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Can Redskins CB Quinton Dunbar make the ‘Lippett Leap’ in 2017?

By Ian Cummings

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 25: Quinton Dunbar #47 and Houston Bates #96 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after a succesful fake punt in the second half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on September 25, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 25: Quinton Dunbar #47 and Houston Bates #96 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after a succesful fake punt in the second half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on September 25, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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In a Redskins secondary looking to improve on an uneven 2016 campaign, Quinton Dunbar is an important piece. The 24-year old has shown flashes at his new position. In 2017, he could be due for a breakout. Or, as I like to call it… the ‘Lippett Leap’.

Quinton Dunbar is very much like another third-year cornerback in the NFL. That cornerback, who resides on the Miami Dolphins’ roster,  is Tony Lippett. The two are both 6-foot-2, they both entered the league in 2015, and they both began their professional careers at the position of wide receiver.

There’s only one glaring discrepancy: Lippett had four interceptions and ten pass deflections in 2016. In contrast, Dunbar only had one interception and five pass deflections. Dunbar failed to latch on to a starting role, serving as such in only two games. Meanwhile, Lippett started thirteen games for the Dolphins secondary. And in that time, he emerged as a dangerous ballhawking cornerback.

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Lippett’s previous experience at wide receiver helped him realize that development. The Michigan State product has outstanding length and hands. To have those traits, and combine them with the nuance, mentality, and anticipation of a cornerback, is a dangerous thing. We saw that from Lippett in 2016. And we could see it from Dunbar this coming year.

Dunbar is likely a lock to make the roster. Even without major development, he provides height and depth at the cornerback position, and he was often called upon in a reserve role last year. The addition of Fabian Moreau likely won’t change this. Moreau is good. But Dunbar will be given the benefit of the doubt on the depth chart due to his experience. He’ll likely be the third outside corner, behind Josh Norman and Bashaud Breeland.

Dunbar has the length and the hands to be a threat on the defensive side of the ball. His time as a wide receiver is a valuable commodity, and it will be key in his quest for improvement. We saw flashes in 2016. In his third year, with a stronger supporting cast and a veteran’s wealth of knowledge, Dunbar could break out and make the ‘Lippett Leap’. He has immense potential. It’ll be exciting to how he performs with Torrian Gray as the defensive backs coach, and the aggressive schemer Greg Manusky as the new defensive coordinator.

Next: Three reasons for and against a Kirk Cousins deal

Can Quinton Dunbar make the ‘Lippett Leap’ in 2017? I’ll answer that with another question. Why not?

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