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Redskins: 3 players with the most to prove after the 2019 offseason

By Jacob Camenker

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 21: Montae Nicholson #35 of the Washington Redskins reacts after a missed field goal by the Dallas Cowboys as time expired in the game at FedExField on October 21, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. The Redskins won 20-17. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 21: Montae Nicholson #35 of the Washington Redskins reacts after a missed field goal by the Dallas Cowboys as time expired in the game at FedExField on October 21, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. The Redskins won 20-17. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

2. S Montae Nicholson

Heading into last season, Montae Nicholson was one of the bright spots on the Redskins’ young defense. However, things didn’t go well for him in 2018, and he ended up on the reserve list after dealing with a late-season suspension. He had lost his starting job weeks before.

In 2019 though, Nicholson has a clear path to the starting job. The Redskins added Landon Collins in free agency, but they don’t have a proven option next to him. And of the potential starters, Nicholson is the most sensible, as he has the right combination of upside and experience for the role.

Our own Ian Cummings dubbed Nicholson as the player that got the biggest vote of confidence from the ‘Skins during the draft. Here was his reasoning for that.

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"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."

Nicholson has the easiest path to the starting job right now, but it might be his last chance to earn it. If he can’t prove to be a solid starter, the Redskins will undoubtedly look for a replacement for him in the 2020 offseason. He may have a lot of upside, but he has a lot to prove after losing his job to Ha Ha Clinton-Dix midway through last season.

It will be interesting to see if Nicholson is up to the task and can find a way to regain his 2017 form. If he can bounce back, he will have a future role. If he can’t, he may find himself fighting for a roster spot come next offseason.

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