The nine-member Washington Redskins draft class of 2012 is, of course, topped by Robert Griffin III. He’s the best player of this group as well as the most important. Griffin is further ahead than anyone else in this class because of his talent, not to mention the opportunities.
Third-round pick Josh LeRibeus isn’t among the top three -- yet. But that’s mainly because he’s alternated between center and guard so it’s difficult to gauge his development. He struggled in the preseason opener, but partly because he worked at left guard, where he hasn’t had a lot of time.
RB Alfred Morris. His longest run in the preseason opener was only six yards. But that’s more on the blocking than on Morris, a sixth-round pick. He showed quickness in the backfield with his decisive cuts and his body lean is good. Morris falls forward on contact so he’s always gaining an extra yard (at least for now). With Tim Hightower, Evan Royster and Roy Heluahead of him on the depth chart it’ll be tough for Morris to win a job. But he has a good chance in the next three games to force a decision to keep an extra back.
RG Adam Gettis. He gets a nod here because he worked with the starters in Thursday’s opener (and has looked good for a fifth-rounder early in camp). Gettis still has a ways to go to become a starter, but he showed something vs. Buffalo. Gettis only weighs 298 pounds, so he’s at a size disadvantage and it sometimes shows. He’ll get bent back on occasion, but his lower body is strong enough that he doesn’t always get moved. He needs to work on the timing of combination blocks, but that’s true of every rookie.
CB Richard Crawford. The sixth-rounder flashed early in camp, showing good ball instincts. He uses his eyes well and reacts quickly. Crawford intercepted a pass vs. Buffalo, with good technique and a nice adjustment. He’s versatile -- he plays in the slot -- and is a legitimate threat to earn a roster spot.
