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2009 Fantasy outlooks: Washington Redskins 2009 Fantasy outlooks: Washington Redskins

"The Redskins' offseason was highlighted by an economy-defying $100 million contract with $47 million guaranteed to defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, instantly upgrading the defensive line. That pales in comparison to the garish contract extension they gave cornerback DeAngelo Hall or the contract they gave offensive guard Derrick Dockery to return to the team. In fact, Haynesworth set NFL records for the largest signing bonus ever.

That's a lot of cash. And it's a lot to live up to.

The Redskins defense needs the help, though. Even though they finished eighth against the run last year and seventh against the pass, the team had the fourth-worst sack total in the NFL with 24. With Haynesworth commanding double teams from opposing offensive lines, the Redskins can now rely on pass-rusher Andre Carter and rookie first-round pick Brian Orakpo to get to the quarterback and make plays. In turn, that will help the secondary, which has always been fairly talented but forced into tough situations because of the lack of pass rush.

So as Haynesworth goes, so the Redskins defense will go. The same can be said of the offense and quarterback Jason Campbell. If he continues to play mediocre football (two games with more than one passing touchdown last year), the offense will struggle. If he can take the next step in his game, then the offense will hold up its end of the bargain. The Redskins have no shortage of receivers and have done a decent enough job to keep their offensive line healthy. Plus, having Clinton Portis run the football is always a big plus for any quarterback.

Campbell's rise will be made easier if second-year receivers Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly can get healthy and contribute. Tight end Chris Cooley should remain an effective weapon while Santana Moss should still be hot one week, cool the next. If one of the second-year wideouts, or someone else on the roster, could open up the offense for Campbell, this team could be good.

Sleeper ... Malcolm Kelly, WR

Malcolm Kelly is the very definition of a sleeper. After being taken in the second round of the 2008 draft, he caught three passes for 18 yards in five games, missing the rest of the year with knee issues. He's had microfracture surgery on the knee and finished the offseason by practicing on a daily basis with the offense. He doesn't offer blazing speed, but he's a big, physical receiver who can eat up 12 yards at a time and be useful in the red zone. The Redskins even have designs on using him as an outside receiver and pushing Antwaan Randle El into the slot, which is more than they can say for fellow second-year wideout Devin Thomas. The only catch is that Kelly is not a lock to stay healthy, and one good strike to his knee might sideline him for a couple of weeks. The Fantasy owners who rolled the dice on Kellen Winslow a few years back shouldn't be afraid to consider Kelly with a final-round pick in drafts this summer.

Breakout ... J

 

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