Redskins Position Group Breakdown: Cornerbacks

June 12, 2018

by Jamual Forrest

One can argue that in 2017 season the cornerback group was one of the defense’s better units. The unit’s momentum died down after the injury bug bit the front seven. Led by veteran Josh Norman, Kendall Fuller and Bashaud Breeland combined with Norman to head a solid trio of coverage corners. However, upon the conclusion of a disappointing 2017 campaign, contracts expired, and Washington acquired new players. To land the Redskins’ new quarterback, Alex Smith, the team shipped off Fuller, considered to be a rising star, to the Kansas City Chiefs. It was tough to pull the trigger on this move, but the quarterback position was more highly valued, and the Smith move was there for the taking, so Washington sent Fuller westward.

Now, the cornerback group has loads of uncertainty going into the start of 2018 training camp. In 2017, each cornerback seemed to grasp the concepts that defensive coordinator Greg Manusky was installing, and accepted the teachings of new defensive back coach Torrian Gray as well. 2015 undrafted free agent Quinton Dunbar signed a lucrative contract extension this off-season to stay in Washington. The 25-year old has a bright future ahead of him and has displayed traits of a corner that will keep him employed for some time, but is he ready to step into Breeland’s place full-time? To this point in his career, his play has been inconsistent throughout his first three seasons. He had a solid 2015 and 2017, but 2016 was as rocky as it can get. Dunbar is heading into a big season for him as many want to see how he responds to being one of the players the Redskins believe in and want to invest in.

Fabian Moreau is a second-year player who has a great amount of athleticism but is lacking experience on the field as a cornerback. There was not too much film on Moreau in the regular season to get an indication of what he can and cannot do, but his reps will likely increase.  His weaknesses may be exposed during his learning transition from his first to his second season. How quickly can Moreau be ready to serve as a backup or even compete for a starting role? With Fuller’s departure, the slot corner position is a crucial need for Washington yet again.  Fuller was just as good a film study as he was a player. Moreau does not have the ideal size for slot corner, due to his height and length, but his athleticism and speed may allow him to play the position. Orlando Scandrick is expected to compete for the slot position as well and interchange between the slot and outside cornerback for this team in a reserve capacity.

Rookies Greg Stroman and Adonis Alexander are currently unknown quantities for the Redskins, but their competitiveness and aggression at the cornerback position is what attracted Washington towards them. Currently on the outside looking in is second-year player Joshua Hosley, who had limited playing time as a rookie, playing in 12 games but getting little actual time on defense. He will need to show coaches he is worth keeping on the roster or even the practice squad over some of the names mentioned above.  Undrafted free agents Danny Johnson and Ranthony Texada will also get their shots in training camp.

Overall this position group is young and athletic but has proved very little on the field. Outside of Josh Norman, who is the leader and staple of the unit, there is a need for immediate production. With the improvement of the defensive line the past two off-seasons, their job this year may be a little easier, but how quickly can these group of players adjust to the game on a pro-level? Time will tell.