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Redskins 53-man roster prediction after preseason Week 2 vs. Jets

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 15: Jamison Crowder #80 of the Washington Redskins runs after a catch in the first quarter of a game against the San Francisco 49ers at FedEx Field on October 15, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. The Redskins won 26-24. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 15: Jamison Crowder #80 of the Washington Redskins runs after a catch in the first quarter of a game against the San Francisco 49ers at FedEx Field on October 15, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. The Redskins won 26-24. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 12: Free safety D.J. Swearinger #36 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after an interception during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at FedExField on November 12, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 12: Free safety D.J. Swearinger #36 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after an interception during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at FedExField on November 12, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

Safety (4)

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

Notable Cuts: Fish Smithson, Kenny Ladler

I don’t see any real reason to change up the four safeties projected to make the roster. I still think that Everett is on the bubble, but neither Ladler or Smithson has done enough to say that they should be rostered over the veteran.

In addition to Everett’s inclusion, fourth-round pick Apke will make this squad barring an unforeseen development. Apke has flashed immense athletic upside during the preseason — he had a great pick in the second preseason game — and while he still is raw and needs to develop, Torrian Gray should have a good chance to turn him into a quality player. Gray has done a lot of good work with the other members of the Redskins secondary in recent seasons, so Apke could easily develop into a quality backup player.

The Redskins don’t have a truly game-ready No. 3 safety on their roster. That could end up coming back to bite them. For now, they will stick with Everett as their top backup and he will provide a steady presence who will provide some special teams value. If their safeties are an issue this season, expect them to invest in the position next offseason, provided that Apke and Nicholson don’t make improvements to their game.

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