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Redskins: Why Troy Apke could have a similar impact to Montae Nicholson if given the chance

By Jacob Camenker

JACKSONVILLE, FL - JANUARY 02: Jay Rome #87 of the Georgia Bulldogs is defended by Troy Apke #28 of the Penn State Nittany Lions while attempting to catch a pass during the TaxSlayer Bowl game at EverBank Field between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Penn State Nittany Lions on January 2, 2016 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - JANUARY 02: Jay Rome #87 of the Georgia Bulldogs is defended by Troy Apke #28 of the Penn State Nittany Lions while attempting to catch a pass during the TaxSlayer Bowl game at EverBank Field between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Penn State Nittany Lions on January 2, 2016 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 24: Strong safety Montae Nicholson #35 of the Washington Redskins makes an interception over wide receiver Amari Cooper #89 of the Oakland Raiders in the first quarter at FedExField on September 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 24: Strong safety Montae Nicholson #35 of the Washington Redskins makes an interception over wide receiver Amari Cooper #89 of the Oakland Raiders in the first quarter at FedExField on September 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Both Apke and Nicholson are traits based prospects

When watching college tape of Apke and Nicholson, they don’t particularly stand out. Neither possess particularly good ball skills, and they are at their best when coming downhill. That’s where their athletic ability, size, and strength are shown, and naturally that is why they look good in those situations.

The biggest praise of Apke coming out of Penn State was his ability as an athlete. While many didn’t see a lot on tape that made Apke seem like anything more than a late Day 3 pick, it was clear that he was an elite athlete. And he proved that at the Combine.

Apke blazed a 4.34 second 40-yard dash at the Combine, and he also logged a 41 inch vertical jump and ran the three-cone drill in 6.56 seconds. In the on-field drills, Apke showed excellent burst and the ability to move quickly on the field. This athletic display generated some buzz about Apke, and his performance at his Pro Day did a lot to back that up.

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Similarly, Nicholson had a very good athletic performance at the Combine. He ran the 40 in 4.42 seconds and demonstrated fluid athletic ability in the on-field drills. He did enough to prove that he belonged in the fourth round despite some question marks about his overall ability on-field. His athletic skill set, frame, and potential was what got him drafted where he ended up.

The similarities between Apke and Nicholson as athletes don’t end there. Both have similar frames. Apke stands and 6-foot-1, 200 pounds and has played at a heavier weight in the past. Meanwhile, Nicholson is only slightly bigger at 6-foot-2, 219 pounds. Considering the minor size difference and the minor difference in athletic ability, the two appear to be very similar players, and that could benefit Apke as he transitions to the NFL.

In short, both Nicholson and Apke are traits based guys. Their tape at the college level was decent, but it didn’t do a lot to demonstrate that either player would be a starter right away. However, the traits they have such as size and athleticism demonstrated that both players could have a chance to step in and be productive right away. That’s what Nicholson was able to do, and Apke will have a shot to do that as well. And that will certainly be beneficial for the Penn State product, especially given how good Torrian Gray has been as the defensive backs coach.

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