NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

Washington Redskins: Watch the Cornerbacks in Camp

By Hunter Noll

Jul 28, 2016; Richmond, VA, USA; Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (L) and teammates stretch on the field prior to afternoon practice on day one of training camp at Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 28, 2016; Richmond, VA, USA; Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (L) and teammates stretch on the field prior to afternoon practice on day one of training camp at Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The secondary has long been a weak point of the Washington Redskins defense. That’s why the improved group is one of the most intriguing to watch during camp.

The Washington Redskins secondary had plenty of additions this offseason. They got Duke Ihenacho back from injury, drafted Kendall Fuller and Su’a Cravens, and signed David Bruton Jr. and Josh Norman (via ESPN).

Related Story: Washington Redskins: Jimmy Clausen is a Real Option

Ihenacho and Bruton Jr. will both see plenty of playing-time as safeties, while Cravens will time as a safety and a linebacker. Fuller is fighting to become one of the main cornerbacks, and Norman immediately becomes the top corner on the team.

Norman was arguably the best cornerback in the entire NFL last season, so his immediate impact on the Redskins’ secondary is pretty obvious.

Jul 28, 2016; Richmond, VA, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (1) catches the ball in front of Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) during drills as part of afternoon practice on day one of training camp at Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 28, 2016; Richmond, VA, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (1) catches the ball in front of Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) during drills as part of afternoon practice on day one of training camp at Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

One of the most exciting events to watch during any team’s camp is always the one-on-ones. Talk about a tough assignment for a defensive back. They have to cover a lone receiver with no help. One false move, and the defensive back is going to look really foolish.

That’s what DeSean Jackson tried to do to Bashaud Breeland, make him look foolish. Sadly for him, Breeland showed incredible quickness to recover from a dirty move by Jackson, and broke up the pass.

Now, obviously these camp contests aren’t reason to get ahead of ourselves. There’s still plenty of time between now and the start of the season. Anything could happen. Players could get injured, recover from injury, progress, or regress.

More from NFL Spin Zone

Everyone will have some bad days and some good days, especially early on when they are still getting back into the swing of things. When looking at an entire position like the cornerbacks however, some things will be noted.

How do they perform during these one-on-one drills? How do they perform as a unit in seven-on-sevens and 11-on-11s? Do they have the depth to recover should someone go down with an injury? Finally, where is everyone placed on the depth chart? Yes, Norman and Breeland are the one and two corners respectively, but how does everyone stack up behind them.

More nfl spin zone: Washington Redskins: Why They Can Lead NFL in Sacks

There are plenty of reasons to watch the cornerbacks heading into 2016, and for once, Redskins fans should be watching the a real sense of optimism.

Home/Washington Commanders