Washington Redskins Unheralded Players: LB Marquis Flowers
By Ian Cummings
How Marquis Flowers can make the Redskins roster
Marquis Flowers has a path to the Redskins roster, but it’s hazy. The Redskins already have two starters in Reuben Foster and Shaun Dion Hamilton, and they don’t appear keen on releasing Mason Foster this late in the offseason. Josh Harvey-Clemons should have a depth spot within reaching distance, and fifth-round rookie Cole Holcomb has the athleticism that Flowers has, without the mental concerns.
On paper, it appears as if the odds are stacked against Flowers. But with his blend of size and speed, Flowers could offer some versatility as a 3-4 linebacker. He has the size and speed to line up on the edge. Per Pro Football Focus, Flowers was very balanced in his usage with the Patriots. He spent 168 total snaps on the edge, and 169 total snaps in the box as an inside linebacker.
With the Redskins, Flowers’ utility as a player able to play multiple positions, while also possessing ingrained special teams experience, could bode well for his chances to lock down a roster spot. To do so, Flowers would likely have to convince the Redskins to keep five linebackers, as they aren’t likely to risk releasing Holcomb to the waiver wire. Flowers is fighting to create a spot, not to take one, and sometimes, that can be the harder alternative.
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That said, Flowers has some promising tools, and if he’s able to hone his talents with new linebackers coach Rob Ryan, he could find a niche once again, like he did with New England in 2018. At this point in his career, he’s an Unheralded Player searching to extend his precious career. With the Redskins, he’s presented with an opportunity. One he needs to grab.