Position Group Breakdown – Linebacker
July 9, 2020
By Noonefromtampa
Welcome to another edition of our position group breakdown series. Here’s what’s been covered so far:
- Offensive line (click here)
- Running backs (click here)
- Cornerbacks (click here)
- Safeties (click here)
- Defensive Line (click here)
- Tight Ends (click here)
In this post, we’ll cover the linebacker position group, which is in the midst of major changes this season as the team transitions from a 3-4 to a 4-3 scheme.
Departures
Arrivals
Thomas Davis Sr (free agent)
Khaleke Hudson (draft pick 5th round, #162)
Jared Norris (free agent)
Kevin Pierre-Louis (free agent)
Returning Players
Key Player Highlights
Thomas Davis Sr (6’1” / 235) played with the Chargers last year, making 112 combined tackles, one sack and two pass defenses. Those are decent stats for a 36-year-old linebacker. Given his age this season, the expectation is for Davis to be solid veteran who can mentor the younger players in this new defense.
Jonathan Bostic (6’1” / 245) was one of the more solid players on the defense last year. He made 105 combined tackles, one sack, two pass defenses and one interception. He was re-signed to a two-year, $5.1M contract extension this past offseason.
Cole Holcomb (6’1” / 240) was a 5th round pick last year and ended up starting 15 games. He finished with 105 combined tackles, one sack, one pass defense and three forced fumbles. Holcomb’s speed combined with improved play will be a key to the defense improving overall this season.
Ryan Anderson (6’2” / 255) was a 2nd round pick who has never lived up to his potential in a 3-4 defense and people seem to question his fit in a 4-3 scheme. He started only four games in 2019, but had four sacks, five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one pass defense along with 44 combined tackles. From those numbers, Anderson does seem to have potential and he excelled at setting the edge last year on defense.
Reuben Foster (6’1” / 228) was a controversial signing off waivers in 2018 and there were great expectations for him in 2019. Foster suffered a devastating knee injury on the first day of on-field activities during OTAs last year. With reported nerve damage and the uncertain offseason the team has had in 2020, it remains to be seen what Foster will be able to do in 2020.
Shaun Dion Hamilton (6’0” / 235) has mostly been a role player the past couple of years. In 2019, he had one interception, two pass defenses, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one sack.
Josh Harvey-Clemons (6’4” / 245) played 154 snaps last season all on special teams. With a new coaching staff, he will have to prove that he deserves to remain on the team.
Jared Norris (6’1” / 238) was a Carolina Panther from 2016 to 2018 and did not play in 2019 after being cut in August.
Kevin Pierre-Louis (6’0” / 230) is a journeyman linebacker who has played with four other NFL teams prior to signing with the Redskins this past offseason. He is primarily a special teams player and plays in certain defensive packages.
Khaleke Hudson (5’11” / 224) is a 5th round pick from Michigan, where he played the hybrid Viper position on defense. He has “tweener” size for the NFL, but the Redskins projected him as a linebacker. At the combine he recorded a 4.56 second 40-yard dash time. He figures to be a nickel backer on passing downs covering tight ends or running backs.
Predictions
Overall, this group must perform much better than last year for the defense to improve overall. Hopefully the new defensive scheme will employ the players to the best of their abilities. The linebackers need to be in position to make plays which was a problem at times last season.
The team will probably keep eight linebackers between the active roster and practice squad. The top three candidates to start are Davis (SAM), Bostic (MIKE) and Holcomb (WILL). Anderson, Hamilton and Pierre-Louis figure to be the primary backups. Training camp will tell if Foster can still play in the league. The remaining players will compete for the last few positions.