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Redskins Depth Chart: Analyzing the team’s safety group

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 24: Wide receiver Michael Crabtree #15 of the Oakland Raider tires to match a catch over strong safety Montae Nicholson #35 of the Washington Redskins in the third quarter at FedExField on September 4, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 24: Wide receiver Michael Crabtree #15 of the Oakland Raider tires to match a catch over strong safety Montae Nicholson #35 of the Washington Redskins in the third quarter at FedExField on September 4, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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ANNAPOLIS, MD – DECEMBER 28: Running back Keoni-Kordell Makekau #36 of the Navy Midshipmen is tackled by safety Quin Blanding #3 of the Virginia Cavaliers in the first half of the Military Bowl at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on December 28, 2017 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
ANNAPOLIS, MD – DECEMBER 28: Running back Keoni-Kordell Makekau #36 of the Navy Midshipmen is tackled by safety Quin Blanding #3 of the Virginia Cavaliers in the first half of the Military Bowl at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on December 28, 2017 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Top Backup: S Quin Blanding

This is the spot that will be the most unpredictable out of the safety depth chart. The starters are known. The backups, and in particular, the top backup, is a big question mark. But of all the members of the safety group, Blanding is one of the more intriguing options.

Blanding went undrafted out of Vriginia, but it wasn’t for lack of production at the college level. In each of his season, he recorded at least 115 tackles and was a force to be reckoned with. He has elite tackling skill and solid coverage abilities and frankly, it was a major surprise to see him go undrafted.

The main reason behind Blanding’s fall was his lack of top flight speed. There are some concerns about his ability to keep up with NFL athletes, so that’s what kept him out of the draft. Still, he has the necessary skills to become a great safety/linebacker hybrid, and could thrive as a nickel linebacker. And on early downs, his ability to quickly react and sniff out run plays could be huge for the defense. And in a recent article, I spoke of how exactly his tackling skills are utilized.

More from Commanders News

"Blanding has elite instincts and that allows him to quickly react to ball carrier on running plays. When running backs come out of the backfield with the ball, Blanding is quick to recognize they have the ball and he comes towards the line of scrimmage with a purpose. And then, the way he makes stops is even more impressive. When Blanding is making a tackle, he does an excellent job of squaring up the player when he goes in for the stop. He takes very good angles and is able to ensure that he is in the proper position to hit his opponent hard. He wraps up his opponents very well and his play strength is very good. All of this, coupled with his high level of intelligence, should make him a solid tackler at the NFL level."

Blanding’s tackling prowess is more than enough to get him on an NFL roster. He can play on early downs and in specific sub packages, and he will also be able to make a big impact on special teams. He’s one of those versatile glue guys that winning teams need. For that reason, I think that he will beat out some other veteran players for the roster spot, especially if he can put forth a strong preseason.

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