Josh Norman isn't Patrick Peterson. He doesn't have that kind of overall talent or man-coverage ability. And I hope the Washington Redskins realize that, because if deployed correctly, Norman can be an immediate upgrade for a defense that needs more speed and playmakers.
In talking with coaches around the league, they were impressed with the closing speed, physicality and ball skills he showed for the Carolina Panthers last season. Norman finishes plays and has the size (6-foot, 195 pounds) to match up outside of the numbers.
The player comps I heard? Think of Nnamdi Asomugha or Asante Samuel. Those are guys who played with a high-risk, high-reward mentality.
"He's a good player, not great. Only four picks this year and seven for his career. Great in that scheme," an NFL defensive backs coach said. "I like his competitiveness and toughness, but his great picks are one inch from disaster."
So how will Norman transition from a zone-heavy defense that rarely asked him to be a lock-down, press cornerback?