With the lockout now entering its third month, the time is right to start thinking positive. With billions of dollars at stake, the lockout will end some time before September. So let's move forward accordingly.

Seldom the optimist, I will attempt to speak positively about a team in rebuilding mode and use my crystal ball to make some predictions about the Redskins 2011 season.

Here are 10 bold predictions for the 2011 Redskins, based on the current roster. Assuming the Redskins keep their checkbook closed and avoid high profile free agents upon the lockout ending, here is what I anticipate:

1) Rookie WR Leonard Hankerson is a touchdown scoring machine. Void of blazing speed, he somehow manages to find the end zone. Expect Hankerson to be the No. 1 red zone option for the Redskins this season and don't be shocked if he approaches double-digit TD receptions.

2) With Roger Craig like running skills, rookie RB Roy Helu (right) will grind and muscle his way to nearly 1,000 yards rushing. Helu will also contend for rookie-of-the-year recognition with New Orleans Saints RB Mark Ingram and Cincinnati Bengals WR A.J. Green.

3) QBs John Beck and Rex Grossman will end up splitting time throughout the season as coach Mike Shanahan plays the hot hand (or the lesser of two evils).

4) First-round pick Ryan Kerrigan will finish in the top 5 in tackles for the Redskins if he plays stand-up OLB. Expect sack totals to be a modest 5-7 for the season, but Kerrigan's presence will allow OLB Brian Orakpo to reach the teens in sacks.

5) With a new attitude and maturity, TE Fred Davis will end the season as the Redskins starter. Expect Davis to have more receptions than incumbent starter Chris Cooley.

6) DL Albert Haynesworth will not be released. He will be traded for a third- or fourth-round pick to an AFC team. If released, Haynesworth would likely sign with Philadelphia or Dallas and haunt the Redskins years beyond what he already has.

7) QB Donovan McNabb will be released after the Redskins attempt to trade him. With a large contract there won't be many teams seeking McNabb's services. Upon his release, Arizona, Minnesota and Buffalo will vie for his services.

8) S LaRon Landry was having a Pro Bowl season in 2010 until he was beat deep on the first play of the game against Philadelphia during a Monday night blowout. Soon after, Landry suffered a season-ending injury. Landry will return to finish what he started in 2010 and will start in the 2011 Pro Bowl.

9) The Redskins defense finished 2010 as the 30th ranked team in the NFL. With better personnel and another season in the Jim Haslett defensive scheme, the Redskins will cut that ranking in half in 2011 and finish in the top 15.

10) Despite all the positives surrounding the franchise, the 2011 Redskins will likely finish last yet again in the NFC East. A repeat of the 6-10 season in 2010 would be a positive step as the team is expected to turnover the roster with 20 or more new players.

Of course many of these predictions can and may change depending how long the lockout looms. Additionally, how the Redskins management deals with free agency and trade possibilities will impact the end results.

For Redskins news on Twitter, follow @Redskins_Live, and follow me on Twitter @NFLSkins.

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-- EDWARD SHEAHIN
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