Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Quinton Dunbar the next Richard Sherman?

Seattle just sent a 2020 5th round pick to Washington for CB Quinton Dunbar. For those that didn't pay attention to the terrible Redskins last season I don't blame you for not knowing this guy's name yet. However you may want to get acquainted with his name if you are a fan of an NFC team. I believe he might be the next shut down cornerback for the Seahawks. 

The 6'2 202 lb cornerback actually came into the NFL as an undrafted free agent wide receiver, and special teams player. He was facing a four man competition for a roster spot with the team right out of the gate in 2015. On August 7th, 2015 after several injuries to their secondary and watching Dunbar jam gunners on special teams week after week they decided to move Dunbar to cornerback. After originally being waived during final cuts he was immediately resigned to the practice squad. He would spend just a few weeks there before being promoted to the active roster. He went on to play in 11 games logged 13 tackles, 5 passes defended, and 1 int. Proving he had potential at the position after making the move just a couple months before. 

In year two he played in 14 games, logging twice as many tackles, 1 sack, and identical pass break up and int numbers. He also managed 1 reception for 31 yards, but also had a muffed return attempt. In year three he again proved he belonged at CB, 15 games, 35 tackles, 8 pass breakups, 1 int. Year four, another step forward at the position prior to a nerve issue. In 7 games he had 39 tackles, 9 pass breakups, and 2 ints. I believe he began to really feel comfortable and put it all together in 2018, and while some view the injury as an issue it sounds as though it was a freak situation that isn't something he could control. But it may have actually paid off, because in 2019 Dunbar came back and dominated in route to a #2 CB ranking by PFF. He played 11 games 37 tackles, 8 pass breakups, and 4 ints. This guy has the physical attributes to be a real lockdown corner with 4.44 speed, long arms, a physical style of play and a chip on his shoulder from being undrafted. Dunbar might just go on to be the next Richard Sherman for Seattle. 

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