[GTripp0012]

Quarterback: A- Campbell is right on his development curve, and the depth is good -- you've got the declining veteran, but also the promising rook if something happens to the starter. Let's face it, had Collins not directed us to the playoffs last year, those 4 games would have been lost...because the Redskins didn't have anyone to develop.

Runningbacks: A- Portis is still going strong for us, but he really needs to break some big runs this year, otherwise, he's really not a valuable runner. He does all the little things, and the Betts/Cartwright/Sellers combo gives veteran depth at a key depth position.

Wide Receivers: C+ Santana should be a No. 1 type once again this year, but Randle El will be hard pressed to duplicate last season, and unless Malcolm Kelly can get healthy, a 35 year old James Thrash might see a LOT of offensive action this year. So with the top end target, but questionable depth, this unit could be a dead weight on the offense, but it could also go quietly unnoticed.

Tight Ends: A+

Offensive Line: C- I'm not ready to push the panic button just yet, but my finger is on it. The Guard situation looks fine with Kendall and Thomas holding it up and both veteran and young depth in Fabini and Rinehart give us something to look forward to. Rabach needs to rebound from last year, and not get punked like he did vs. Carolina. Heyer and Samuels are pretty much the two most important people on the team right now. If they can play well this year, not only will we be competitive, but our OL situation is fixable heading into the future -- with building blocks like Heyer and Rinehart. If Heyer turns out not to be a building block at all, then this line looks really, really decrepit moving towards the future.

Defensive Line: B For the here and now, this unit is every bit as good as it needs to be to make the defense dominant. The only problem is that 2 of the 3 key players on it are on the wrong side of 30. Golston and Montgomery could both develop into keystone players too, but Golston has yet to show that he can play well at this level. This is the first time that Golston will be used in a scenario that isn't worst-case.

Linebackers: C This was our bane in the preseason. Fletcher may be losing a step, especially in pass coverage. Washington is becoming a bit injury prone, and the team really needs a big season out of him. Rocky just has to be better than last year to make it all work. HB Blades might see significant time.

Defensive Backs: A- This group is both deep and talented. Even without ST back there, I still have total confidence in this unit.

Specialists: B- Suisham might struggle in FG % compared to last year, but I'm impressed by the job he did on kickoffs in the preseason. Brooks could conceivably be worse than Frost, but I'm confident he will be better. The "Red Snapper" might be the best nickname in football.