3 players who will have the biggest impact on the Redskins' season
Each week, theScore will go division by division, highlighting which three players' performances will most impact their team's season in 2017.
Su'a Cravens
Washington's defense has to improve if the team is to make it back to the playoffs in 2017, and the versatile Cravens has the talent to jump-start the unit.
Cravens played linebacker in his rookie year, but he'll be transitioning back to safety for the upcoming season. In reality, though, Cravens should still be the Redskins' X-factor, as they move him around the field and take advantage of his ability to impact the game in a Tyrann Mathieu-like manner.
If Cravens' move back to safety is a success, and he continues to evolve as a playmaker, the Redskins' defense could be a solid unit in 2017.
Terrelle Pryor
The Redskins were the second-ranked passing offense in the league last season, but the unit faces significant question marks after losing both DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon in free agency.
Washington needs to replace 2,046 receiving yards, 135 catches, and seven touchdowns - and they're betting big that Pryor can continue his progression and assert himself as the team's No. 1 threat.
Jamison Crowder, Josh Doctson, and tight end Jordan Reed will help replace some of the production, but Pryor is the key cog in the Redskins' offense. Any struggles from him could cause Washington's offense to severely regress.
Samaje Perine
Perine isn't an elite athlete, but he does possess the kind of physical running style and work ethic that could push Rob Kelley for the Redskins' starting running back job.
While Kelley was solid in 2017, he didn't play at a level that made the job unassailable. Perine might not be Washington's Week 1 starter, but it might not be too long before he forces his way into the starting lineup.
If he does, Perine could ease the pressure off of Cousins and the passing game, allowing the Redskins to run a more balanced, versatile offense.
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)