With Rocky back, does Lorenzo go back outside?

Late last night, Kelli Johnson of Comcast SportsNet broke the story that linebacker Rocky McIntosh will be returning to the Washington Redskins on a one-year deal.

A little later this morning I will take a full look at the depth chart at linebacker in light of McIntosh's return. But the immediate question to ponder is if Lorenzo Alexander will move back to outside linebacker.

The Redskins kept four inside linebackers last year. Now they have starter London Fletcher, Perry Riley and McIntosh competing for the job at the Jack position, the recently-resigned Horatio Blades, and Robert Henson. Even without Alexander that's a crowded picture.

The picture at outside linebacker is considerably different. The Redskins are likely to keep five players there and right now the players behind starters Ryan Kerrigan, a rookie who has missed most of practice so far with a knee injury, and Brian Orakpo are rookie Markus White and fourth-year player Rob Jackson. It certainly seems that Alexander is more needed on the outside, where he started 12 games in 2010. 

This is something that bears watching over the next few days.

Comments

[derek mccoy]

i think lorenzo alexzander has run his course in d.c. plus hes not very good. happy trails but he is a nice guy, but so was phillip daniels and casey rabach. if u cant make plays u gotta go.

[Dave C.]

My guess is that Haslett will have LoAx learning both the ILB and OLB spots because of his versatility. McIntosh shouldn't be considered a lock to win starting job at ILB; Perry Riley will get every opportunity to win the job based on Rocky's shaky play last year. Final roster will be: ILB - Fletcher, Riley, McIntosh and either Blades or Henson (probably Blades with Henson starting training camp on the PUP list); OLB - Orakpo, Kerrigan, Alexander, Jackson and White. Also, don't sleep on UDFA McBride--if he shines on special teams, I think he'll land a spot on the practice squad, with a very bright future ahead.

[Jeff Harmon]

1. I was actually pretty concerned about our depth at OLB, with Ryan Kerrigan already hurt and Chris Wilson not signed it only left us with 3 players (Brian Orakpo, Rob Jackson and Marcus White) to compete and play all preseason games. Thats a very tall order especially since Orakpo is not going to see much time till the 3rd preseason game. Not only do we need Lorenzo Alexander back at OLB but probably another OLB in FA as well to provide depth.

2. The Redskins currently are 18.7 million dollars under the cap and should take some of that remaining cash to strengthen the CB, OLB, OG and C position with some solid depth guys that can go out there and compete. I think where pretty set at all the other positions at this time in Washington.

3. Though Rocky McCintosh resigned, he's most likely going to be a back up Perry Riley has just shown off his athleticism too much in camp to be ignored anymore.

4. I predicited that week 1 of the season Lereonzo Alexander would be starting at OLB, until Ryan Kerrigan gets up to speed.Believe more then than I did a month after saying it.

5. Robert Henson just like Ryan Torain have had flashes but injuries have hampered there whol careers. Both need to show they can stay healthy or both will most likely not be with the Redskins by next offseason.

[Clyde]

If nothing more Lorenzo Alexander makes the team as a jack of all trades type. Every team has these kind of guys. Plus he's an absolute BEAST on special teams!!! Go 'Skins.

[Rich Tandler]

@Jeff, I'm not exactly sure what "flashes" Henson has shown. He'll get his chance in the preseason but the addition of Rocky makes the chances of making the final roster much slimmer.

[Jeff Harmon]

Rich,

Robert Henson did show flashes of ability last year...at least enough to make this team if it wasn't for his injury. I think Henson is a better player than Blades and would beat him out if he stays healthy. But just like Ryan Torain its a big if.

[caio gomes]

So glad to have Rocky back. Now let's add a center and a guard.