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Washington football: Six essential players the team can least afford to lose

By Jonathan Eig

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 24: Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after a play during the first half of the game against the Detroit Lions at FedExField on November 24, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 24: Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after a play during the first half of the game against the Detroit Lions at FedExField on November 24, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 15: Zach Ertz #86 of the Philadelphia Eagles is unable to make a catch in front of Landon Collins #20 of the Washington football team during the second half at FedExField on December 15, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 15: Zach Ertz #86 of the Philadelphia Eagles is unable to make a catch in front of Landon Collins #20 of the Washington football team during the second half at FedExField on December 15, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

No. 5 – SS Landon Collins

Unless Fabian Moreau or Jimmy Moreland beats out Ronald Darby, three quarters of the starting secondary will be new this year. The holdover is Landon Collins. He is obviously a steady presence on the back end. His tackling is excellent and he can be a difference maker both in run support and as a blitzer. He is also the veteran steady presence that you want when bringing together a group of new players and asking them to function as a unit.

Finding a serviceable strong safety is not the most difficult thing to do from a personnel standpoint. The league boasts a number of players who provide what Collins does for Washington. And it is possible that one of the young guys like Jeremy Reaves, Simeon Thomas, or rookie Kamren Curl, could step into the role and perform well. But they are all gambles. Collins is not. He is a sure thing. And paired with a truly speedy deep safety in Sean Davis this year, a healthy Collins will be expected to do very big things.

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