Redskins tight end Jordan Reed, left tackle Trent Williams and cornerback Josh Norman are three players the team will rely heavily on this coming season. They're three of the best athletes at their respective positions.
Apparently the folks over at ESPN.com think Reed, Williams and Norman are top-level talent, too, because they have all three of them in their latest Top-100 list. Reed comes in at No. 55, Williams is No. 54 and Norman is No. 26.
Reed and Norman were absent from ESPN's list in 2015. Williams made a huge jump, though, moving up 32 slots from No. 86.
Here's what ESPN.com Redskins reporter John Keim had to say about Reed, Williams and Norman:
Keim on Reed:
"He's [Reed] a mismatch nightmare for defenses because of his ability to be explosive cutting out of a route to either side, using skills he once displayed on the basketball court," Keim said. "Quarterback Trent Williams posted a 130.1 passer rating while targeting Reed during his 87-catch, 11-touchdown season of 2015. Reed said, "I had a little taste of success, and I feel I could keep improving. If I do that, then my name will be up there with some of the top guys."
Keim on Williams:
"Williams' athleticism has long keyed the Redskins' attack; they ask him to do things other tackles do not -- watch him get outside to block on a screen after first blocking down," Keim said. "That's a big reason he has made four consecutive Pro Bowls. Williams has joked that he could play many positions, but there's one he loves most. "I am a great athlete," Williams once said. "I play offensive tackle the best."
Keim on Norman:
"Norman unexpectedly landed in the Redskins' laps, becoming the NFL's highest-paid corner after an All-Pro season," Keim said. "He's coming off a four-interception season, returning two for touchdowns. His length, instincts and work habits have fueled his rise from fifth-round pick in 2012 to a No. 1 corner. Norman said, "I don't feel like I've got the money, to be honest with you, because I'm still working. I'm still trying to be better at something."
There's no doubt that Reed, Williams and Norman are capable of playing at a consistent, Top-100 level. Should these three men back up their outstanding 2015 seasons with even better outputs in 2016, then big things are on the horizon for the Redskins.
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