Redskins vs Browns – Players to Watch in first Preseason Game

Jul 30, 2015; Richmond, VA, USA; Washington Redskins tight end Niles Paul (84) catches the ball in front of Redskins defensive back Duke Ihenacho (24) during drills as part of afternoon practice on day one of training camp at the Washington Redskins Bon Secours Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

2. Safeties Duke Ihenacho and Jeron Johnson

The Washington Redskins secondary has undergone some changes this offseason especially at safety.  There will be a new set of starters at safety with Dashon Goldson expected to start at free safety but the strong safety spot is up for grabs.

Duke Ihenacho and Jeron Johnson are competing for the position and each will probably see a good amount of playing time in the preseason.  The Redskins signed Ihenacho last season but injuries kept him from playing much.

However, he does have experience as a starter with the Denver Broncos and that may give him a slight edge.  But even though Jeron Johnson hasn’t started much, he may have the higher upside between the two competitors.

Johnson was signed as free agent this offseason after spending his first four seasons backing up both Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor with the Seattle Seahawks.  But if he wasn’t backing up those two great safties, then Johnson probably would have been a starter by now.

So how Ihenacho and Johnson perform in the preseason will be very important.  Dashon Golson has to perform well also, because it’s possible that Johnson could slide over to free safety and play there as well.

Next: 3. Redskins Tight Ends