Redskins: Senior Bowl prospects to watch at positions of need
By Ian Cummings
Defensive Back
Both cornerback and safety are needs for the Redskins, who might only return Quinton Dunbar and Landon Collins in their starting lineup. The Senior Bowl batch of defensive backs is a bit unproven, in terms of starting talent, but there is undeniable upside present. Here are some of the most exciting prospects.
Senior Bowl Defensive Backs to Watch
North Team
Notre Dame CB Troy Pride Jr: Troy Pride got off to a strong start at the Senior Bowl, standing out in an otherwise inconsistent cornerback group. He has the athletic traits to set a foundation for himself; he’s 5-foot-11, 193, with explosive speed and closing acceleration. Pride can stand to bulk up a bit more, and his lacking length prevents him from being physical at the line. But Pride’s mobility traits provide him with a high floor in coverage, and in the middle rounds, he’d present very good value.
Wake Forest CB Essang Bassey: The Redskins could use another cornerback who projects well in the slot, as their starting situation is up in the air at that position. Wake Forest’s Essang Bassey is a player who could fit into that hole nicely. Bassey is a bit undersized at around 5-foot-10, 191, but he has very good ball skills, evidenced by 45 pass deflections and five interceptions over four seasons. He too must bulk up to become a more complete player, but his ability to generate momentum-shifting plays is very enticing.
Nebraska CB Lamar Jackson: No, not that Lamar Jackson. This Lamar Jackson is a cornerback, although he is similar to the Ravens’ likely MVP candidate, in that he has all the necessary physical tools to succeed. The younger Jackson is 6-foot-2, 206, with an all-encompassing 78-inch wingspan, and he also offers great speed for his proportionate length. Jackson is raw, as a few rough reps early on in Senior Bowl practices have shown, but if he can be united with a coach who can develop his traits, he has legitimate starting upside on the boundary.
Southern Illinois S Jeremy Chinn: The Redskins have an outstanding need at free safety, assuming Ron Rivera decides not to give Montae Nicholson a second-second chance in 2020. Jeremy Chinn is an excellent fit at that position, as he has a rare 6-foot-3, 220-pound frame, and offers effective closing speed and range to go with it. Chinn’s ball production with the Salukis only accentuates his game-changing potential. If he can prove he belongs against FBS competition, look for him to get Day 2 consideration.
South Team
Oklahoma State CB A.J. Green: No, not that A.J. Green. This A.J. Green is a cover man, specifically designed to defeat his veteran mirror and arch-nemesis. Okay, the storyline isn’t that dramatic. But Green’s amalgamation of traits is. Green has very solid length at 6-foot-1, 190, and he offers tantalizing lateral burst and foot quickness. Green needs to work on being more consistent, but he has the physical traits to mold, and the moxie that all boundary cornerbacks need to stay on edge.
Pittsburgh CB Dane Jackson: Jackson was one of the unequivocal winners on Day 1 of Senior Bowl practice. He’s been a bit buried by the depth of the cornerback class thus far, but he has a promising profile which could provide good value in the middle of the draft. Jackson is 5-foot-11, 180, with decent length. Where he truly makes his money is with his athletic traits. Laterally, he’s very agile, with fluid hips and good balance, and his movement allows him to capitalize on passes with his excellent ball skills. If he can maintain his play through Senior Bowl week, he can be a quick riser.
Lenoir-Rhyne DB Kyle Dugger: Here’s another FCS prospect for you to know. Lenoir-Rhyne’s Kyle Dugger made enough waves in his Division II career to earn a Senior Bowl invitation. As P.J. Green wrote for Pro Football Network back in September, Dugger has the size and versatility to be a safety-linebacker hybrid, and with his upside, he’s sure to go early on Day 3, at the very least.