Five Redskins players to watch in Week 2 of training camp
By Ian Cummings
No. 4 – LB Josh Harvey-Clemons
The Redskins’ backup situation at linebacker has generated plenty of intrigue this offseason. Players such as Martrell Spaight and Zach Vigil have the most experience, but younger contributors like Shaun Dion Hamilton and Josh Harvey-Clemons could sneak into larger roles. Zach Brown and Mason Foster are entrenched as the starters, but behind them, the roles have not yet been determined.
As is always the case, the Redskins won’t be able to keep everyone qualified for the backup job. And so the task of separating players must be achieved throughout training camp and the early stages of preseason. It appears the Redskins have started the separation process, and Josh Harvey-Clemons is at the top.
Zach Brown suffered a minor setback at the start of training camp, and while he sat out, it was Harvey-Clemons who took his place alongside Mason Foster. While Brown has been easing himself back into the action over the last few practices, Harvey-Clemons has been getting mixed into first-team reps. And he’s played well, by most accounts. The safety convert had an interception earlier in the week, and he was also seen stepping back into deep coverage, displaying rare mobility for a linebacker.
The Redskins’ coaches like Harvey-Clemons’ length, range, and upside at the inside linebacker slot. He’s not a thumper, but he has a certain versatility that’s unique for the position. It’s worth noting that Harvey-Clemons filled in for Brown on the first-team defense earlier in the offseason as well. While some earlier roster projections may have had Harvey-Clemons on the roster bubble, he appears to be safe, in that regard. His versatility could prove to be an asset on the Redskins defense.