Riggo's Rag
FanSided

Redskins UDFA Spotlight: Can BJ Blunt make the roster after Reuben Foster’s injury?

By Jacob Camenker

ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - JANUARY 19: Tyree Kinnel #32 from Michigan playing on the West Team celebrates after recovering the ball during the second quarter against the East Team at the 2019 East-West Shrine Game at Tropicana Field on January 19, 2019 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - JANUARY 19: Tyree Kinnel #32 from Michigan playing on the West Team celebrates after recovering the ball during the second quarter against the East Team at the 2019 East-West Shrine Game at Tropicana Field on January 19, 2019 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 30: A Washington Redskins helmet sits on the grass before the start of the Redskins and Baltimore Ravens preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 30: A Washington Redskins helmet sits on the grass before the start of the Redskins and Baltimore Ravens preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

What Blunt does well

When watching Blunt play, it’s clear that he brings two things to the field at all times. Toughness and energy. When he’s on the field, he plays with a relentless motor and is always looking to get involved in plays.

Blunt, a former safety, has great instincts and was certainly able to prove that he has the chops needed to play linebacker. The production was there in his lone full season starting at the position. So, as he gets more playing time at the position, he could get even better and sharper with his mental processing.

Blunt’s versatility will suit him well, too. He will be able to move around the linebacker corps in a 3-4 defense, and while he doesn’t have the size needed to be an edge rusher on every play, he will be able to rush the passer in some packages. He has solid bend and flexibility. which is part of why he racked up nine sacks in his final year at McNeese State.

More from Riggo's Rag

In addition to this, Blunt has good explosion. This is partially due to his ability to react quickly, but he also has enough speed off the line to make an impact. That could at least give him a chance to become a downhill playmaker who can make stops behind the line of scrimmage.

Because of his history as a defensive back, Blunt has coverage skills and can operate effectively in space. This is becoming increasingly valuable in the NFL, so that will be a big plus for him. In fact, his performance in coverage will likely be more important than his overall pass rush ability, as the ‘Skins need some coverage depth at linebacker. But if he can show both, he could really make himself into an asset.

There are a lot of positives with Blunt, and there is room for growth, especially thanks to his versatility. That said, there are also some areas of concern for Blunt as he makes the transition to the next level.

Home/Commanders News