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#HailMail: Post-2016 NFL Draft

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Redskins.com's Stephen Czarda answers YOUR questions submitted on Twitter about the Redskins' 2016 draft class and the team's college free agent signings.


Jah LUV! on Twitter aslks: Do u think Doctson will start this yr? K. Marshall have a legit shot (baring injury) of seeing significant time at RB?

Let's start with your question about Doctson.

While Pierre Garçon and DeSean Jackson remain the Redskins' top two wide receivers and are expected starters once again, Doctson will likely see a lot of action this year even if he isn't lined up as frequently as Garçon and Jackson.

As we saw last year, the Redskins will – and sometimes need to -- go deep with their wide receiver corps, as Jamison Crowder (59 receptions), Ryan Grant (23 receptions ) and Rashad Ross (eight receptions) all saw extended action on offense at different junctures of the 2015 season despite not being the "starters."

The Redskins expect to use Doctson early and often, especially in the red zone, though.

Doctson is 6-foot-2, which is two inches taller than all of the receivers listed above.

With teams now forced to account for Jordan Reed in the red zone, too, and Garçon's proven ability inside the 20-yard line (remember his tough game-winning catch against the Eagles in the closing seconds of a Week 4 victory last year), Doctson's number could get called often.

Redskins offensive coordinator Sean McVay recently said that the more Doctson can handle early, the more reps he'll get.

Marshall, meanwhile, could have a unique role in the offense.

While Matt Jones is expected to be the team's workhorse at the running back position, Marshall and Chris Thompson could be called on quite often, too.

Thompson took over the team's third-down duties last season and is quick, just like Marshall, but may not have the same breakaway speed.

Marshall's 4.31-second 40-yard dash run at February's NFL Combine was the third best time by a running back since 2006, as only Chris Johnson (4.24) and Dri Archer (4.26) recorded faster times.

Marshall also ran for 20 or more yards on five different carries during his Georgia career including a 75-yard touchdown run against Tennessee his freshman season.

Don't forget that the team also has Mack Brown, who spent different portions of last season on the practice squad, and Robert Kelley currently on the roster as well, and they have remained open to the possibility of a return for Pierre Thomas after an impressive end to the 2015 season.


Aflash79 on Twitter asks: @Redskins any chance Kevin Bowen makes the roster? #HailMail

For the first time in quite a few years, the Redskins enter the 2016 season with potentially all five of their starting offensive line for the opening game the prior season back as starters again.

The Washington Redskins signed 15 college free agents shortly after the 2016 NFL Draft. Take a look at who they are.

While Trent Williams is locked in as the team's left tackle and the pairing of Brandon Scherff and Morgan Moses on the right side appears to be a long-term solution, Shawn Lauvao and Kory Lichtensteiger could keep claim to their starting spots, too.

After that, though, the Redskins will have competitive battles for roster spots, tackle included.

That's where Bowen, 22, comes in.

Bowen comes from Division II East Central (Okla.), which receives no nationally football attention, but his signing turned quite a bit of heads considering he's 6-foot-9, 330 pounds.

If you have time, watch his highlights from college. He's pushing around defensive linemen and linebackers with little resistance.

Bowen's climb to an active roster spot will be difficult, but not completely out of the question.

Ty Nsekhe was one of the four tackles the Redskins had on the active roster last season despite few knowing who he was prior to training camp.

Nsekhe hadn't appeared in an NFL game since 2012, but went on to play 13 games during the 2015 season with two starts. 

Bowen is one of many to keep an eye on.

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