

Redskins cornerback Kyshoen Jarrett, left, faces another challenge this week. (Matt Hazlett/Getty Images)

Rookie safety Kyshoen Jarrett has turned into a pleasant surprise for the Washington Redskins because of his versatility and ability to learn and process information quickly. With the secondary riddled by injuries this season, the sixth-round pick has stepped in at nickelback and hasn’t missed a beat.

The 5-foot-10, 200-pound Virginia Tech product has recorded 19 tackles and a forced fumble while breaking up two passes. This week, however, Jarrett figures to draw the toughest assignment of his young career. He expects to spend much of Sunday chasing around Patriots slot receiver Julian Edelman, who is one of Tom Brady’s favorite targets. Edelman ranks sixth in the NFL with 52 receptions and has 584 receiving yards and six touchdowns.

“That guy is a great athlete, great competitor, and has a lot of quickness in the slot,” Jarrett said of the 5-10, 200-pound Edelman, who has produced 30 first downs for the Patriots this season.

Most every slot receiver has great athleticism and quickness. But Edelman’s mind and connection with Brady elevates him further, Jarrett believes.

“Not to take anything away from other guys, but he knows the offense very well,” Jarrett said. “He and Brady pretty much have the same mind, it seems, how he moves, how he attacks defenses. They’re always on the same page.”

Aware that he must make up for his lack of experience, Jarrett has spent additional hours in the film room, studying Edelman’s tendencies, strengths and weaknesses. He also has grilled his veteran teammates on their experiences matching up with Edelman.

Each week has presented a new experience for Jarrett, who admits excitement over the opportunity to measure himself against another exceptional talent.

“I would say every game has been like that and has that excitement before I grew up watching certain players,” Jarrett said. “But at the end of the day, I have a job to do. Once the game is on, the game is on.”

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