Washington Redskins: Troy Apke will contribute on special teams immediately

The Washington Redskins selected speedy safety Troy Apke in the fourth round with intentions of him becoming a major contributor on special teams.

The Washington Redskins surprised many in the 2018 NFL Draft when they selected Penn State safety Troy Apke with their fourth-round choice. The book wasn’t too extensive on Apke and he was more known for his blinding speed which was on full display at the Scouting Combine earlier this year. Apke was so fast, Hall-of-Fame cornerback Deion Sanders took notice of his time.

Apke, at 6-1, 200 pounds, possesses solid size for a safety at the next level. He will need to bulk up, but that shouldn’t be a problem once he gets into Washington’s strength program. But the one thing Apke has that you can’t teach is speed. And plenty of it. Apke, a former track star, was timed at 4.34 seconds in the 40-yard dash.

Going back to his college career, Apke doesn’t exactly wow you on film. He is raw but did show improvement each year before starting 12 games in his senior season. He can be seen taking the wrong angles or taking a bit too long to diagnose the play. However, his speed allows him to make up for those shortcomings.

The Redskins envision Apke contributing on all special teams units. Last year’s third-round pick, Fabian Moreau, used his speed as a gunner on special teams. He was terrific in that role. Moreau will likely spend more time at corner this season, allowing Apke an opportunity to fill an important role. Apke was good on special teams at Penn State and is ready to make his name on those units with the Redskins, per Stephen Czarda of Washington’s official website.

"“I’m going to make a name for myself on special teams first, and then after that, just make my way into playing safety there,” Apke said."

Head coach Jay Gruden was effusive in his praise for Apke. While he believes in Apke’s ability to develop as a safety, the coach expects the rookie to make an immediate impact on special teams.

Last season, the Redskins took a safety in the fourth round in Montae Nicholson of Michigan State. There were knocks on Nicholson’s game, such as his instincts and inability to stay healthy. Nicholson was fantastic as a rookie and is the future at one of the safety spots moving forward. He will have to stay healthy, though, as he missed a good portion of his rookie season with a shoulder injury and a concussion.

The Redskins loved Nicholson’s development and are hoping for a similar path with Apke. If he can develop into a solid contributor down the road, he’ll prove to be an outstanding fourth-round selection. Defensive backs coach Torrian Gray did an outstanding job with the young secondary last season and will be counted on 2018 to bring Apke along in case of an injury to Nicholson or D.J. Swearinger.

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But, if Apke struggles as a safety, don’t expect him anything similar on special teams. Apke will prove to be an asset for Washington’s coverage teams in 2018.