Five Redskins players who received votes of confidence in the draft
By Ian Cummings
No. 1 – Redskins S Montae Nicholson
No one received a larger vote of confidence in the 2019 NFL Draft than Redskins safety Montae Nicholson. Just five months ago, Nicholson was reeling from an assault charge in December, after getting involved in a fight. He was benched and placed on the NFI list, and his future with the team was placed into serious doubt.
The Redskins expectedly addressed the safety position in free agency, signing Landon Collins to a massive deal, but when the time came to draft Collins’ partner in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Redskins passed on the opportunity nine times. There are still names to discuss in theoretical tongue on the open market, including Tre Boston, but the Redskins have never been the team to put together their squad in June. They could move a cornerback to safety, such as Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. But beat reporters close to the team have shot down those suggestions, implying that the team is not seriously considering that possibility.
Thus, the eyes move to the options on the roster, and it doesn’t take long for them to center on Montae Nicholson. Troy Apke is a raw speed safety who’s still developing. Deshazor Everett is a special teams ace who’s never been able to latch on to an increased role. On the roster, and in a vacuum, Nicholson is the best candidate to supplement Collins in the starting lineup.
Nicholson has the speed and length to be a very effective, cheap, and rangy compliment to Collins’ prowess in the box. He flashed his playmaking ability in his rookie season, and with new defensive backs coach Ray Horton, Nicholson could get the fresh start he needs. He’s still only 23 years old. A player that young, with only a minor offense on his record, deserves a second chance, if the league is willing to give it.
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Nicholson is no longer on the reserve list; he was seen participating in practice with the Redskins players this past week, in photos available on Redskins.com. But it’s still unclear whether the NFL will suspend Nicholson for his December incident. If they do, then it could be an indicator for the Redskins to sign a late-term free agent. If they don’t, then Nicholson has a first-class ticket to redemption. Time will tell if he can use a second chance well enough.