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Jimmy Moreland could be the ball hawk the Redskins secondary is missing.

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2019 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Redskins

By Dale Beck
James Madison v North Carolina Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images

Jimmy Moreland, CB
School: James Madison | Conference: CAA
College Experience: RS Senior | Age: N/A
Height / Weight: 5-10 / 175lbs
Projected Draft Status: 4th - 6th round
NFL Comparison: Kendall Fuller

College Statistics

Data courtesy JMUsports.com

Player Overview

Jimmy Moreland was a standout for JMU as a freshman. He started at corner in 12 of 13 games recording 3 interceptions, returning 2 of them for touchdowns, but also was a standout on special teams where he recorded 5 blocked kicks. However in March 2015 after his freshman season, Moreland and two other teammates were charged with petty larceny of less than $200 not from a person from an incident that February. Then coach Everett Williams dismissed Moreland from the team later that June. Moreland spent the 2015 season watching from the stands and working out on his own in hopes of earning his way back on to the roster. When new coach Mike Houston was hired in January of 2016, he gave Moreland an opportunity to rejoin the team for spring practice. Moreland seized his opportunity and went on to shine for the Dukes.

Jimmy MF Moreland finished his RS-Senior season as a consensus first team All-American and a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award for the top defensive player in the FCS. He finished tied for ninth in the league with 5 interceptions, but 1st in the league in interceptions returned for a TD with 3 (all 3 coming in consecutive games). He is JMU’s all-time leader in interceptions (18) and interceptions returned for a TD (6), only 1 shy of the FCS all-time record. He participated in the East-West Shrine Game and was one of the standouts during the week of practice. He measured in smaller than his listed height, coming in at 5’9 ¾”, but showed off his athleticism and ball skills. He impressed enough to earn an invite to the Senior Bowl, the first JMU player to do so. He is quickly climbing draft boards as more eyes are getting on this FCS product.

Strengths

  • Twitchy. This is a word you will see used a lot with Moreland. He’s got quick feet and good hip movement allowing him to stay with receivers and recover quickly.
  • Ball skills. He obviously has the stats, being JMU’s all-time leader in interceptions, but watching film, you can see it’s his ability to get his head and hips around and find the football that makes him such a ball hawk.
  • Aggressiveness. His aggression helps make up for his size. It also helps in the run game. Despite being under 180 lbs, he has no problem sticking his nose in to make a tackle.
  • Special teams skills. Has shown an ability to block kicks and could be a factor in the return game. Returned a missed FG at the Shrine Game for 61 yards.

Weaknesses

  • Speed. Got beat a few times in flat out foot races. Testing at the combine/pro day will be big for his draft position.
  • Size. Measured in at the Shrine Game at 5’9 ¾” 179 lbs.
  • Aggressiveness. While his aggression is a strength, it can also be a weakness. He can get caught on double moves or biting too quick on a break.
  • Competition level. As is the knock with most FCS or below players.

Media

Highlights

East-West Shrine

2017 FCS Semifinals vs. South Dakota St.

How He’d Fit on the Redskins

It’s no secret that the Redskins secondary needs some help. They played 3 different rookies at corner last season and could (read should) part ways with disappointment Josh Norman, saving $8.5M of cap space. That leaves them with Fabian Moreau, Quinton Dunbar, and the 3 previously mentioned rookies. Those players only accounted for 4 of the Redskins 15 interceptions last season. Moreland could be the ball hawk the Redskins need. His aggressiveness combined with his lack of top end speed means he will get beat deep occasionally, but that same aggressiveness will lead to support in the run game and turnovers. Washington has bigger needs elsewhere, including the back-end of the secondary, so they will most likely wait on a corner unless the right one falls in their lap. So Moreland may be climbing too high on draft boards for them to snag him, but if he’s available on day 3, the Redskins could pick up one of the biggest sleepers in the draft.

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