Redskins: LB Pete Robertson could be an under-the-radar roster candidate

Pete Robertson isn’t exactly a well-known member of the Washington Redskins. However, he has been impressing at training camp so far.

There’s always a player that comes out of nowhere to be a productive team player during training camp. This year, that player may be Pete Robertson. The former Texas Tech outside linebacker has been with the Redskins since the 2017 offseason. He signed a reserve/future deal with the team in January of that season and spent most of that campaign on the practice squad.

When the Redskins dealt with injuries, Robertson did end up on the 53-man roster. He was a reserve linebacker and special teams player for four games and did little to inspire hope in his abilities. Most will remember the mistake he made in a Thanksgiving game against the Giants, in which he downed a punt inside the 10-yard line and then proceeded to run into the end zone… while still holding the ball. That turned a great punt into a touchback and frustrated the Redskins special teams unit and coaching staff.

While that play is what Redskins fans will remember most about Robertson, the fact is that he has been doing well so far in training camp. As ESPN’s John Keim reported, Jay Gruden has really liked what he has seen out of Robertson.

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Robertson could be on the verge of being a breakout player. Because of this, he will have a chance to make the team’s final roster, especially because of the position he plays.

Robertson can function as an undersized edge rusher, an inside linebacker, or a 4-3 outside linebacker depending on the situation. In all likelihood for the Redskins, Robertson would be a versatile depth player who would play a big role on special teams, much like their third-string rush linebacker Chris Carter did last year. That would probably be the ideal fit for the Texas Tech product.

It’s worth noting that Robertson was a great pass rusher in college, and led the Big 12 with 13 sacks in 2014. So, there is at least a little bit of upside there as a potential depth EDGE player. At the same time, it seems likely that Robertson would be limited to special teams work, but that would be a good chance for him to show off his athletic ability. And as a depth player on a roster, that’s all you can really ask for.

Robertson may not have an easy time making the team. The Redskins have a lot of depth on their squad, and Robertson was considered offseason fodder before these comments. However, if he flashes during the preseason, then there’s a chance that he will be able to win a job. So, definitely keep an eye out for him on August 9 when the Redskins take on the Patriots.

It’s clear that Robertson has come a long way since his Thanksgiving Day mistake against the Giants. He will have every chance to prove himself this offseason, and the underdog will do what it takes to get to that 53-man roster.