Jimmy Moreland showing off early at Redskins OTAs

ASHBURN — Jimmy Moreland lined up on the outside on the edge of the end zone when Jay Gruden, again, started yelling at the seventh-round rookie cornerback.

“There’s a mouse in the house,” the Redskins coach shouted, referencing Moreland’s 5-foot-10 frame matched up against 6-foot-4 veteran Brian Quick.

Soon after the ball snapped, quarterback Dwayne Haskins tried to take advantage of the size mismatch — throwing the ball toward the flat. But for the third time that afternoon, Haskins’ throw ended with the same result: an interception.

Moreland picked off Haskins, high-stepping his way 100 yards down the field. His defensive teammates chased after him in celebration — capping off a terrific practice for Moreland, who is quickly making an impression at Washington’s offseason workouts.

Known for ball-hawking ability at James Madison, the 23-year-old has already grabbed four interceptions at OTAs, three on Wednesday and one on May 20. In college, he finished with 18 interceptions in four seasons, six of which were returned for touchdowns.

Moreland isn’t surprised by his early success.

“I expect me to make plays,” Moreland said. “Whatever play comes to me, I’ve got to do my job. It’s not for me (to allow) the receiver to catch the ball and to catch the picks.

“I know I can bring the energy up,” he added later.

After practice, defensive coordinator Greg Manusky told reporters he had “never” seen a player grab three interceptions in one practice. He also had high praise for the rookie, comparing him to former Redskins cornerback Kendall Fuller. Fuller was traded to Kansas City in the Alex Smith trade, though before that, he was the team’s best nickel corner.

Manusky said Moreland understands the game, knowing exactly where he’s supposed to be on the field.

Initially, Gruden joked after the team’s first session that he expected Moreland to do well because the Redskins aren’t allowed to have contact in this portion of the offseason. “I told him this is his type of day,” Gruden said with a laugh.

Gruden said Wednesday he was impressed.

“He has made his presence felt, without a doubt,” Gruden said. “He has a great idea of route concepts and breaking on the ball, obviously the ball skills. When the balls in the air, certain guys can bat them down, but not necessarily catch it. He has some great ball skills and can catch it.”

At rookie minicamp, Moreland called himself a “pick machine,” but he wasn’t always that.

In high school, Moreland also played quarterback and wide receiver. He switched full-time to cornerback his freshman year of college.

That, however, isn’t uncommon for players. Redskins cornerbacks Quinton Dunbar and Fabian Moreau also have an offensive background, as Dunbar played receiver at Florida and Moreau committed to UCLA initially as a running back.

But the switch was for the better. Moreland has the ability to be in the right place at the right time. After cornerback Deion Harris tipped Haskins’ pass in a team drill on Wednesday, Moreland grabbed the ball on the way down. Moreland also yanked a pass from a receiver for his first interception.

“He’s a fun guy to watch,” Gruden said. “He’s always around the ball, excellent ball skills, that’s what drew us to him and he’s proven to be quite the athlete.” “He’s picked up the system very well.”