Redskins Set Final Roster

Saturday night, the Washington Redskins decided who would be on the final roster, and of course, there were a few surprises.

The biggest surprises for me were on the offensive side with the decision to cut offensive lineman Jeremy Bridges as well as undrafted rookie quarterback Chase Daniel in order to keep young offensive linemen D'Anthony Batiste and Edwin Williams.

I thought for sure Bridges would make the final cut, with the lack of a veteran lineman to jump in if any injuries were to occur, but the team decided to get younger at the position (which the needed to) and keep two younger guys instead. The cutting of Daniel was a risk, as the team seemed to greatly desire him on the practice squad, but he has already signed to the New Orleans Saints practice squad and is probably forever out of the Redskins system.

On the defensive side, linebacker Robert Thomas was cut in favor of cornerback Byron Westbrook. Thomas seemed a good candidate for the team because he was a veteran player who would contribute on special teams. Vinny Cerrato, however, felt Westbrook played his tail off in the preseason, could perform on special teams, and deserved a spot.

So the 53 are set, and all that's left is the season to start this Sunday against the Giants of New York at 4:15. Should be a great one.

Positional Analysis: Cornerbacks

This off season began with a major signing to bolster the cornerback unit. DeAngelo Hall, who finished the second half of last season with the 'Skins, signed a long term contract to stay with the team during the first minutes of free agency. Hall, 25, has long been viewed as a big time playmaker, and that's exactly what this unit needs. He has a knack for finding the football, and even taking interceptions back for touchdowns.

Hopefully his counterpart, Carlos Rogers, will be able to learn from his example. Rogers has performed well as a cover corner, showing great strides last year after coming off a major knee injury, but has had trouble creating turnovers. The 'Skins ranked at the bottom of the league last year in turnovers, and if they want to make improvements, Rogers, 27, will have to be a big part of that. Rogersis set to be a free agent after this season, and if he is going to get the kind of contract he desires, he'll have to step up his game.

Behind the two starters, things are looking pretty grim. The veteran leader of the unit will be Fred Smoot, who is entering his 7th year with the team. He will be the nickle corner, but has very little experience playing this position which has much different techniques than playing on the outside. He can be easily exposed by defenses while playing on the slot, and could be a major weakness for the defense.

As if things couldn't get worse, behind Smoot there are no proven players. Justin Tryon, a draft choice last year, barely saw the field last year, and will be depended on a lot this year. It's only going to take one injury for this kids playing time to spike dramatically, and things could be scary if that happens. He has been critiqued for his lack of size and physicality, both qualities a nickle corner needs.

The fifth corner on the roster is Byron Westbrook, a graduate of local DeMatha Catholic High School. Westbrook has been on the practice squad the past two years, and should challenge Tryon for the fourth corner spot. It seems inevitable that he will make the team this year with the lack of players at this position right now. Westbrook is also undersized, but is a hard worker and will put the time in needed to get better.

With a huge lack of picks in the draft this year, it could be difficult for the 'Skins to address this position during the draft. They need players at this position, but there are much greater concerns to be addressed first. If there are a slue of injuries to this position, however, the team could find themselves in a hot mess trying to cover pass happy team.