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Redskins 53-man Roster Projection: Pre-training camp 2018

By Jacob Camenker

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 23: Jordan Reed #86 of the Washington Redskins scores a touchdown that is called back during the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 23: Jordan Reed #86 of the Washington Redskins scores a touchdown that is called back during the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 24: Free safety D.J. Swearinger #36 of the Washington Redskins intercepts a pass thrown by quarterback Brock Osweiler #17 (not pictured) in the second quarter at FedExField on December 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 24: Free safety D.J. Swearinger #36 of the Washington Redskins intercepts a pass thrown by quarterback Brock Osweiler #17 (not pictured) in the second quarter at FedExField on December 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

Safety (4)

Keeping: D.J. Swearinger, Montae Nicholson, Troy Apke, Deshazor Everett

Notable Cuts: Fish Smithson, Quin Blanding

This is another position where cuts are going to be brutal. The presence of Apke makes it very difficult to take a chance on a younger player, solely because the Penn State product may not be ready to take on a big role in 2018.

For that reason, the Redskins may opt to stick with experience and keep Everett on the roster. Everett wasn’t great last year when forced into starting action, but he was a fine primary backup in previous seasons. He, Smithson, and Blanding are neck and neck right now in the race for the No. 4 safety spot, but his experience is enough to edge them off… for now.

In a normal offseason, the Redskins would probably consider carrying an extra safety to allow Apke some time to develop. But again, this isn’t a normal offseason because of the depth they are carrying. That said, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Redskins opt to keep Smithson over a guy like Ziggy Hood or another bubble player. It’s just too early to tell where the Redskins will need to use their extra roster space.

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