As Josh Norman settled in with the Washington Redskins during organized team activities, the cornerback enjoyed his battles against wide receiver DeSean Jackson.
Norman’s only disappointment was that there weren’t more of them. Jackson joined the Redskins in the third week of the voluntary workouts, but missed the final practice.
“I look forward to seeing more of that, but he wasn’t here. I was like dang, this guy. I called him up, he didn’t answer my phone call,” Norman said jokingly after the last practice. “But it’s cool, though. I mean, we’re not pressing that. To each his own.”
There should be plenty more of these matchups once the Redskins begin training camp on Thursday in Richmond and it will be fun watching Norman and his competitive nature.
The addition of Norman in the offseason greatly boosts the Redskins’ secondary. With Norman and Bashaud Breeland at the top of the depth chart, seven other cornerbacks will be fighting for three or four roster spots, depending how many the Redskins decide to keep.
Cornerbacks
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Roster locks: Norman, Breeland
Likely: Kendall Fuller, Quinton Dunbar, Dashaun Phillips
On the bubble: Greg Toler, Mariel Cooper, Lloyd Carrington, Jeremy Harris
What to expect: One of the better position developments to watch in training camp will be at nickel cornerback. The Redskins drafted Fuller, who played just three games in his final season at Virginia Tech after needing microfracture surgery on his right knee, in the third round. Prior to the injury, Fuller was projected as a first-round talent and the Redskins hope he can return to that level of play. Washington was cautious with Fuller during the first week of rookie minicamp but increased his workload during organized team activities.
During OTAs, Phillips played with Norman and Breeland as the nickel corner. After beginning 2015 on the practice squad, Phillips joined the active roster after former Redskins cornerback Chris Culliver tore his right ACL and MCL. The 25-year-old played mostly on special teams, but the Redskins are impressed with the progress he’s made entering his second season.
Dunbar made the transition from wide receiver to cornerback last year and played in 11 games — with his breakout coming with his interception against the New York Giants in Week 12. He made the transition more quickly than the team expected and should only improve with a full offseason under his belt. At 6-foot-2, Dunbar’s length is a strong asset. His only experience is playing the outside cornerback position, but it’s expected the Redskins will find a way to get him on the field.
SEE ALSO: Position breakdown: Chris Baker leads Redskins’ defensive line
The Redskins signed veteran Greg Toler to a one-year deal in the offseason. He missed six games last year with the Indianapolis Colts because of neck and knee injuries.
• Anthony Gulizia can be reached at agulizia@washingtontimes.com.
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