Jul 30, 2015; Richmond, VA, USA; Washington Redskins tight end Niles Paul (84) catches the ball in front of Redskins defensive back Duke Ihenacho (24) during drills as part of afternoon practice on day one of training camp at the Washington Redskins Bon Secours Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
When the Washington Redskins signed free agent safety Jeron Johnson this offseason, many assumed he would slot right in to the starting safety position. Throughout training camp practices thus far, that hasn't been the case.
Johnson has worked primarily with the second team defense, and fellow safety Duke Ihenacho has worked primarily as the first team strong safety.
Ihenacho only played five defensive snaps for the Redskins in 2014, but he struggled in pass coverage during the 2013 season with the Denver Broncos where he played 787 defensive snaps. During that season, Pro Football Focus graded Ihenacho's play out poorly--he finished as their 156th ranked safety out of 171 qualifiers.
The Redskins could be deferring to Ihenacho now because he has more experience, or they could just view him as a better fit for new defensive coordinator Joe Barry's scheme. We will find out soon enough. The starting safety position has quietly become one of the Redskins' most intriguing training camp position battles.
(h/t CSN Washington)
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