life price tag and run after the catch skills, learning a new system and a rookie quarterback makes Garcon no lock for WR2 status. However, he's also the only Redskins receiver with a seemingly defined role. Let's split the difference and call him a high-end WR3 with a chance for more.

At one point this offseason - after the Redskins dumped Jabar Gaffney and signed two free agents - Moss looked like the next wide receiver to go. Instead the 33-year-old showed up at OTAs having lost 15 pounds and left it with praise from the coaching staff. He averaged only 49 receiving yards last season and playing time could be limited going forward should Leonard Hankerson and Josh Morgan shine during camp. However, the more time passes, the more likely Moss sticks, both on the roster and in the starting lineup. As long as the shifty target remains overlooked, he makes for a nice value play in later rounds.

What a tease. The third-round rookie last went catch-less until Week 7 then two games later flashed his playmaking ability with 8 receptions for 106 yards. However, the 6-foot-2 target injured his hip in the same game and his season was over. Now the red-zone threat is looking like a potential starter opposite Pierre Garcon or at least a significant member in three-WR sets. Hankerson is a true sleeper with greater value in non-PPR or TD-heavy leagues.

Part of the Redskins' receiver overhaul plan involved adding the speedy Morgan. Injured much of last season, his numbers suffered in the 49ers' run-heavy attack. Morgan could vie for the starting role opposite Pierre Garcon - or wind up as the fourth WR and return specialist. Interesting, but risky potential.

Drafted out of Nebraska in 2011 as a wide receiver, the lanky speedster is transitioning to tight end for his sophomore campaign in the NFL. Apparently the Redskins are confident enough with what they're seeing, seeing as they released veteran Chris Cooley heading into the preseason finale. Fred Davis is the outright starter and blocking TE Logan Paulsen will pick up snaps, making Paul undraftable. However look for him to be used as a receiver and even as a kick returner. Should Davis miss time, Paul would make for a sneaky, but risky play.

One day a Raven, the next day a Redskin. At least Cunduff won't have far to travel far down I-95 to reach his new digs. Cundiff tied for ninth in the NFL last season with a career-high 28 field goals, but missed a critical attempt in the AFC Championship game and then was beat out by rookie Justin Tucker training camp. Washington scooped him and send the erratic Graham Gano. There is no need for fantasy owners to pick Cundiff up right now, but he's certainly a bye week option and perhaps more if the Redskins offense proves viable. Less interesting in leagues that reward kicks from 50 yards and beyond. Missed five of six attempts from that range.

The front-7 dramatically improved last season in year two of the 3-4 defense as the pass rushing duo of Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan combined for 16.5 sacks. However the secondary is a mess and while new players like Brandon Meriweather and Cedric Griffin were added, nobody thinks the coverage issues are solved. This unit is a bye week option against weak offensive lines, but not a turnover-y group.

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