The Washington Football Team, under new coach Ron Rivera, have had a tumultuous offseason -- the past two months in particular. After a 3-13 season, this year is as much about laying the foundation as it is about trying to make a seismic jump. It's possible that 17 of the 22 starters will be age 26 or younger. Washington will likely have four new starters on offense and at least four on defense, where it has switched to a 4-3 base front. The roster will be cut to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Saturday. Here is a projection:
QUARTERBACK (2): Dwayne Haskins, Kyle Allen
Yes, this means Alex Smith's comeback falls a little short -- at least as of the final roster cuts.
The problem is, there hasn't been enough time for him to prove that he could play in a game if needed. He would have been helped by a preseason game or more 11-on-11 work. He could be placed on injured reserve; he could even make the roster then be placed on it a day or two later. Haskins is clearly ahead of Allen, but still has a lot to prove.
RUNNING BACK (4): Adrian Peterson, Antonio Gibson, J.D. McKissic, Peyton Barber
There's a chance they could keep five running backs, which means Bryce Love would make it. But he hasn't captured his form from his days at Stanford before a severe 2018 knee injury. And, in truth, he's likely fighting for a spot with another defensive back who could help more on special teams. Still, this could be an interesting group. Gibson offers the most potential and versatility. Peterson will start while McKissic is the third-down back. Barber can fill in for multiple spots.
WIDE RECEIVER (6): Terry McLaurin, Steven Sims, Antonio Gandy-Golden, Trey Quinn, Dontrelle Inman, Isaiah Wright
Cam Sims could bump Wright from the roster, but for now the undrafted free agent gets the nod. He has good size and is strong. Beyond McLaurin it's a group that has to prove itself. Sims could be fun to watch in the slot and Gandy-Golden, a rookie, started slow in camp. But he could be someone to watch as the season unfolds.
TIGHT END (3): Logan Thomas, Marcus Baugh, Jeremy Sprinkle
This one changes by the day, except for Thomas. Baugh showed flashes early, but drops too many passes. Sprinkle looks all right one day, then not so good the next. Hale Hentges could sneak on because of his blocking ability, and veteran Richard Rodgers is another who is right there with Baugh and Sprinkle.
OFFENSIVE LINE (9): Geron Christian, Wes Martin, Chase Roullier, Brandon Scherff, Morgan Moses, Wes Schweitzer, David Sharpe, Keith Ismael, Saahdiq Charles
Washington traded for Sharpe on Tuesday to help at tackle. It's possible Cornelius Lucas makes it and they keep 10 linemen, but he hasn't been impressive. Charles hasn't practiced because of a calf injury but wasn't expected to go on injured reserve, so they expect him back soon.
DEFENSIVE LINE (9): Ryan Kerrigan, Montez Sweat, Chase Young, Ryan Anderson, Tim Settle, Daron Payne, Matt Ioannidis, Jonathan Allen, Jordan Brailford
The last spot will be interesting between Brailford, Nate Orchard and James Smith-Williams. Regardless, this is a deep and talented group that should be the strength of the team. Young will make a big impact; Sweat will be helped by just having fewer responsibilities because he'll only play end. Both he and Young will be threats off the edge and rushing inside. The tackles are excellent; Ioannidis had 8.5 sacks last season.
LINEBACKER (6): Thomas Davis, Cole Holcomb, Shaun Dion Hamilton, Jon Bostic, Kevin Pierre-Louis, Khaleke Hudson
This means Reuben Foster won't be on the 53-man roster, though he could end up on injured reserve as he works his way back from multiple torn ligaments and nerve damage. He has not stood out in practice. Regardless, Washington is excited about this group -- especially Holcomb. He could take a big jump this year. The coaches also like the possible contributions from Pierre-Louis and Hudson, a good blitzer and special teams standout.
CORNERBACK (6): Jimmy Moreland, Ronald Darby, Fabian Moreau, Kendall Fuller, Aaron Colvin, Greg Stroman
This means keeping one more defensive back than anticipated, but it comes down to special teams. Washington feels strong about the first four corners -- Darby, Moreau, Fuller and Moreland -- and the competition remains tight for the final spot or two. Moreland has improved since his rookie year; size remains his only drawback.
SAFETY (5): Troy Apke, Landon Collins, Sean Davis, Deshazor Everett, Kamren Curl
Curl could end up on the practice squad, but he made enough plays in practice to warrant a spot. Apke had a solid camp and has worked with Collins all summer on the first unit. He's one of the biggest surprises of the summer. Collins could cause more problems as he plays even more in the box.
SPECIALIST (3): Nick Sundberg, Dustin Hopkins, Tress Way
This group has been the most consistent in the organization: They've been together since Sept. 14, 2015. Way was second-team All-Pro last season and earned his first Pro Bowl berth.