How Deshazor Everett Can Make An Impact On The 2016 Redskins

Deshazor Everett, CB / S

School: Texas A&M | Conference: SEC

Years Pro: 1 | Age: 24

Height / Weight: 6-0 / 193 lbs

Projected Status on the Redskins: Cut before the final 53

NFL Statistics

Player Overview

Deshazor Everett is a second-year player from Texas A&M. Draft experts lauded his toughness, willingness to tackle and make big hits, and excellent work ethic. Everett went undrafted in the 2015 draft and initially signed with the Buccaneers. He was released by the Buccaneers and signed shortly thereafter by the Redskins. Everett was waived by the Redskins before the start of the 2015 regular season but signed to the practice squad the next day before eventually being promoted to the active roster in October. Everett has good size particularly for the cornerback position but struggled in his man to man and overall cover skills.

Everett stood out to me last season based on his special team play. On several occasions I was impressed with his ability to fly down the field on punt and kick off returns and bring down the ball carrier. Most recently the Redskins moved Everett to safety. That move could serve as a blessing and a curse for Everett. For the first time in a long time the Redskins on paper at least have impressive depth at the safety position between Deangelo Hall, Will Blackmon, David Bruton, Duke Ihenacho, and Su'a Cravens. It would seem Everett has an uphill battle if he is going to make the team at safety but ultimately safety may be his best position going forward in the NFL due to his lack of coverage skills.

Strengths

• A+ motor and work ethic
• Tough and aggressive player willing to do the dirty work on special teams
• Only played 36 defensive snaps (3.6% of total snaps on defense) but made the most of them recording 16 total tackles mostly on special teams

Weaknesses

• Ceiling is most likely as a core special teams player
• Lack of coverage skills and over aggressive at times
• Has an uphill battle making the team at either cornerback or safety

Let's see his work:

How He Can Impact The Redskins

The key for Everett this year is how much he can improve his coverage skills and learn the safety position. With good fortune on their side the Redskins won't be hit by the injury bug this season in the secondary. Though Everett's toughness and initial success playing special teams helped the Redskins last season he will have to work much harder this year to earn a roster spot at either the CB or S positions. Everett will have to battle it out with players like Geno Matias-Smith, Duke Ihenacho, and Will Blackmon at the safety position and could face a tough battle with players like Deshaun Phillips, Jeremy Harris, and Lloyd Carrington at the corner position.

I think Everett has the ability to make the leap and challenge for a 5th spot at either position but in addition to his contributions on special teams he will have to prove he can also be a reliable backup by improving his anticipation, vision, and coverage abilities. In the end Everett could find himself on the practice squad to start the year.