2012 Team Outlook: Washington
QB Kirk Cousins, LVR - Dynasty Only
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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.
QB Robert Griffin III, --- - Sleeper (undervalued)
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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.
QB Rex Grossman, --- - Not Draft Worthy
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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.
RB Alfred Morris, --- - Deep-league Only
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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.
RB Roy Helu, --- - Quality Backup
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Update (8-25): Helu's impressive preseason continued Saturday night as he rushed for 70 yards on 13 carries versus Buffalo. Any questions about who serve as Alfred Morris' primary backup have long since been answered. Now Helu is reminding the football world of the burst and power he displayed as a rookie in 2011 when he turned RB1/RB2 level projection for several weeks before injuries cut him down. It's possible he'll have some bye week flex appeal during the season, as he's also Washington's third down back. Even non-Morris owners can stash Helu on their bench.
Following Tim Hightower's injury in 2011, Helu went from deep sleeper to electric fantasy star before his own late season ailments sidelined him. The dual threat topped 1,000 yards from scrimmage and finished with four 100-yard games, one coming as a receiver. The former Nebraska stud is best suited as a situational option; the Shanahan's seem to understand this, which is why early training camp depth chart talk has Helu not on the starter's line. If overworked with 20+ touches, could break down, but if used appropriately, could be viable RB2. Tricky scenario, but Helu remains the one Redskins runner to own.
RB Tim Hightower, --- - Bust (overvalued)
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Name recognition will have novice fantasy players viewing Hightower as a potential sleeper after his first campaign in D.C. ended with only 321 yards and a season-ending knee injury. Smart players will know the presence of Roy Helu Jr. and eroding skills limits the upside. Unless your league gives points for pass protection and veteran leadership, you can sleep on this "sleeper".
RB Evan Royster, --- - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
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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.
RB Keiland Williams, --- - Low Potential
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WR Pierre Garcon, --- - Solid/Safe Pick
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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.
WR Leonard Hankerson, --- - Sleeper (undervalued)
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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.
WR Josh Morgan, --- - Gamble (high risk)
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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.
WR Santana Moss, --- - Sleeper (undervalued)
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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.
TE Niles Paul, --- - Low Potential
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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.
TE Chris Cooley, --- - Over the Hill (decreased production)
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Could Chris Cooley revert to his 2010 production of 77 receptions and 849 yards? Maybe, but not likely. He's missed significant time with injuries in two of the past three seasons - and has fallen way behind Fred Davis on the depth chart. If Cooley avoids becoming a salary cap casualty, he's worth monitoring, but not targeting.
TE Fred Davis, --- - Solid/Safe Pick
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Based on talent and potential, Davis is a legitmate TE1 with upside rivaling those not named Gronk, Graham and Finley. However he's one failed drug test away from a year-long suspension. Playing on a one-year deal, Davis likely stays on the good behavior path and could easily top the Redskins in receptions. One to watch if you miss out on the high-end options.
PK Graham Gano, --- - Bye Week Fill-in
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Gano's 76 percent (31-of-41) success rate on field goals ranked 30th among kickers. The Redskins brought in veteran Neil Rackers for competition. At 25, Gano has youth and the stronger leg on his side. He is also recovering from two broken bones in his back. Iffy for both the job and fantasy owners.
PK Billy Cundiff, --- - Bye Week Fill-in
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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.
PK Neil Rackers, --- - Bye Week Fill-in
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Despite his penchant for splitting the upright, the Texans moved on from the reliable Rackers because of short kickoffs. His competition in Washington - Graham Gano - has the power leg, but not the experience. Unless the Redskins are thinking long-term, Rackers has the inside track for a team that could struggle in the red zone.
Washington - Bye Week Fill-in
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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.