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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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PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 11: Deshazor Everett #22 of the Washington Redskins celebrates with Josh Norman #24 after his interception in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 11, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 11: Deshazor Everett #22 of the Washington Redskins celebrates with Josh Norman #24 after his interception in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 11, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Who should win the battle and where the others could land

This battle is a tough one to pick a winner in. And at the end of the day, you could realistically justify any player taking the role. That said, the veterans should still have the advantage.

While I listed Everett as one of my five potential veteran cuts this offseason, I do think that he still has a very good chance of retaining the role, especially if the team elects to keep five safeties. And given the potential packed pieces they have at that juncture, there’s a chance that they might do that.

Of the younger pieces, there are two that stand out. Blanding and Smithson. I’m a huge fan of Blanding because of his excellent tackling ability, and I wouldn’t have been upset if they had spent their fourth round pick on him. That said, it may be better for him to spend some time on the practice squad to continue to develop his coverage skills. But either way, he should keep a role with the team moving forward.

As for Smithson, he’s the real wild card. If he shows enough growth to be the backup, the team might part with Everett and make Smithson their man. They did re-sign Everett to a two-year deal, but it had minimal guarantees. The Redskins essentially set themselves up to part with Everett if they find a replacement, and retain them if they don’t.

Next: 5 reasons the Redskins will exceed expectations

If I had to pick today, I would have the Redskins keep five safeties. And of the players mentioned, Everett, Apke, and Smithson would all make the list, with Everett being the top backup. But this is one of the big battles to watch as the offseason rolls along. The Redskins are in good position to unearth a potential gem at this position.

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