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Redskins have added speed this offseason; will it help?

By Marc Lande

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 10: Sean Davis #28 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field on December 10, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 10: Sean Davis #28 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field on December 10, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 24: Quinton Dunbar #23 of the Washington Redskins reacts after a play against the Detroit Lions during the second half at FedExField on November 24, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 24: Quinton Dunbar #23 of the Washington Redskins reacts after a play against the Detroit Lions during the second half at FedExField on November 24, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Cornerbacks

The brain trust is open for competition at this position. I think you might see Jimmy Moreland in the opening day lineup if healthy, but the only cornerback you can pencil in to start for the Redskins at the cornerback position is Kendall Fuller. The No. 1 and No. 2 spots are now left open to competition. May the fastest defensive back win?

Quinton Dunbar posted a 40-yard dash time of 4.44 at the 2015 NFL Combine. There were so many defensive breakdowns this past season that the Redskins’ No. 1 corner will not be sorely missed.

Josh Norman posted a 4.61 40 and this past season, it showed. He was unable to keep up with most No. 1 receivers and eventually benched and as he entered the downside of his career.

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As for what the Redskins have, Fuller’s 4.48 is slightly slower than Dunbar’s. Slightly slower, yet not to be relied upon to be a No. 1 cornerback as he’s likely to play in the slot. The brain trust virtually brought in and shipped out players with relatively the same speed.

Ronald Darby is coming off an ACL tear in 2018. Darby pre-injury posted a 4.38. and was considered a highly athletic speedster. Unfortunately, his first season post-injury looked more “Redskins Deion Sanders” than a No. 1 shut down cornerback.

The good news for the Redskins is that ACL tears can take time to come back from. Entering year two from his recovery, Darby could become a Comeback Player of the Year candidate if things go really well for him.

More often than not, skill players never get back to the same level. So, to expect Darby to be blazing down the field is highly suspect. Hopefully, he will recover and at least become an above-average option for Riveria.

Jimmy Moreland and Fabian Moreau are both blazing. Moreland posted a 4.44 at his pro day. Moreau, in a make or break season, posted a 4.35.

Will either put it together this season and crack the starting lineup? They should be given ample opportunities this summer.

A Fuller, Moreland and Moreau cornerback squad will be a speed upgrade of Norman, Dunbar and Moreland. But will that equate to better production?

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