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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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EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 04: Darrell Stewart Jr. #25 of the Michigan State Spartans is tackled by Troy Apke #28 of the Penn State Nittany Lions after a first half catch at Spartan Stadium on November 4, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 04: Darrell Stewart Jr. #25 of the Michigan State Spartans is tackled by Troy Apke #28 of the Penn State Nittany Lions after a first half catch at Spartan Stadium on November 4, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Apke, like Nicholson, isn’t expected to start right away

When the Redskins selected Nicholson in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, it looked like he was going to be given a chance to become the primary backup at safety. He was supposed to play behind D.J. Swearinger and Su’a Cravens, and potentially see some time in nickel and dime packages. Other than that, he was supposed to play special teams.

However, Cravens elected to leave the Redskins just before the start of the 2017 season, putting them in a tough scenario. At the beginning of the season, the team elected to play Deshazor Everett as the starter and brought DeAngelo Hall back off the PUP list to play a role as well. It wasn’t until midway through the year Nicholson really emerged as the top option for the starting job because of his athleticism and coverage skills.

Though Nicholson was pressed into action early, the team didn’t have pressure on him early in the season or during the preseason. So, he could focus on adjusting to the NFL and getting ready in the event that he needed to play. That’s exactly what he did, and that’s how he was able to become one of the NFL’s top safeties so quickly.

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Coming into the 2018 season, the Redskins already have two established starters in Swearinger and Nicholson. At most, Apke figures to fight for the role as a nickel or dime safety and a major contributor on special teams. Does that sound familiar? It’s almost the exact same role that Nicholson played during his first season with the Redskins before being pressed into the starting role.

Similarly to Nicholson, Apke will be afforded an opportunity to develop his skills. Like Nicholson, he is a bit raw in terms of coverage ability, which is sensible given that Apke was only a one-year starter at Penn State. So, getting some extra time with defensive coordinator Greg Manusky and defensive backs coach Torrian Gray to hone his skill set would be excellent for Apke. Then, once he gets his feet wet in the preseason, the team can determine how they would like to proceed with his role on the defense.

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