Washington Redskins: Quinton Dunbar on verge of a breakout

Quinton Dunbar is a former undrafted free agent wide receiver, now he’s a starting cornerback for the Washington Redskins.

Quinton Dunbar entered the NFL in 2015 as an undrafted free agent wide receiver from the University of Florida. He possessed good size and speed. However, the Washington Redskins had a solid group of receivers at the time so the team asked him to make the switch to cornerback during training camp.

Despite showing promise, the Redskins released him on the final round of cuts, but signed him to the practice squad one day later. Later that September, Washington signed Dunbar to its active roster and that’s where he’s been ever since.

In the offseason, Dunbar signed a three-year extension with the Redskins. Dunbar’s ascension up the depth chart is a major reason why the team felt compelled to let Bashaud Breeland walk in free agency. There were times in 2017 when Dunbar replaced Breeland in the lineup with no drop off in performance.

With Breeland and slot corner Kendall Fuller both gone, Dunbar becomes even more important for the Redskins in 2018. Washington signed veteran Orlando Scandrick in the offseason with the intention of him replacing Fuller in the slot for the short-term.

Dunbar is expected to start opposite of Josh Norman on the outside and it appears his game is taking another major step forward in training camp this summer.

Dunbar’s game has continued to evolve over the last few seasons. The coaching staff forced him into action his first two years and, predictably, he had his struggles. However, he showed potential. He had a good nose for the football and was surprisingly a good tackler.

As his career has progressed, Dunbar has learned in ins and outs of press coverage. As a younger player, Dunbar would play off the line of scrimmage, now he plays with more confidence and isn’t afraid of jamming smaller guys out of fear they can get around him.

Washington has done a nice job in developing defensive backs. Part of that credit goes to secondary coach Torrian Gray. With two rookies and three second-year guys expected to make the roster as defensive backs this fall, Gray’s tutelage is being counted on more than ever. Fortunately, Quinton Dunbar has graduated and is ready for a much larger role in 2018 and beyond.