Redskins Roster Projection: Team loads up in the trenches

ORCHARD PARK, NY - NOVEMBER 03: Chase Roullier #73 of the Washington football team waits to snap the ball against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on November 3, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo beats Washington 24 to 9. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - NOVEMBER 03: Chase Roullier #73 of the Washington football team waits to snap the ball against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on November 3, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo beats Washington 24 to 9. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /
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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 08: Jimmy Moreland #32 of the Washington Redskins reacts in the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 08, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 08: Jimmy Moreland #32 of the Washington Redskins reacts in the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 08, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Cornerback (5)

Kendall Fuller, Ronald Darby, Fabian Moreau, Jimmy Moreland, Aaron Colvin

I originally had six corners on this roster projection but decided to cut the number back to five. The reasoning for that is related to Ron Rivera.

Throughout Rivera’s time with the Carolina Panthers, Rivera tended to carry fewer corners on the roster than the average NFL team. At any given time, Rivera tended to have four or five cornerbacks available as opposed to the usual six. That’s not a massive difference, but given the value of cornerbacks at the NFL as well as the Panthers’ proclivity for having strong defenses, it’s surprising nonetheless.

The first four corners listed here seem highly likely to make the 53-man roster, barring injuries. Fuller will man the slot and serve as a versatile piece in the secondary while Darby, Moreau, and Moreland will jockey for position as the outside cornerback options.

The fifth corner spot is a bit harder to figure. Greg Stroman and Danny Johnson could make the leap as they enter their third seasons, but they also struggled with injuries last season. For now, I think that Rivera and Del Rio will lean on veteran Aaron Colvin who re-signed with the team late in the offseason.

Colvin was once one of the league’s top slot corners but faltered after signing a four-year, $34 million deal with the Houston Texans. He served as a depth player after being claimed off waivers by the Redskins and should have a chance to serve as a versatile backup. Given the lack of proven experience in the Redskins’ secondary, I think Rivera will retain the veteran while trying to stash the young guys with upside on the practice squad.