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Fabian Moreau signs rookie deal with Washington Redskins to put whole draft class under contract

By Jacob Camenker

October 22, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive back Fabian Moreau (10) defends but is called for pass interfence against Utah Utes wide receiver Tim Patrick (12) during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
October 22, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive back Fabian Moreau (10) defends but is called for pass interfence against Utah Utes wide receiver Tim Patrick (12) during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Prior to Friday afternoon, the Washington Redskins had one drafted rookie yet to sign his contract. That changed when Fabian Moreau inked a deal that morning.

The Washington Redskins had a very strong 2017 NFL Draft. There is no doubt about it. Though there was a great deal of skepticism coming into the offseason, as general manager Scot McCloughan had departed and Bruce Allen was running the ship, the Redskins persevered and managed to have a great draft. They made 10 picks, and signed nine of them to deals shortly after the draft. The only player who had not yet signed was Fabian Moreau.

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Moreau was the Redskins’ third round pick out of UCLA. There was some buzz that he would have been a first round prospect had he not injured his pectoral muscle at his pro day. Moreau was superb at the East-West Shrine game and performed very well at the NFL Combine as well. He was in the running to be picked in the 30 range, but instead he slipped all the way to the third round. The Redskins grabbed him and he could end up being a playmaker from day one.

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Despite the fact that Moreau was the last rookie to sign, there really was not any danger of the two parties not agreeing to a deal. The two sides may have just been waiting for Moreau to get healthier before agreeing to an official deal. That would make a lot of sense, as both sides could really analyze what sort of impact Moreau will be able to have as a rookie, which could have altered the contract language a bit.

For 2017, Moreau figures to be a depth corner to start things out. Though Bashaud Breeland played poorly across from Josh Norman as the No. 2 corner, he will not be challenged enough immediately to lose the job. Second year man Kendall Fuller may be the favorite to man the slot, though seventh round rookie Joshua Holsey may have something to say about that.

That will leave Moreau to compete for the primary backup job at cornerback. He would have to beat out Quinton Dunbar, a third year man out of Florida who fared well in 2017, but he has the upside to do it. Moreau could play the slot as well, but he seems to be a better fit on the outside. Should Breeland continue to struggle, Moreau could be a guy that takes over as a starter closer to the midway point of the season.

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Overall, getting Moreau under contract is great news for the Redskins. They needed some cornerback depth, and he will provide that. With all the rookie under contract, the Redskins decision makers can rest easy and delve into evaluating all the players that they have on their 90-man roster.

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