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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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UNIVERSITY PARK, PA – NOVEMBER 18: Lamont Wade #38 and Troy Apke #28 of the Penn State Nittany Lions tackle Stanley Morgan Jr. #8 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Apke was ejected for targeting on the play during the fourth quarter on November 18, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. Penn State defeats Nebraska 56-44. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA – NOVEMBER 18: Lamont Wade #38 and Troy Apke #28 of the Penn State Nittany Lions tackle Stanley Morgan Jr. #8 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Apke was ejected for targeting on the play during the fourth quarter on November 18, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. Penn State defeats Nebraska 56-44. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

Verdict

Apke isn’t expected to be a starter. He might not even be needed as a primary backup yet. He can work as an athletic gunner on special teams and perhaps in his second season, he will have a role as the third safety.

That said, given his favorable comparison to Nicholson and the success that the Michigan State product had during his first season in D.C., there is reason for optimism among the Redskins faithful. Sure, Apke was probably the biggest reach of the draft by the Redskins. But Nicholson was the biggest reach in 2017, save for perhaps Ryan Anderson, and he turned into what looks like a quality starter.

It’s important never to judge a book by its cover. Apke may not have been a fourth round pick. But that’s not to say that he can’t become a quality playmaker. If Torrian Gray works with him and Nicholson gives him a few tips as well, Apke can become a quality player for the Redskins. And, perhaps, he will be a playmaker in the near future.

Next: Is Martez Carter the next Tarik Cohen?

Drafting based on potential and upside is always risky. But Troy Apke has the insane athletic ability needed to be a quality NFL player. And while some may have preferred a different player in Round 4, don’t sleep on Apke’s ability to make an early impact in his NFL career.

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