Lemar Marshall

Starting middle linebacker. Marshall came into his own in 2005 after being pegged as a backup most of his career. He has good cover skills for a linebacker and is the team general on the field. Expect a repeat in stats from last year - 100 tackles, couple of sacks and a couple of interceptions.

Marshall filled in at outside linebacker for injured LaVar Arrington in 2004. With the loss of middle linebacker Antonio Pierce to free agency and the return of LaVar the Redskins are looking for Marshall to win the middle position in training camp. He has more experience in Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams’ schemes than his competition and has been complimented by coaches for his athleticism. Marshall is a converted safety and has better cover skills than most linebackers but like most safeties, is not as big a hitter. Look for him to win the job, but don’t expect him to have the same type of season Pierce did last year.