Redskins S Will Blackmon played very well under the radar in 2016

The Redskins made the position of safety one of their top priorities this offseason. While the position looks much better than it did a year ago, the unit wasn’t entirely bad in 2016; in fact, Will Blackmon had a very good year.

The Redskins have made sure the back end of the defense will be locked up tight in 2017. D.J. Swearinger was one of the higher-graded safeties last year, and still young, his career is on the uptrend, much like the Redskins’ other starting safety, Su’a Cravens. This infusion of youth is valuable, but it’s important to maintain a steady veteran presence as well.

Most fans will think of DeAngelo Hall when they hear the words “veteran presence”. But one player who perhaps doesn’t get due credit is Will Blackmon. Individually, Blackmon not only performed admirably, but he also held in own amidst the fall of a injury-stricken secondary. His PFF coverage grade is proof of his performance, as seen below. Although the Redskins’ secondary ranked 21st in the league, Blackmon himself put up a respectable rating of 81.5, good for 24th in the league among all safeties.

In the end, Blackmon’s impressive performance was for naught, as the team’s secondary struggled mightily throughout the season. Still, his effort and grit likely gained him the confidence of the coaching staff, and heading into 2017, he’s a surprising, yet steady roster lock.

Blackmon won’t be kept solely to provide continuity. The young safeties ahead of him will need breathers from time to time. And after a year where the Redskins were combing the free agency pool for starting safeties, they’ll likely be more than happy to let Blackmon give his team mates a rest. He’s earned their trust.

Next: DeAngelo Hall, Houston Bates begin camp on PUP list

At 32 years old, the career reserve player is performing far better than many would expect. A testy signing a couple years ago, he’s morphed into a reliable, almost inexhaustible resource. He’s of great value to this team. And he’ll be ready to keep defying his age whenever called upon.