Redskins position group breakdown: Inside Linebackers

June 27, 2018

by Jamual Forrest

The Redskins have a plethora of inside linebackers who are ready to contribute immediately. The versatility within the group allows that depth to be used in situational downs, special teams, and as injury replacements. Mason Foster is one of the two longest-tenured players at the position, having been with Washington for four seasons now. Foster starts alongside Zach Brown, who is the most dynamic linebacker on the roster. Foster’s best asset for Washington is that he can defend the run. In the Redskins’ first four games of 2017, before the injuries started taking their toll, Foster was a presence both at the line of scrimmage and behind it as well. Timing and anticipation allowed Foster to think freely and aggressively behind his defensive line.

Zach Brown is heading into his second season with Washington. Brown, who signed a three-year contract extension in March, is the Redskins’ most talented linebacker. Brown’s physicality and speed wreak havoc against opposing offenses throughout a game. Brown has struggled in coverage throughout his career, including the 2017 season, which limits his time on the field as a result of his weaknesses. The young and hybrid style linebackers that Washington has acquired recently are expected to augment the weaknesses of both Brown and Foster in coverage.

Martrell Spaight is the second of the two longest-tenured players at the inside linebacker position. The depth that he provides is a valued asset, as he is able to fill in for Foster at times and also can contribute on special teams as well. Spaight was originally supposed to take a starting role with Washington eventually, but he has unfortunately looked overwhelmed in that role during his time with Washington. Going into his fourth year it is safe to say his role as a quality depth player is set in stone, and his fourth season with the Redskins will be his most significant as he heads into free agency next season.

Second-year player Josh Harvey-Clemons is a hybrid linebacker that coaches appeared to be intrigued with late last season. The Redskins selected the Louisville safety to play inside the box due to his quickness, physicality, and coverage abilities in a confined space. Harvey-Clemons’ performance was good enough to possibly convince the coaches to play him more in nickel and dime situations.

Zach Vigil is not a hybrid player, but he is one of the quality players who quietly made a name for himself late last season due to the injuries. Vigil was not great, nor even very good, but the four-year linebacker showed qualities that earned him a chance for a better shot to make the 2018 roster. Behind Vigil are rookies and second year players looking to turn heads this training camp. Barring injury, Shaun Dion Hamilton, the Redskins sixth-round draft pick, has the best chances of the younger players to make the final 53-man roster.  Pete Robertson, Jerod Fernandez and Vontae Diggs round out the group.