Fourth-Round Brings Speed And Power

The Washington Redskins drafted two fourthround picks. One was lauded by media and fans while one was and still is a major question mark.

- Chris Russell

Samaje Perine from Oklahoma was the first selection in the round as the Redskins added to their offensive backfield, landing a challenger to Robert Kelley. Perine might be the starter early in the season.

Montae Nicholson from Michigan State was the final choice in the fourth round, a safety who is not available for the Redskins offseason program after undergoing surgery to fix a torn labrum in early March.

Nicholson has the measurables ideally wanted. He looks the part at 6-foot-2 and nearly 215 pounds. Throw in a 4.42 forty-yard dash at the combine, which was third among all safeties in his draft class, and Nicholson had the fifth-longest broad jump at 10 feet, 5 inches and was tied for the sixth-best vertical jump.

He checks all those boxes without pads on. The question is this: Can he play with pads on?

Many, if not all the respected draft analysts, feel Nicholson has a long way to go. Some feel he’ll never get there.

Nicholson is not considered a very good tackler, which is a must for a strong safety. Per ProFootballFocus.com (PFF), Montae ranked 50th in “combined tackling efficiency” among draft eligible safeties.

Those that have studied him closely have issues with his recognition, getting off blocks and ability to hang with receivers who can separate with either better speed or terrific route-running.