The Washington Redskins' 2011 draft yielded 12 players. Only nine remain on the roster and linebacker Ryan Kerrigan stands out because he is the only one to earn a starting spot.
Kerrigan could get some company if Mike Shanahan names Evan Royster or Roy Helu as the starting running back.
Here are three other second-year players who could play key roles:
DE Jarvis Jenkins -- He looked strong this summer, displaying the ability to power blockers into the backfield. He will play a lot in nickel situations, which will give nose tackle Barry Cofield a break on passing downs. Jenkins must learn to use his leverage better, but he should help the interior line.
WR Leonard Hankerson -- The coaches remain high on Hankerson but he needs to show why. He had a slow preseason which could be attributed to his recovery from a torn labrum in 2011. Free agent signee Josh Morgan outshined Hankerson in training camp and that's the reason he is listed as the starter at the Z position.
TE Niles Paul -- Paul converted from receiver and gives the Redskins a speedy player at tight end. Starter Fred Davis is a terrific athlete but Paul's quickness in the zone blocking system seems to obstruct defenders a great deal. He’s still adapting to getting of the ball from the F-back position. Paul has yet prove he's a quality receiving threat, but he’s a fantastic special teams player -- especially at gunner.
John Keim covers the Redskins for the Washington Examiner. Follow him on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLWAS or @John_Keim.
