Fansided
Fansided

Washington Redskins: Position battles creating a bubble that won’t burst

By Craig Stofko

LANDOVER, MD - AUGUST 16: Running back Martez Carter #22 of the Washington Redskins carries the ball against defensive back Terrence Brooks #23 of the New York Jets in the third quarter of a preseason game at FedExField on August 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - AUGUST 16: Running back Martez Carter #22 of the Washington Redskins carries the ball against defensive back Terrence Brooks #23 of the New York Jets in the third quarter of a preseason game at FedExField on August 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
FOXBOROUGH, MA – AUGUST 9 : Ralph Webb #22 of the New England Patriots evades a tackle from Troy Apke #30 of the Washington Redskins for a two point conversion during the preseason game between the New England Patriots and the Washington Redskins at Gillette Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA – AUGUST 9 : Ralph Webb #22 of the New England Patriots evades a tackle from Troy Apke #30 of the Washington Redskins for a two point conversion during the preseason game between the New England Patriots and the Washington Redskins at Gillette Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

DEFENSIVE BACKS

The Redskin’; defensive backfield is very murky right now. But as it comes into focus I think most agree that there are enough young and talented cornerbacks and safeties to field impressive groups.

I like that the ‘Skins are putting Quinton Dunbar, Josh Norman, and Fabian Moreau on the field together. Together they represent talent, experience, and speed.

Danny Johnson has looked terrific. If his stellar play continues Washington will probably find his versatility indispensable. And obviously, the ‘Skins are enamored with their two Virginia Tech corners.

Greg Stroman looks as if he could contribute immediately and his counterpart, Adonis Alexander, looks the part of the preeminent NFL safety, which is what Washington will develop him into.

At issue of course is the Redskins’ crowded depth chart at safety. Again, the ‘Skins look solid with D.J. Swearinger and Montae Nicholson as their starters.

Deshazor Everett has become a valuable back up and special teamer. It would be surprising if he were not a sure thing.

But, Kenny Ladler can play safety in the NFL. He’s performed as well as anyone at this point and deserves to make the team.

The couple years he spent in Canada have clearly paid off.

When Troy Apke, Fish Smithson, and Quin Blanding enter the fold, it clearly becomes a numbers game. I only add Smithson and Blanding as roster bubble burst surprises because I have been huge fans of both players for some time.

Smithson’s career at Kansas was dominating and since joining the Redskins he has  improved every year to the point where I had him a lock to make the team just a couple weeks ago.

More from NFL Mocks

A lot can happen in two weeks. I’d hate to see the Skins lose a player like Smithson because of a bogus penalty and a blown coverage by a corner but it may come down to something as seemingly insignificant in the numbers crunch.

You couldn’t blame the ‘Skins for going with their fourth-round draft pick Troy Apke over Smithson.

Apke’s blazing speed and draft status almost guarantee him a roster spot. Although, I’m not the first person to be underwhelmed by Apke in this very young season.

4.3 speed is great and admittedly hard to come by. And, while interceptions and running down ball carriers from behind is also admirable, the one thing a safety can never do is whiff on a tackle. But, that’s exactly what Apke did against the Jets. When safeties whiff, the other team often scores touchdowns. I’ve been watching Smithson for six years and never seen him whiff.

Quin Blanding not making the final cut is more of a disappointment than a surprise. I’ve been a fan since he came to Virginia as a five-star recruit out of high school. The numbers he put up at Virginia were mind-boggling.

Four straight years with more than 100 tackles is sick. He’s a tackling machine. Hopefully, the ‘Skins can get him on their practice squad but I suspect someone will snatch him up.

And as much as I like Blanding I think the Redskins picked up Adonis Alexander to play the role they might have envisioned for him.

Next. Redskins won't miss a beat without Guice. dark

The names on this short list could change a dozen times for 100 different reasons over the course of the next two weeks. One thing is clear, there are some very talented players who will struggle to make this team. That’s a really good sign for the Washington Redskins.

Home/NFL Hot Takes