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Grading the Redskins inside linebackers on the 2017 performance

By Jacob Camenker

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 30: Zach Vigil #56 of the Washington Redskins forces Rod Smith #45 of the Dallas Cowboys out of bounds short of the goal in the fourth quarter of a football game at AT&T Stadium on November 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 30: Zach Vigil #56 of the Washington Redskins forces Rod Smith #45 of the Dallas Cowboys out of bounds short of the goal in the fourth quarter of a football game at AT&T Stadium on November 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 04: David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals is tackled by Will Compton #51 of the Washington Redskins during the first quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 04: David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals is tackled by Will Compton #51 of the Washington Redskins during the first quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Will Compton

The beginning of the 2017 season had to be a tough one for Will Compton. He was no longer the defensive captain. He wasn’t starting for the team anymore. And it looked like Martrell Spaight had leapfrogged him for the No. 3 linebacker role after earning a start in Week 3 vs. the Oakland Raiders in place of an injured Mason Foster. That said, Compton never got down on himself and did what he had to do to work his way up.

For the first half of the season, Compton put in tireless work helping the linebackers, working on special teams, and playing a reserve role at linebacker. He was still a strong presence for the team and he did his best to step up when needed.

The first time that happened was after Foster went on season ending IR. Compton was then tapped to replace Foster in the starting lineup, and he didn’t disappoint.

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    • In the Redskins key Week 9 win over the Seattle Seahawks, Compton had what was by far his best game of the season. Getting the nod as the starter, Compton recorded a season high in tackles with eight, and was all over the field. In pass coverage, he was excellent playing next to Zach Brown, and he was able to get an interception that helped spark the team. It looked like Compton was reborn.

    Though he was still just an average tackler at best, Compton’s ability to play in coverage looked like a huge get for the Redskins. Unfortunately, disaster struck during Week 10. Compton injured his Lisfranc against the Vikings and had to miss the rest of the season. The foot injury robbed him of a chance to prove that he deserved a chance to stay as the starter in 2018 over the other candidates. While Compton looked good at times, it’s still unclear whether or not the team will entrust him with a starting role should he remain in Washington.

    Despite all this, Compton put forth a good effort this year, and deserves praise for his performance. It wasn’t his best year, but he proved to be a capable high-level backup with starter potential. He’s going to fit in with the Redskins if they bring him back. If not, he may find work as a starter elsewhere.

    Compton’s 2017 Grade: B-minus

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