Redskins: Four players that could make fireworks during the 2019 season
3. S Landon Collins
The Redskins made a huge acquisition this offseason when they spent big money to acquire Collins. And it was easy to see why.
Heading into last season, the Redskins seemingly had their safety position figured out. D.J. Swearinger had been a solid starter the previous year while Montae Nicholson, then a rookie, had been good in his first season. With Nicholson’s projected growth and Swearinger’s steadiness, there was hope that for the first time in nearly a decade, the safety position had been fixed.
However, the 2018 season didn’t work out as planned. Nicholson struggled at times and that prompted the ‘Skins to trade for Ha Ha Clinton-Dix from the Green Bay Packers. Meanwhile, Swearinger played well, but after repeatedly criticizing his teammates and the coaching staff after being warned to stop, Swearinger was cut. With Clinton-Dix becoming a free agent, there was a massive hole at both safety spots.
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Collins should help to fill one of them. The former New York Giant is one of the best downhill playmakers at the safety position and has logged a ridiculous 437 tackles during his first four seasons. He also possesses solid coverage skills and should be a true three-down playmaker at the next level.
Collins will be asked to find success as the team’s top playmaker in the secondary. It should be a role that he has a chance to thrive in. Expect him to make plenty of hard hits and key tackles during the season and if he can continue to hold up well in coverage, then the ‘Skins will certainly consider this to be money well spent.
The only concern with Collins is that he is coming off a season-ending shoulder injury. He had surgery to repair the torn labrum in December though, so he should be more than fine by the start of the season. He could help the Redskins defense to transform, especially if Nicholson can step back up into the starting role next to him.