Five bold predictions for Redskins vs. Bengals in NFL preseason Week 2

5. Jeremy Reaves notches an interception

Troy Apke and Deshazor Everett are penciled in as the backups at safety for the moment. Apke’s spot, in particular, has been scrutinized because of his lack of football instincts despite his athletic profile. Some were hoping for him to be challenged for a roster spot, but there didn’t appear to be a lot of options for the team’s roster.

However, one player has stepped up and could have a chance to overtake him. And that is former undrafted free agent Jeremy Reaves.

As our own Russell Shavatt pointed out, Reaves had a solid performance in the ‘Skins preseason opener, and that did a lot to put him on the map as a potential option for the roster at the safety position.

Washington Commanders

"While the Redskins secondary was not overly consistent in the game, one player who was quietly productive in the game was second-year safety Jeremy Reaves.  Reaves finished the game tied with cornerback Jimmy Moreland for a team-high six tackles.  He also added one pass defensed and one fumble recovery. His shining moment in the game came via the fumble recovery, which was returned 27 yards, ending a Browns 10-play, 69-yard drive in the third quarter.  The young safety showed great awareness in picking up the ball, but was upset with himself because he did not score on the play.  He had a path down the sideline, but was forced out by a Browns offensive lineman."

Reaves demonstrated a nose for the ball and showed good athletic ability. That should be enough to put him in the battle, but he will need a true splash play to really make a case to overtake Apke, the former fourth-round pick.

If Reaves grabs a nice interception at any point in the preseason, that could give him a real shot at making the roster. So, for the sake of making things interesting, let’s say that Reaves will grab one against the Bengals and officially make the backup safety job one to watch over the final weeks of the preseason.