MMA
John Keim, ESPN Staff Writer 7y

Redskins need Terrelle Pryor, Jamison Crowder to help maintain air attack

The Washington Redskins will have a somewhat revamped passing attack when they open training camp on July 27 in Richmond, Virginia. Here's a starting lineup projection:

Offense

Quarterback (Kirk Cousins): In the past two years combined, he ranks fourth among all QBs in total QBR and sixth in passer rating.

Running back (Rob Kelley): Samaje Perine will offer tough competition early and perhaps win the job at some point, but if Kelley shows he has improved, he’ll hold onto the job for now.

Wide receiver (Terrelle Pryor): His size and athleticism will help in the red zone, where he caught nine of 13 targets last season for Cleveland.

Wide receiver (Jamison Crowder): After 126 combined catches his first two years, Crowder will receive more chances this year -- and will play more than just the slot.

Tight end (Jordan Reed): Cousins owns a 121.4 passer rating on 201 targets to Reed during the past two years.

Left tackle (Trent Williams): He’s made five consecutive Pro Bowls and was first-team All-Pro in 2016.

Left guard (Shawn Lauvao): He missed 13 games due to injury in 2015 and struggled early in 2016, but coaches remain confident in him.

Center (Spencer Long): Entering his second full season as a center; it’s also a contract year.

Right guard (Brandon Scherff): In 2016, Scherff made the first of what could be many Pro Bowls.

Right tackle (Morgan Moses): He signed a five-year extension in the spring, giving the Redskins long-term stability at tackle.

Tight end (Vernon Davis): He was rejuvenated in the Redskins’ offense and caught 44 passes last season -- his most since 2013.

Defense

Defensive end (Jonathan Allen): The Redskins were ecstatic when Allen fell to them at No. 17 in the draft. He clearly has more to learn, but his mindset won over teammates.

Nose tackle (Stacy McGee): This position remains up in the air, so for now we’ll go with someone they signed because he can can play here or end.

Defensive end (Terrell McClain): Ziggy Hood could end up being a factor here, but both will be in the rotation.

Outside linebacker (Ryan Kerrigan): The steady Kerrigan has recorded 34 sacks the last three years combined.

Outside linebacker (Preston Smith): He will be pushed by Ryan Anderson, whose work ethic has impressed teammates, and Junior Galette will serve as a pass-rush specialist.

Inside linebacker (Will Compton): Inside linebacker is too close to call, so Compton isn’t a lock. Mason Foster and Martrell Spaight are legitimate possibilities in the Mike spot, as well.

Inside linebacker (Mason Foster): It’s close between Foster and Zach Brown, who both worked alongside Compton in the spring. As Brown masters the defense, his playing time will increase -- but when will that occur?

Cornerback (Josh Norman): The Redskins want him playing a little more off-coverage this season, hoping to generate more turnovers and big plays.

Cornerback (Bashaud Breeland): He’s playing for a new contract and can’t let a mediocre 2016 shake him.

Strong safety (Su'a Cravens): The energetic Cravens will be helped playing at his more natural position rather than linebacker, where he played as a rookie.

Free safety (D.J. Swearinger): He’s only 25 but is with his fourth team -- but he’s also coming off his best season.

Special teams

Long-snapper (Nick Sundberg): Entering his eighth year as the long-snapper in Washington.

Punter (Tress Way): Last year, his net average was 37.2 yards in the first eight games and 40.42 over the final eight.

Place-kicker (Dustin Hopkins): He made 89.3 percent of his field goals in 2015 but only 81 percent a year ago.

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