Washington Redskins: 2018 a crucial year for ILB Martrell Spaight

Drafted by the Washington Redskins in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Martrell Spaight has managed to stick around. But 2018 is a crucial test for him.

With the Washington Redskins’ spotty draft record over the past ten years (huh, wonder why), it’s impressive that Martrell Spaight, a former Day 3 pick, has withstood the test of time. But his time with the team may be fleeting. 2018 is the year he must break out.

Spaight has only flashed with the Redskins through three years of playing. He barely stepped on the field in his rookie year, but by 2016, he was a leader for the special teams unit, keeping them organized and providing extra depth at the position of inside linebacker.

In 2017, Spaight saw the most action yet in his young career. Injuries to Zach Brown, Will Compton, and Mason Foster forced him to start six games and contribute heavily in the 15 games in which he was active. By season’s end, he and Zach Vigil were the starting inside linebackers in the middle of a Redskins’ defense ravaged by injuries.

Spaight, once again, only flashed. He showed exciting skills in run defense, but his play in other areas garnered less confidence. Our own Jacob Camenker gave a tepid review of Spaight’s season in his inside linebacker grades. Here’s what he had to say:

"More from Riggo's RagHighlighting the best Commanders 2023 NFL Draft betting props3 late Commanders rumors drawing buzz ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft4 bold predictions for the Commanders 2023 NFL DraftCommanders News: Chase Young trade, draft day, CB riser and Sam HowellBet365 VA Bonus Code – Claim $200 Guaranteed With Sign-Up Bonus When Spaight wasn’t on the field with other strong players, he couldn’t hold his own. Spaight showed a lack of instincts, particularly in coverage as he was unable to stay with tight ends, and his tackling ability wasn’t as strong either.Spaight’s trouble in coverage will limit him to being merely a backup player at the best. While he did show improvement over his 2016 performance, it wasn’t nearly enough to allow the Redskins to think of him as a future starter. Given that the three linebackers ahead of him on the depth chart were set to hit the free agent market this offseason, it appears that Spaight really missed his opportunity to emerge as a big part of the Redskins future."

Spaight didn’t do enough to earn a ringing endorsement, and that is a widely accepted sentiment. The former Razorback has provided value as a leader and as an energetic player, but for now, he lacks in too many areas. Due for a new contract in 2019, Spaight’s time is running short.

That said, the Washington Redskins are due for change at the inside linebacker position in 2018, and when it’s all said and done, Spaight could see a natural uptick in his playing time. Zach Brown, Mason Foster, and Will Compton are all due for new contracts, and odds are, at least one of them doesn’t come back. Whoever comes in as a rookie or as a free agent signing, Spaight’s experience will ultimately provide value on its own, and the fourth-year pro should see a similar amount of playing time, if he does enough to remain on the team in the offseason.

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Spaight isn’t yet a lost cause. He turns just 25 years old in August. But the body of work up to this point has been far from promising. 2018 is a crucial year for the reserve linebacker. It could be the year that decides his future, in Washington or elsewhere.