The Washington Redskins have other position battles brewing outside of starting quarterback spot. With Robert Griffin III written in at the top of the depth chart, the jury is still out as to who gets the nod at running back and offensive line spots. Head coach Jay Gruden has told the media that he likes competition within the players and while it will take a lot to move Griffin from the top spot, the same cannot be said for players like Alfred Morris and Shawn Lauvao.
According to the Washington Post, there is a growing belief that Matt Jones might be favored for the starting spot at running back over Morris. Gruden has come out and said that the drafting of the running back in no way impacts the depth chart, but general manager Scot McCloughan compared Jones to Marshawn Lynch which could be saying otherwise. There is also the potential of former Alabama quarterback Blake Sims joining the rushing group. During rookie minicamp, Jones impressed heavily and expects to contend for the top job.
"The thing about Matt is you think of him as a big power-type back, but really Matt has done some things out in space that have been very, very impressive - making moves on the second level, getting to the second level," Gruden said, via NBC Washington. "In the passing game, running some option routes on linebackers. He has done some good things. He has got natural hands, so we've been very impressed."
What could earn Jones the starting job is his versatility. DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon have the top two spots with the wide receiver position. If Jones can carve out a niche as both a rusher and pass catcher, he will get the nod of Morris. The whole point of the Redskins' draft was to build around the quarterback position. Whichever running back can show they help Griffin the most will get the top spot on the depth chart.
According to Marc Sessler of NFL.com, Griffin will have to simply fall flat on his face to not be the starter in 2015. The Redskins already announced they were picking up the quarterback's fifth-year option as everyone on the roster from Jackson to Jordan Reed have expressed confidence in Griffin. Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy return while Hutson Mason signed as likely a camp arm. Both Cousins and McCoy have the potential to upset Griffin for the job, but it is unlikely Washington actually makes the move unless things get really bad.
