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Redskins training camp roster projection after cutting Mason Foster, signing Corey Robinson

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 16: Linebacker Mason Foster #54 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after tackling running back Marlon Mack #25 of the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter at FedExField on September 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 16: Linebacker Mason Foster #54 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after tackling running back Marlon Mack #25 of the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter at FedExField on September 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – AUGUST 16: Defensive back Troy Apke #30 of the Washington Redskins celebrates with defensive tackle Ondre Pipkins #78 after intercepting a pass thrown by quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets (not pictured) in the first half of a preseason game at FedExField on August 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – AUGUST 16: Defensive back Troy Apke #30 of the Washington Redskins celebrates with defensive tackle Ondre Pipkins #78 after intercepting a pass thrown by quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets (not pictured) in the first half of a preseason game at FedExField on August 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

Safety (4)

Landon Collins, Montae Nicholson, Deshazor Everett, Troy Apke

At this point, it’s abundantly clear that Collins is the best safety on the roster. And Nicholson is going to be given a chance to start next to him.

But beyond that? It’s anybody’s guess.

As I noted in my last roster projection, it seems that Everett and Apke are the options at safety by default. Here’s what I said in that piece.

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"Beyond Nicholson’s upside, the cupboard is relatively bare for the ‘Skins. Everett is a very good backup and a special teams ace. However, if he is relied on as more than a spot starter, he can run into a bit of trouble in coverage. Meanwhile, Apke is an athletic marvel and a former fourth-round pick, but he was extremely raw coming into the league. Many viewed Apke as a late-round upside pick, so the Redskins certainly reached for him. Still, the Redskins aren’t exactly flush with other options to replace Apke. Undrafted free agent JoJo McIntosh could make a case for the roster, but he makes more sense as a practice squad candidate. Gruden has praised Jeremy Reaves during camp, but will he have as much upside, particularly on special teams as Apke? It remains to be seen."

Really, the only question mark is whether or not Apke will do enough to stick around. But I think that it’s too early to give up on him. He’s simply so athletic and given that they may not have anything much better than him, keeping him on as the fourth safety and a potential special teams ace couldn’t hurt. He was never likely to be worth the fourth-round pick they spent on him, but it’s still a bit too early to give up on his athletic potential.

Barring a huge camp and preseason from McIntosh or Reaves, an unforeseen trade, or a signing of a guy like Tre Boston, this seems to be the likely safety corps moving forward.

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