Riggo's Rag
FanSided

Washington Redskins Training Camp Profile: S Montae Nicholson

By Ian Cummings

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 28: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants and Montae Nicholson #35 of the Washington Redskins talks after the game on October 28,2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 28: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants and Montae Nicholson #35 of the Washington Redskins talks after the game on October 28,2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 21: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys is hit by Montae Nicholson #35 of the Washington Redskins during the first half at FedExField on October 21, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 21: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys is hit by Montae Nicholson #35 of the Washington Redskins during the first half at FedExField on October 21, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

What Nicholson needs to do at Redskins training camp

Nicholson’s 2018 season went so poorly because his lack of focus precipitated a regression in on-field play. First and foremost, Nicholson needs to show that he’s committed to and fit for the hard work and consistent mental preparation that goes into being an NFL starter.

The mental checklist is a prerequisite for everything else. Once Nicholson shows that football is at the top of his priorities list, and that off-field distractions won’t impact his on-field performance, then he can begin to show off his exceptional athletic talent.

At 6-foot-2, 212, with 4.42 speed and a 35-inch vertical, Nicholson has the burst, range, and hip fluidity to be an elite centerfielder, and his traits coexist almost perfectly with Landon Collins’ hard-nosed, physical style inside the box.

Must Read. Redskins five best offensive tackles in team history. light

If Nicholson can glean the most potential returns out of his untapped athletic potential, then he can lock down the starting safety position for 2019 and beyond. Ray Horton must work to get Nicholson back on the right page for the season, and Landon Collins can be a valuable veteran mentor, but ultimately, it’s up to Nicholson to accept the teaching, and grow from it.

Home/Commanders News