The Falcons have been busy over the first few weeks of the 2021 NFL league year. Atlanta has been clearing cap space in creative ways, including restructures and negotiating pay cuts with several players who were expected to be cut. With that newfound cap space, the team was able to sign several affordable veteran free agents to help fill out the numerous holes on the roster.
Now that we have actual free agent signings to discuss, I’ll be conducting a new video series evaluating the film of some of the most potentially impactful veteran additions. Earlier this week, I broke down the tape of former Panthers RB Mike Davis. Today, I turn my attention to the defense with former Washington CB Fabian Moreau.
Moreau, a third-round pick of Washington in the 2017 NFL Draft, didn’t make an immediate impact and eventually got lost in the shuffle. He’s spent time both on the outside and in the slot, and is a very impressive athlete. I took a deep dive into Moreau’s film—he played less than 200 snaps in 2020, so I had to go back to 2019 as well—to determine if he could have untapped potential in Dean Pees’ defense.
I promise this content actually makes sense to watch in video format—it is a live film review—and I encourage you to watch on YouTube. However, here’s a quick summary of my thoughts on Moreau from the film:
CB Fabian Moreau
Strengths
- High-end long speed, capable of matching up and covering downfield routes
- Explosive athlete, can close on routes in a hurry
- Natural ballhawking instincts and soft hands
- Strong at the catch point due to physicality and impressive jumps
- Big bodied cornerback (6’0, 200) who is a plus player in run support
Weaknesses
- Change-of-direction ability is only average, can be vulnerable against quick-footed slot receivers and double moves
- Has struggled in the slot and is much more comfortable playing the outside and using the sideline to his advantage
- Likes to keep his eyes on the quarterback and aggressively attack routes, which leads to mistakes and blown coverages when wrong
- Length for the outside is merely average—could struggle against elite size
Overall, I think Moreau has potential CB2 upside if he’s utilized properly and put in a position to succeed. He needs to play on the outside, where he can use his long speed to take away vertical routes. If he’s put up against advanced route technicians or in the slot against quick-footed receivers, he could struggle. However, his run support, physicality, and high-end athleticism coupled with his strong ball skills and instincts are a combination that should allow him to find more success in the NFL.
I hope you enjoy our new free agent film review series! If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for future content, feel free to leave them below.