Training camp, the time of the year when a football fan gets the feeling for the flavor. For the football enthusiast, however, it is a time for analyzing and determining the strengths and weaknesses of your favorite team. The Washington Redskins are the defending NFC East Champions. They come in to 2016 with about as much respect as they were getting in 2015. This team is ready to explode and in a good way. They are loaded with talent. In this article I will give you 5 players to keep your eyes on during training camp.

Kirk Cousins

Cousins is the heart and soul of the offense. He stepped up in 2015 and finally took control of his team. In 2016 he is playing for bigger and better things. He is trying to show that 2015 was not a fluke. If he can reciprocate his 2015 performance, in 2016, he will be in for a big pay-day. Keep your eye on Kirk Cousins and see if he regresses. I do not think this will happen as he will once again lead the Redskins to great things in the NFC East.

Josh Norman

Norman was signed to a 5 yr $75 million deal after he was released by the Carolina Panthers. Norman is an exceptional CB. He has great ball skills and can read a QB very quickly. Many think that he is a scheme corner. He has the abilities to cover man to man. However, the Redskins played a predominately zone scheme in 2015. This could have been as a result of a lack of cover corners. Bashaud Breeland was their best cover corner. He was often matched with the oppositions best WR. With the addition of Norman, they could find themselves sharing these duties. Watch Josh Norman to see how the Redskins use this valued piece of the puzzle.

Junior Galette

Galette was signed to a one-year deal in 2015. He the blew out his Achilles tendon during training camp and missed the entire season. He returns in 2016 on a new 1 yr deal. If he can show he is healthy and can stay healthy he should help a Redskins pass rush that was not very strong in 2015. The team only had 38 sacks which put them tied for 14th in the league. Galette should also help improve LB Ryan Kerrigan and LB Preston Smith as well. His mere presence on the field should draw a bevy of attention. Watch LB Junior Galette as he returns from injury to help the Redskins defense.

Josh Doctson

Doctson was drafted #22 overall in 2016 NFL Draft. His sneaky speed should give the Redskins another deep threat to go along with WR DeSean Jackson. Doctson was also drafted with the future in mind. WR Pierre Garcon and WR Desean Jackson are both in contract years. It is widely stipulated that only one of them is likely to return in 2017. If the Redskins offense is to continue its high scoring ways of 2015 they will need production from Doctson. Will Josh Doctson make an immediate impact remains to be seen. However, he is one to keep your eye on in camp.

Matt Jones

Jones was drafted in 2015 as the replacement to RB Alfred Morris. He is a speedy yet powerful back with exceptional hands. However, in 2015 he had a propensity to fumble a lot. He has said that this has been rectified by watching video of Tiki Barber. He is carrying the ball much higher and has it locked to the body so we will see if this is true. If he is able to keep the ball in his hands the running game should see a valued increase. They finished 2015 ranked 20th in rushing. Keep your eye on Matt Jones to see if he has truly been able to solve his turnover issues.

Of course there are many more players that you could keep your eyes on throughout camp. Some include LB Ryan Kerrigan, LB Preston Smith, S DeAngelo Hall and others. The Washington Redskins are poised for a tremendous season in 2016. Keep your eyes peeled on this team!

Featured image courtesy of Getty Images.