Washington Football Team Training Camp Profiles: Cornerback
By Ian Cummings
Ronald Darby
Experience: 6th season
Draft Status: 2015 second-round pick (50th overall)
2019 Stats:11 games, 11 starts, 37 total tackles, one tackle for loss, two interceptions, 11 pass deflections
2020 Outlook: Ronald Darby‘s raw production looks enticing from a distance, but he’s very hot and cold in that area. He did outpace all other Washington defensive backs in terms of plays on the ball last season, but he also allowed over 16 yards per completion, and let by six touchdowns to go with his two interceptions in 2019.
Darby’s elite athleticism — 4.38 40-yard dash, 41.5-inch vertical — allows him to produce on the ball at an exceptional rate, but over the years, injuries have dulled his playmaking ability, and eroded at the consistency of his game. One can hope that a full offseason could help him gain full health in Washington, but Darby has never played a full season. It’s hard to expect him to now.
Expected Role: If Darby is healthy, and if he transitions quickly to Rivera’s scheme, he could challenge for the starting boundary job opposite Fabian Moreau. He has the athleticism and the experience to take on that role, and he’s still only 26 years old. Health is by far the biggest question for Darby. If he can break the trend and stay healthy, it could be a year of career rejuvenation. If not, someone else may take his place before long.
Status: Darby has only played in one game that he did not start over the course of his career. For my money, that won’t change in Week 1 of the 2020 regular season. Darby will most likely begin the season as a starter. Whether he can maintain that position is another story.