Washington Redskins pre-2018 NFL Draft roster analysis
By Ian Cummings
Cornerback
Starters: Josh Norman, Quinton Dunbar
Slot Cornerback: Orlando Scandrick, Joshua Holsey
Reserves: Fabian Moreau
The outlook at cornerback this season is fairly uncertain. It all revolves around two things: The development of Fabian Moreau and Quinton Dunbar, and the acquisition of a slot cornerback to fill the void left by the Kendall Fuller trade.
Josh Norman is the No. 1 cornerback for now. How long that remains the case remains to be seen. But the Washington Redskins have little need to draft his successor, as they have two possible options currently on the roster, and one of those two will be slated to start opposite Norman.
To me, Quinton Dunbar seems to be the very early favorite. He was the one who saw substantial action last year, starting four games in relief of Norman and Bashaud Breeland, while appearing in eleven more. Dunbar performed admirably, logging an interception and eight pass deflections to go along with 24 total tackles. His efforts amounted to a grade of 80.0 on Pro Football Focus, which is considered above average.
Not yet 26 years old, Dunbar, a former receiver, has the traits to be a very exciting option opposite Norman. At 6-foot-2, his combination of size, speed, and length is uncommon for cornerbacks, as it is a more common set of traits for receivers to have. Dunbar uses these traits, along with his inside experience as a former receiver, to be a solid starter in due time. It speaks wonders that his transition has gone this well. It’s only logical to believe that he’ll keep progressing, especially with Torrian Gray as a proven coach at that position.
Still, if Dunbar doesn’t pan out, or the team needs help there, Fabian Moreau is also a player who should not be forgotten. Moreau, last year’s third-round pick, received some first-round hype from analysts ahead of the 2017 NFL Draft. A pectoral injury ultimately pushed him back, but Moreau has the coverage ability and the physicality to be a proficient player on the outside. Neither of the previously mentioned cornerbacks have much potential in the slot, however, and that is where the Washington Redskins will need to look in the draft.
In Rounds 1 through 4, the Washington Redskins should be focused on finding a possible starter in the slot. In Round 1, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Denzel Ward would be perfect options if they slipped, and if not, Jaire Alexander is another player who should garner consideration at No. 13. After that round, players such as Duke Dawson and Tony Brown come to mind. These are players who would specifically excel in the slot at the next level, and they could start right away for the Washington Redskins, while Orlando Scandrick and Joshua Holsey provide depth.
The Washington Redskins have the requisite weapons on the outside at cornerback; their efforts in the NFL Draft should concurrently be focused on the slot. In the early rounds, finding a cornerback who can contribute there is paramount to success (unless they feel very good about Joshua Holsey), and in the later rounds, they will be able to find overall depth at the position.