Riggo's Rag
FanSided

Potential Redskins special teams contributors for 2020

By Jonathan Eig

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 24: Steven Sims #15 of the Washington Redskins returns a kick for a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the first half at FedExField on November 24, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 24: Steven Sims #15 of the Washington Redskins returns a kick for a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the first half at FedExField on November 24, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
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) /

Coverage Teams

This may be the most hidden part of any quality team. Tom Brady’s 14 Pro Bowl selections may be the primary reason the Patriots have been so good for so long, but Matthew Slater’s eight selections as a special teamer should not be totally overlooked. The Patriots have proven so good at identifying and employing special teams talent that in 2016, when Slater was chosen as an All-Pro, his teammate Nate Ebner was selected to the 2nd team.

Many of the players who manned the coverage teams over the past few years are likely to be back and filling the same role in 2020. Troy Apke, who played on virtually ever special team package in 2019, may have that advantage over other safeties like Jeremy Reaves and draft pick Kamren Curl. Barring injury, it’s likely only one of them makes the final roster, and whoever he is will have to be a major teams contributor.

The young linebacking core of Cole Holcomb, Ryan Anderson, and Shaun Dion Hamilton should cause plenty of havoc on coverage plays this year. Other hold-overs from last year like Kelvin Harmon and Deshazor Everett may end up counting on their teams play to secure their roster spots.

The three new players who look to make the greatest impact in coverage packages are speedy linebackers. Khaleke Hudson, a 2020 fifth-round draft pick, does not have great size for a linebacker, but his speed and strength will make him somewhat of a swiss army knife for Jack Del Rio, but it should also make him a force on coverage teams. After all, he did block five punts during his time at Michigan.

Free-agent signee Kevin Pierre-Louis also hopes to earn his share of time on the defense. But he has also been a very productive special teamer during his six years in the league.

The final potential addition isn’t exactly new, though Redskin fans have yet to see him on the field during a regular season game. Jordan Brailford missed all of his 2019 rookie season with an injury, but his 4.65 speed at 250 pounds makes him a very dynamic prospect on kick coverage.

Next. Evaluating fourth-round OT Saahdiq Charles. dark

There are bound to be several surprises that pop up through camp and pre-season. The uncertainty over how any of that will play out in 2020 may give an edge to veteran players with a track record. But no matter the circumstances, watching eager young players battle for special teams positions is always one of the more exciting parts of training camp.

Home/Commanders News