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Redskins Position Battles: Deshazor Everett vs. the field for the backup safety spot

By Jacob Camenker

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Todd Gurley #30 of the Los Angeles Rams reaches out with the ball to score a touchdown as he is tackled by Deshazor Everett #22 of the Washington Redskins at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Todd Gurley #30 of the Los Angeles Rams reaches out with the ball to score a touchdown as he is tackled by Deshazor Everett #22 of the Washington Redskins at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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FORT WORTH, TX – NOVEMBER 14: Foster Sawyer #12 of the TCU Horned Frogs scrambles with the ball against Fish Smithson #9 of the Kansas Jayhawks in the third quarter at Amon G. Carter Stadium on November 14, 2015 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TX – NOVEMBER 14: Foster Sawyer #12 of the TCU Horned Frogs scrambles with the ball against Fish Smithson #9 of the Kansas Jayhawks in the third quarter at Amon G. Carter Stadium on November 14, 2015 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

The case for Fish Smithson

Fish Smithson generated a lot of buzz during the 2017 offseason. Many thought that the undrafted free agent would have a real chance of making the Redskins final roster. That roster was one that didn’t have a lot of talent at the safety position, so it stood to reason that the highly productive Kansas Jayhawk would stand a chance.

However, Smithson didn’t manage to make the final roster. But, he did spend the whole season on the practice squad, and that gave him something that the other candidates for the backup position don’t have: experience with the Redskins. Smithson has spent more time with the team than any candidate, save for Everett. So, that could have an impact on the battle.

Earlier this offseason, NBC Sports Washington’s Rich Tandler spoke of Smithson and how he could end up being a backup option.

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"There is one carryover option. Fish Smithson, an undrafted free agent last year, made a good impression in training camp and he was placed on the practice squad. He was promoted to the 53-man roster in Week 16, and although he played only seven snaps on defense, his elevation to the roster ensured that the Redskins would keep his rights. Many thought that Smithson would be drafted out of Kansas in the late rounds last year. Scouts pointed out his physical limitations (he’s 5-11, 196) and his lack of impressive speed (4.55 in the 40 at his pro day) as reasons why he was not drafted. But they liked his football intelligence and his hard hitting. He may not be starter material, at least not at this point, but with a good offseason, he could be a reliable backup."

The Redskins don’t need Smithson to become a starter. They already have D.J. Swearinger and Montae Nicholson. What they need is someone who can step in and start if needed. And that may not be Smithson right now, but if he makes the roster, he could develop with extra time alongside Torrian Gray. He has the ability to succeed as a tackler and in coverage. And that should give him a real chance to prove himself in the preseason.

As our own Ian Cummings said earlier this offseason, don’t count Fish out. He could surprise some, and he may be more of a realistic roster option than some think.

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