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Five linebackers that could be signed in the wake of Reuben Foster’s injury

By Jacob Camenker

SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 05: Inside linebacker Will Compton #51 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after interceping a pass during the third quarter of the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on November 5, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Redskins won 17-14. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 05: Inside linebacker Will Compton #51 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after interceping a pass during the third quarter of the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on November 5, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Redskins won 17-14. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CA – OCTOBER 22: Virgil Green #85 of the Denver Broncos tackled by Hayes Pullard III #50 and Korey Toomer #56 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the third quarter at StubHub Center on October 22, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA – OCTOBER 22: Virgil Green #85 of the Denver Broncos tackled by Hayes Pullard III #50 and Korey Toomer #56 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the third quarter at StubHub Center on October 22, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Linebacker. Chargers. Hayes Pullard. 4. player. 13.

Hayes Pullard has been in the league for four years. He was originally a seventh-round pick out of USC by the Cleveland Browns, but he never suited up for them. He spent the first two years of his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars before playing with the Los Angeles Chargers the past two seasons.

During his Chargers career, Pullard mostly served as a top backup. He did make 10 starts in 2017 after injuries hit the Chargers’ linebacker corps and he performed admirably. He had 72 tackles and an interception, and it looked like he could be a solid two-down role player at the next level.

However, Pullard played more as a backup last year despite faring well in the Chargers’ defense. He lacks the top-end athletic ability and speed to ever be successful in coverage, so it’s understandable why they used guys like Jatavis Brown and Denzel Perryman over him.

That said, Pullard could add depth to the ‘Skins roster and give them some help on special teams. He could provide insurance for Mason Foster and may overtake him in the pecking order if Foster’s overall athletic ability continues to erode. At the very least, adding him to compete with Foster and have a true run-stopping backup would make sense.

Pullard’s not a particularly inspiring option, but he’s still young, has a little experience, and can provide special teams value. That makes him a worthwhile addition if the ‘Skins want to just add some roster depth.

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