Positional review: defensive backs

The strong safety is playing faster and making more plays than last summer; he intercepted a pass Wednesday. There’s a reason. His back is healthy, something it hasn’t been for 18 months.

 ‘’Last year it was a mental push for me to go through camp in a lot of pain,’’ he said. ‘’Now it’s, What is the offense doing? What am I supposed to be doing? I’m focused on making plays.’’

Doughty, who underwent back surgery last October, missed the final 12 games of 2008. He might not unseat Chris Horton, but he has more than reminded everyone of his capabilities.

Kevin Barnes

6-foot-1, 188 pounds

The Redskins’ third-round pick is retraining his eyes, learning when he can, and can’t, look at the quarterback.

‘’Sneak a peak here and you can get beat,’’ he said.

Especially in man coverage. In zone, his eyes will be on the quarterback at times. It sounds simple, but it’s about breaking bad habits.

‘’If you look at the QB too much, the receivers will do something you don’t expect,’’ he said. ‘’And not only are the receivers fast, the quarterbacks can throw that pinpoint pass. In college it’s very seldom the quarterback can put the ball on the money like that.’’

Justin Tryon

5-foot-9, 183 pounds

The 2008 fourth-round pick struggled as a rookie. But his speed kept him around. This summer, Tryon has played much better.

He’s broken up numerous passes in full-team and nine-on-nine drills. He’s been more disciplined in zone coverage. He’s probably outplayed Barnes for the No. 4 cornerback job. But let’s not go overboard; the real test for him will come during preseason games.