The Redskins’ young cornerbacks have loads of potential. But until they prove themselves with increased reps, that’s all they’ll have. Potential.
That said, this potential is promising, and it goes from top to bottom on the Washington Redskins depth chart. Quinton Dunbar and Fabian Moreau both possess rare sets of physical traits. Joshua Holsey is known to be a feisty competitor, and if he can develop, he can be a stout defensive player.
Even the rookies, Greg Stroman, Danny Johnson, and Ranthony Texada, show promise. Stroman was one of the stickiest cornerbacks in college football last year. Johnson’s ball production at the FCS level speaks for itself. And Texada’s prowess against a number of high-flying offenses in the Big Twelve speaks volumes for his natural talent.
All these players have potential in the NFL. But having that potential and capitalizing on it are two different things. Plenty of players produce at the collegiate level, or in spot starts in the NFL, and fail to amount to their potential when faced with a full workload. Few of the Redskins’ young cornerbacks behind Josh Norman have experienced this kind of workload.
And that’s what makes Orlando Scandrick so valuable.
At 31 years old, Scandrick is the oldest cornerback in the Redskins’ locker room. He’s been in the NFL for ten years, all of which he spent with the Redskins’ division rivals, the Dallas Cowboys. He didn’t become a full-time starter until 2013, but when he did, he held onto the role until 2017.
Scandrick is past his prime, which wasn’t particularly bountiful in the first place. But Scandrick’s value doesn’t come from play alone. In such an unproven position group as the Redskins’ secondary, Scandrick is a welcome change of pace. He’s never made a Pro Bowl. But he’s stuck around in a competitive league.
Scandrick knows what rookies and up-and-coming players don’t. That experience, knowledge, and leadership will help immensely. Torrian Gray is the position coach, and he’s done an amazing job in his time with the Redskins. But he’s not in the locker room. Scandrick is.
Next: Analyzing the Redskins' cornerback position group
The Scandrick signing was met by some backlash earlier in the offseason, but as the cornerback position begins to take shape, it’s easy to see why the Redskins valued Scandrick’s experience. For younger players with better physical traits, Scandrick’s experience and his contagious mentality could be the final piece to a successful puzzle.