Washington Redskins: Can Joshua Holsey step in and start at slot corner?

Washington Redskins’ seventh-rounder Joshua Holsey generated some buzz as a slot cornerback in camp last year. Could the second-year pro make a leap similar to Kendall Fuller’s in 2018?

With Kendall Fuller heading to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Washington Redskins’ trade for Alex Smith, the team will be looking for a new solution at the slot cornerback position. With any luck, that solution is already on the roster.

Joshua Holsey was pegged as a steal early in the offseason last year, and he made waves in training camp. He showed off his athleticism and natural talent on a daily basis, and while his size was underwhelming, he didn’t play like it. Per Steven Czarda of the Redskins official website, Holsey demanded the attention of coaches with his play in the offseason.

"Holsey made some noise early in camp as he logged two interceptions on the second day of practices.The first came on a deep pass attempt from Nate Sudfeld in the first set of 11-on-11 drills, as Holsey jumped up to intercept a pass that was heavily covered by the defense.Then later in the afternoon, Holsey made perhaps the play of the day when he dove down to pick off a Colt McCoypass. Holsey tracked the ball from the get-go then showed off his athleticism to make the grab."

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Per that same article, Holsey made a habit out of picking the brain of the most experienced defensive back on the Washington Redskins’ roster: DeAngelo Hall. Having ample experience at both cornerback and safety, DeAngelo Hall’s presence had a positive impact on Holsey’s rookie season. Even though Holsey failed to carve out a role for himself during the regular season, he still gained valuable knowledge, an asset that he can carry into his second season.

With Kendall Fuller gone, a job opening has revealed itself to Holsey, and it would be out of the seventh-rounder’s character to hesitate capitalizing on that opportunity. Holsey has traits that suit the slot cornerback position well. He’s a bit undersized, but he’s quick, twitchy, and physical, mirroring some of the same traits that Fuller exemplified in his breakout season.

With a full offseason of work, could Holsey emerge as the best choice for the Washington Redskins at the slot cornerback position? One has to assume that his promising start was more than a simple flash in the pan. Right now, Holsey has the most experience at nickel cornerback out of all the Redskins’ remaining cornerbacks. That head start could be the difference when the time to make a decision comes around.

Next: NFL Mock Draft 4.0: Who's available at No. 13?

If Holsey emerges as the next starter at the nickel cornerback position, then it only reinforces the fact that the Washington Redskins are in serious need of depth at the cornerback position. Who might be available at the No. 13 pick? Take a look by clicking the link to our NFL Mock Draft 4.0 above!

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