Like Rich Tandler (of www.realredskins.com and CSN Washington) would suggest, sometimes the best players to discover are right there on your roster. You know, there is a reason a player, even a back up, makes it to the NFL....they can play football at a high level. Often, there is a "star waiting to happen" sitting the bench or playing a reserve role, just waiting for their shot. NFL greatness can only come to those who get to play snaps and prove they can compete.
Because of early injuries, our team had the opportunity to have several guys play the Safety position...many of which performed certainly well enough for a play-off run...most with very little experience with our team. So instead of shopping an over-priced free-agency or exhausting our early picks on a Safety, perhaps we should look at who we have:
Jordan Bernstine - I really, really like this guy. He has good hands, good cover skills and can tackle. He was a stalwart in high school, playing both ways (RB and CB/S). I think at Safety, he has a huge upside, because he started his first three years of college ball at CB, moving to S for just 1 season before being drafted. The 2012 7th rd pick out of Iowa had a impressive pres-season last year, making the 53 man roster. He was lost in his NFL regular season debut game versus the Saints. I think this guy is starting material. I have tweeted with him and he says he is healthy and ready to compete...if I had to pick one person to surprise the hell out of the league, it is this Jordan Bernstine.
Jordan Pugh - Signed to replace Bernstine, he came in and got snaps right away. Now, granted, he did not play very well right away...as the season developed he saw more action and, I believe, finished the season fairly strong (as he is just a young player learning how to fit in a new system). This is another guy with flexibility and upside, as he played some of his college career at CB as well. He is not a flashy player or a guy who will deliver devastating hits, but I do feel he will develop into a strong sub-package contributor, if not a starter....now whether that happens this year or not, only snaps will tell.
De Jon Gomes - DJ was highly regarded out of College. Though he lacked the consistency you need at SS, he played admirable. He is quick enough and has good instincts. When the Redskins drafted him with the 146th pick of the 2011 draft, I knew from tape he was a guy that would need time to develop, both physically and mentally....I told a friend, "If we are patient with this guy, he could develop into a guy that could give us 7 or 8 great season before it is all said and done." Well, I hope he proves me right and takes over this year.
Brandon Merriweather - For 1/2 of a game, he was the best safety the Redskins have had in many, many years. His health will again play a large role in what he can do for this football team...but if healthy, watch out. I see us keeping depth this year at this position...and if we can keep him healthy, this guy will help us win lots of football games. Keeping a healthy rotation at SS and FS this year and expanding our Nickle/Dime/Sub packages could help limits wear on our secondary and keep guys on the field for an entire season.
Get EXCITED! We could have a secondary and not even know it. No need to over-reach in the draft or spend precious cap room for some other shot in the dark. Go with what you know...allow players to grow and develop ..give young players a shot...this is how you build a dynasty Only time and snaps will tell. Our entire season last year came down to the health of our players...whether it was coaching decisions, personnel decisions or training staff to blame, fact is if we stay just healthier this year, we should win more games.
Hail to the Redskins!
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