Washington Football Team’s Jimmy Moreland hyped up by Ron Rivera
By Ian Cummings
The people’s cornerback didn’t take the world by storm as some expected in 2019, but in 2020, the hype is building for Washington Football Team defender Jimmy Moreland, and count Ron Rivera as the next to back him up.
When the Washington Football Team selected Jimmy Moreland in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL Draft, there was general optimism surrounding the move. After all, Moreland had concluded his career at James Madison University as one of the FCS’ most productive cornerbacks of all-time, packing 18 interceptions and 63 pass deflections into a four-year tenure.
Moreland predictably exceeded the expected production of a seventh-round pick, but at the same time, he didn’t seize control of a starting job as some expected him to do, in light of the team’s uncertain cornerback situation. Moreland played in 14 games in his rookie season, starting five, and deflected four passes while allowing an opposing passer rating of 95.2.
Now, heading into Year 2, Moreland is behind three cornerbacks on paper: Kendall Fuller, Ronald Darby, and Fabian Moreau. But despite this, Moreland has been working with the starters consistently in training camp, as the team’s nickel cornerback. And he’s received very positive reviews from head coach Ron Rivera.
“There’s something about Jimmy,” Rivera said at his press conference today, per Washington Football Team reporter Logan Campbell. “He has a knack for being around the ball. He’s been fun to watch.”
This isn’t the first time Moreland has received praise this offseason. Earlier in the year, starting strong safety Landon Collins made a prediction that 2020 would be a breakout year for Moreland. The difference this time around, however, is that Moreland’s praise can now be associated with his performance in training camp.
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Moreland has impressed in the slot, and he’s been with the starting unit just about every day of training camp. Today, when both Kendall Fuller and Fabian Moreau were out to rest, Moreland shifted to the outside, where his quickness translated. Rivera has cited Moreland’s confidence as one reason he’s so exciting to watch, and with his athleticism, Moreland could finally take on an increased role.