Position Group Breakdown 2022: Cornerbacks
June 24, 2022
by Alex Zeese
Very little is expected to change in Washington’s cornerback room between last season and this season. The team has only moved on from one player, backup Torry McTyer, who only appeared in 4 games for Washington last season with 1 tackle in those appearances. It’s very likely that the depth chart for 2022 will be the exact same as last year. Given that the team finished with the 4th most passing yards allowed last year, no change may not be a good thing.
The three starters
The Commanders only have 2 real linebackers on their roster, and spent less than 10% of last year playing a base 4-3 look. Odds are that their top 3 cornerbacks will spend a bulk of their time on the field in 2022.
Kendall Fuller, the most senior of the three corners on the roster is likely to continue to work as the 2nd outside cornerback. Fuller was drafted out of Virginia Tech in the 2016 class by Washington. Fuller played fairly well last season, totaling 77 tackles an interception and a sack, in 16 games last season. However, the question still remains if he can ever take the next step in his development. At 27 he’s right at that stage in his career where it may be possible, but remains to be seen if it will happen. Last year Fuller allowed a quarterback rating of 95.9.
William Jackson III was signed by Washington last year to be the number one cornerback, but it was clear that he struggled with a more zone heavy scheme than he was used to a year prior. Last season, the team gave up several really big passing plays, and oftentimes they looked to be miscommunications between Jackson and the Safeties. Last year Jackson allowed a QB rating of 100.4
Benjamin St-Juste come with some expectations for big cornerback to step up his game this season. There has been a lot of talk from the coaching staff and beat writers about St-Juste moving into the buffalo nickel role that Landon Collins had last year. While I don’t think any of us expect him to play the same linebacker/safety style of Collins, his height and better coverage ability could be a nice advantage when matched up against tight ends. Last year St-Juste allowed a QB rating of 112.9.
The probable backups
Danny Johnson has carved out a nice little career for himself in the 4 seasons he’s been in D.C. Initially coming onto the team as an undrafted rookie. Johnson has been a special teams player and backup kick returner, averaging 22.5 yards per return in 38 attempts.
Corn Elder followed the coaching staff to DC from Carolina a year ago. He played in 5 games last season all on special teams, first showing up in week 6.
New faces
Washington didn’t bring in any free agents to the roster this off season but they have added a few rookies. Christian Holmes was drafted with the 240th pick last year. The former Missouri Tiger and Oklahoma State player had 3 interceptions and 103 tackles in in college career. Josh Drayden was undrafted after 6 years at Cal, and Nijuel Hill comes in as an undrafted prospect from Delaware.