The Washington Redskins focused heavily on improving their secondary this off-season. The DB-need couldn’t be understated, since the group of defensive backs ranked 30th against the pass in 2012. One of Washington’s newest additions, E.J. Biggers, brings additional youth and speed to the secondary. Biggers, 25, was a seventh round draft pick in 2009 by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The team was led by head coach Raheem Morris at the time, who now serves as the Redskins’ defensive backs coach. Familiarity with the player was a primary reason for Biggers being on Washington’s radar.
“Man, it feels so good right now to be a part of this team — a part of this community,” Biggers said at last Saturday’s NFL Celebrity Softball Game . “It feels like I’ve been here all five years of my career.”
As quietly as it’s been kept, E.J. Biggers put together a decent season with Tampa Bay in 2012, which was really his first semi-year as a starter. In fact, according to Pro Football Focus his coverage rating was higher than any cornerback in the NFC East last season. Although, while PFF is a great stat site, their coverage ratings can sometimes be a little off — if you’re a film watcher. But given the situation dealt to Biggers, with Aqib Talib being shipped from the Bucs to New England, E.J. did well.
In Washington, E.J. Biggers will compete for a gig in a secondary that is very much a match-up based group of Defensive Backs. Meaning, much like the Redskins used Cedric Griffin last season, Biggers could be utilized in the nickel package to compete against longer receivers. At 185 pounds, Biggers is not big – no pun intended. But he is a lengthy 6 ft corner who can be physical. He has an ability to cover short routes up-hill and was able to force a pair of fumbles last season. He has the speed to cover the back-end, although he was beat a few times with Tampa Bay. Biggers’ in-air ball skills could use some improvement, but has the potential to create turnovers. Consistency will be his main obstacle.
During Organized Team Activities (OTA’s), Biggers has played mostly first team right cornerback with the presumed starter Josh Wilson sidelined. Josh Wilson suffered a labrum tear, but is expected to be ready for training camp.
E.J. Biggers, who is technically in a contract year, has a chance to build on a quality start to his career with the Buccaneers. With Raheem Morris and a defensive scheme that should fit him nicely, Biggers could be a great addition to a secondary that needs a lot of help.
“From the first day I walked in the locker room — this is a great locker room, a great coaching staff – great organization” Biggers said. “I’m happy to be here and I’m going to do anything I can to build on what they did last year.”
