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2017 NFL Draft: Washington Redskins Pick Montae Nicholson With Second Fourth Rounder

By Jacob Camenker

Nov 19, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans safety Montae Nicholson (9) reacts to a play during the first half of a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans safety Montae Nicholson (9) reacts to a play during the first half of a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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After selecting Samaje Perine with their first round pick, the Washington Redskins took Montae Nicholson just a few picks later.

Samaje Perine was a terrific pick with the first fourth round pick of the day for the Washington Redskins. He has a chance to start with the team, and his addition could signal the end of the Matt Jones era with the Redskins. Just nine picks later, the Redskins were on the clock once again, and they ended up taking Montae Nicholson with their pick.

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Nicholson was a safety from Michigan State that many expected to be a mid-round pick. He is a tenacious tackle who has decent ball skills, and should be an ideal No. 3 safety at the NFL level. Nicholson has excellent speed and strength, but he lacks traditional instincts. He makes up for it with his athleticism, but that will only get him so far.

The Redskins can afford to develop Nicholson for a season to give him more seasoning. After all, he was an early entry to the draft, so he could use a bit more development. The team already has D.J. Swearinger and Su’a Cravens set to start at the position, while veterans Will Blackmon and Deshazor Everett can assist as backups.

This is a nice upside pick for the Redskins. Nicholson could develop into a starter, and he offer some nice depth for the team. This pick is a bit similar to that of Fabian Moreau, though Moreau’s stock was only down due to an injury. Still, Nicholson is the second high upside secondary player the team has added. That is big news for them.

Next: Redskins Select Samaje Perine With First Fourth Rounder

I cannot help but wonder if Tedric Thompson would have been the pick if he was available. The Seahawks nabbed him at No. 111 overall, but the Redskins had showed a lot of interest in him. It’s not a big deal either way, as Nicholson could be a really good option for the team anyway. This is another solid pick, and Bruce Allen and the front office deserve a lot of praise for how the draft is being run.

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