Re: Burner's Burning Questions: Free Agency, Mocks, Camps, OTAs, Roster Predictions,
Burner's Burning Questions: Free Agency, Mocks, Camps, OTAs, Roster Predictions, 2019
Greetings from BBQ to everyone here at BGO. We hope you are having a good weekend. Hello to everyone on social media. We'd love to have you as a member here and become part of the family.
OTAs, mini-camp, rookie camp, and the draft have passed into the history books. Training camp will be here on Thursday and the first preseason game is less than three weeks away. We'll continue to cover it all and give everyone at BGO the best coverage possible.
BBQ continues our off-season evaluations and today we will take a look at the cornerbacks. Feel free to scroll back in this off-season blog and see what we have said about free agency, the draft, and take a look at what your fellow Redskins fans think of the team transactions over the last several months. BBQ will conclude the evaluations next week. Feel free to offer your own analysis as we go along.
- Days until Training Camp: 5
- Days until the first preseason game: 19
- Days until the Regular Season Opener (Eagles): 50
- Days until the Cowboys game: 57
- Days until the Giants game: 71
Let's get right to it!
Cornerbacks:
Josh Norman
The criticism of Josh Norman is valid, but only to a certain point. Has he lived up to the massive contract given to him a few years ago? Obviously not, but he is still the best corner on the team at this moment and still plays at a good level. Norman is entering what is likely his final year in Washington – the contract makes it possible for the team to change directions next year. This could motivate him to play at a higher level in 2019 if he wants to receive one final, lucrative contract.
Quinton Dunbar, Fabian Moreau
Why do we list Dunbar and Moreau together? It's simple. The two of them will probably be in a tight battle to start opposite from Josh Norman. The “loser†is obviously the slot corner. BBQ gives a slight edge to Moreau and we think he will have a breakout season. Dunbar is coming back from an injury and this could slow him down just a bit. This will be a key battle to watch in training camp and the preseason.
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie's best days are behind him, but he can still play at a high level. His role will be two-fold. First, he will definitely receive playing time, especially on passing downs. Second, he will serve as a mentor to the predominantly young secondary. Some fans and media may question his commitment and that is a valid concern. If he stays the course, then DRC will have a positive impact. One other item of note: It would not be a surprise to see him playing free safety at times in camp and the preseason.
Greg Stroman, Danny Johnson, Adonis Alexander
Someone in this threesome is unlikely to be on the opening day roster. Who is the unfortunate one? Stroman has good special teams abilities and that gives him an edge. Alexander can also play safety and that gives him an edge. Johnson was on the opening day roster last year and saw plenty of playing time. That gives him an edge. This will be an intense battle, but one will fall short. Keep a sharp eye on these three players over the next few weeks.
Jimmy Moreland
Moreland is already a fan favorite and could boost his popularity in the coming weeks. Will that translate to a place on the roster? BBQ believes that he will not only make the team, but could see plenty of playing time in 2019 – especially on special teams. Moreland has a knack for making impactful plays and is a tenacious defender.
Others
Deion Harris, Ashton Lampkin, and Jeremy Reaves have little to no chance of making the roster of fifty-three. Harris is a player who could find a place on the practice squad.
There is our latest look at roster position evaluations for this off-season. We will feature the safeties and special teams next week as we wrap up the summer evaluations.