Entering the offseason, many believed the Washington Commanders’ two most glaring needs were at quarterback and linebacker. In March, Washington traded for veteran quarterback Carson Wentz and drafted wide receiver Jahan Dotson in the first round of April’s NFL draft to further improve the offense.
As for linebacker, Washington has yet to make a move with training camp to begin this week. While it appeared the coaching staff viewed linebacker as a need late in the season, they felt differently after going back and watching film from the entire season.
When general manager Martin Mayhew first suggested the Commanders believed Cole Holcomb could be Washington’s mike linebacker, it felt more like Mayhew keeping his options close to the vest. However, head coach Ron Rivera said something similar. And the Commanders’ lack of moves at linebacker proves they believe in Washington’s current group.
Now, we continue our training camp previews with a look at the linebackers.
Make sure to check out our other position previews with the following links:
The names
Cole Holcomb Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Cole Holcomb
Jamin Davis
David Mayo
Khaleke Hudson
Milo Eifler
Tre Walker
Ferrod Gardner
De’Jon Harris
Drew White
Bryce Notree
Roster locks
Washington Commanders linebacker Jamin Davis (52) and Commanders linebacker Bryce Notree (59). Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Holcomb
Davis
Mayo
Holcomb and Mayo are Washington’s clear-cut top linebackers. The pair will see the bulk of snaps at linebacker, therefore, are the only guarantees to make the roster. Mayo is on this list, too, because he is a reliable veteran who is terrific on special teams, understands the defense and can fill in for either Holcomb or Davis.
There will be competitive battles
Milo Eifler (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Washington signed four undrafted free agents to compete at linebacker. In addition, there are young players like Khaleke Hudson, Milo Eifler and De’Jon Harris battling to earn at least two roster spots. Hudson, entering his third season, is valuable on special teams and would appear to have a leg up, but hopes were high for him last summer, and he never seized a role on the defense.
Will the Commanders sign a…
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