Kevin

Barnes

Barnes was a bust as Washington’s nickel corner last season, but did notch two interceptions in 15 games. He could be in the mix to start opposite LCB Chris Houston after neither rookie Bill Bentley nor veteran Jacob Lacey took the right cornerback job and ran with it this summer. A third-round pick in 2009, Barnes is still a month shy of his 26th birthday.

Showing the capability of playing both positions could help Barnes’ chances after he failed miserably as a slot corner last season. A third-round pick in 2009, Barnes is receiving two-thirds of his practice reps at cornerback and the other third at safety. DeAngelo Hall anticipates covering the slot this season.

The Lions gave Barnes 14 defensive snaps before bailing on him. They had dealt undisclosed future compensation to the Redskins in exchange for him late last month. Murphy lasted just two weeks with his old coach, Steve Spagnuolo, in New Orleans.

It looks like a severe injury. Wilson was down for a few minutes after trying to tackle Beanie Wells but refused to get on a cart. He’s been replaced by Kevin Barnes.

A former third-round pick finally getting playing time in his third season, Barnes has held his own with eight tackles and a pick through four games. He’s been covering the slot on all nickel downs, allowing LCB DeAngelo Hall and RCB Josh Wilson to stay outside. Permitting just a 9.0 YPC and a 50-percent completion rate so far, Barnes is a better option than Buchanon at this point.

They signed DB Akeem Auguste, NT Nic Jean-Baptiste, LB Ausar Walcott, DB Abdul Kanneh, and P T.J. Conley after rookie minicamp. Barnes was a third-round pick of the Redskins in 2009. His tenure in the NFL is nearing its end.

Barnes, 26, appeared in two games with Detroit last season after being acquired in a preseason trade from Washington. He didn’t make the statsheet. Barnes has experience at safety, outside corner, and slot cornerback, but he’s been a bust since the Redskins selected Barnes 80th overall in the 2009 draft.

Barnes impressed with his ball skills during OTAs, leading the defensive backs in interceptions. Smoot fell all the way to fourth on the depth chart last season but moved up after the release of Shawn Springs.

Barnes projects as a nickel corner who needs to beef up a little to play press coverage in the pros. He has good ball skills, which the Redskins value highly. He could eventually start if Carlos Rogers and Fred Smoot move on, but won’t have a huge role as a rookie.

Barnes, a physical corner with ideal size and speed from Maryland, will push Fred Smoot for playing time at nickel back. Smoot is coming off a poor year and may be a cap casualty by 2010 if Barnes proves that he’s NFL ready.