Josh Harvey-Clemons
He’s still a work in progress. But 2017 seventh-round pick Josh Harvey-Clemons displayed growth in 2018, stepping into a clearly-defined role on defense.
The expectations weren’t necessarily high for Clemons coming out of the 2017 NFL Draft, but it was known the former Louisville Cardinal had potential. Standing at 6-foot-4, with incredibly long arms for a linebacker, some likened Clemons to the safety-linebacker hybrid the Redskins had tried to make Su’a Cravens.
Clemons didn’t go that far in 2018, but he was given a very specific role by Greg Manusky. Often, on surefire passing downs, Clemons would come in to cover the running back in the flat, using his length to take the quarterback’s safety blanket away. It was a role that suited Clemons well. Per Pro Football Focus, he allowed 13 catches for 92 yards on 24 targets, while deflecting three passes. Overall, he allowed a quarterback rating of 63.3.
Five missed tackles exist as a blemish on Clemons’ 2018 resume, but the NFL sophomore also logged six hurries and 1.5 sacks on just 29 pass rushing snaps, while playing in all sixteen games as a reserve. There are things to clean up with Josh Harvey-Clemons, but the upside he showed in a limited role in 2018 was very promising.