Washington Redskins pre-2018 NFL Draft roster analysis
By Ian Cummings
Safety
Starters: Montae Nicholson, D.J. Swearinger
Reserves: Fish Smithson, DeShazor Everett, James Sample, Kenny Ladler
The Washington Redskins could have an elite safety duo in 2018. This is not an exaggeration. Provided that Montae Nicholson stays healthy, and D.J. Swearinger continues to play with attitude and refine his coverage skills, the Washington Redskins could have a very good tandem at the top of the defense. I said as much in an article earlier this offseason:
"Given that Nicholson can get healthy and stay healthy this season, and provided that both he and D.J. Swearinger continue to develop under the tutelage of Torrian Gray, his presence would indeed create conversation over whether the Redskins’ starting safety duo should be considered elite. Nicholson is a long, strong, and rangy player with the speed to cover the entire field, and Swearinger, while a beneficiary of Nicholson’s talent, is more than serviceable in his own right, providing solid run defense and a penchant for big plays that few on the Washington Redskins’ defense share."
Behind those two, however, there is a bit of uncertainty. DeShazor Everett has his limitations in coverage, and Fish Smithson, while one of my favorite players and sleepers to make the roster this year, still has to prove himself through offseason workouts. Depending on who is available in the middle rounds, the Washington Redskins should consider adding more talent to the safety position. Even in a weak class, depth options will be available later on, and as it stands, that’s all the Washington Redskins need.