Washington Redskins: 5 players who must improve in 2018

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 23: Redskins WR Josh Doctson (18) steps up to the line before a play in the first half during the game between the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles on October 23, 2017 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2 of 5

Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.- Getty Images

4. Orlando Scandrick

Due at least in part to injuries, Scandrick’s level of play dropped off over his last few years with the Dallas Cowboys. So much so that they cut him to get a bit of cap relief, despite needing all the veteran help they can they can get in secondary.

Scandrick landed with the Redskins on a two-year deal, and he’ll take over primary slot corner duties from Kendall Fuller, who was traded to the Chiefs as part of the deal for Alex Smith. Scandrick was ranked No. 105 out of 121 qualified corners by Pro Football Focus last year, while Fuller was ranked No. 5 with a second-best among slot corners 0.74 yards allowed per coverage snap. Anyone this side of Chris Harris Jr. would be a downgrade over Fuller as Washington’s slot corner, but there’s a particularly large gap between he and Scandrick based on 2017.

Scandrick’s possible desire to play against the Cowboys, and the Redskins’ major need at corner, led to the marriage. Now the 31-year old has to reverse his recent decline, and be something close to starting caliber for a Washington pass defense that was actually solid last year.

Home/Washington Commanders