Montae Nicholson must step up in 2019 to fill biggest hole in Redskins defense

Montae Nicholson has another chance to earn a starting role in the Redskins’ defense. He’ll have to step up and prove that he can fill what is, arguably, the biggest hole in their defense.

The Washington Redskins have long had issues at the safety position. But last season, it seemed that they had fixed their issues. They had Montae Nicholson, coming off a solid rookie season, and D.J. Swearinger, who had proven to be a solid all-around starter. The depth was a bit suspect, but they seemed to at least have a couple of good starters.

However, the 2018 season didn’t end up working out at the position. Swearinger played well for most of the season but consistently called out his teammates and coaches to the media, despite warnings to stop. As a result, the team parted ways. Nicholson had his share of struggles early in the season and the ‘Skins traded for Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to push him into a backup role. Then, Nicholson got into a fight and was charged with assault. He was suspended for the final two games as a result.

Because of last season, the Redskins decided to make a move at the safety position. They added high-priced free agent Landon Collins to serve as their top safety. Collins is a very good all-around player who is one of the best downhill playmakers in the NFL. He should be able to solidify one safety spot, but there is a question mark next to him.

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The Redskins didn’t address the safety position in the 2019 NFL Draft despite the fact that it was considered to be a somewhat deep safety class. So, that leaves the team looking for an internal upgrade and Nicholson has more upside than any other option on the roster.

With the charges against Nicholson dropped, it seems that he would have a better chance to avoid a suspension. And if so, he could win the starting job. Nicholson was a very solid starter as a rookie, and he showed good range and coverage skills. While he regressed in 2018, he may be able to improve and regain his ’17 form. That would make him a solid starter.

If Nicholson can’t do that, the team will be in trouble at safety. Aside from Nicholson, they have career backup Deshazor Everett, former fourth-round pick Troy Apke, Jeremy Reaves, and undrafted free agent JoJo McIntosh on the team. That’s not a particularly inspiring group. Everett can be a spot starter, but he’s best served as a quality backup and special teams ace.

Meanwhile, Apke is an elite athlete, but he isn’t much of a football player and was a reach in Round 4 back in 2018. He can be a strong special teams player, but he needs a lot of work before he can actually play safety. And given that he missed most of last season with an injury, it will be tough for him to be able to start at the position.

Simply put, Nicholson is the only viable starting option (with upside) that the ‘Skins have. Everett could hold the fort for a bit, but he could eventually become the weak link on the defense. If Nicholson can step up, take the role, and play as he did as a rookie, he may plug in what is arguably the biggest hole on the Washington defense. He has proven that he can do it in the past, but he needs to prove that he can do it once again.

No matter how you look at it, this is a make or break year for Nicholson. And if the ‘Skins want to have a solid, all-around defense, they’ll need him to step up.