The Washington Redskins suddenly have questions at linebacker and may have an extra spot for one. Could BJ Blunt take advantage of that opening?
When Reuben Foster went down with a torn ACL in Redskins OTAs, fans were devastated immediately. Foster was supposed to help solidify the linebacker position and give the team a true three-down player. But, unfortunately, he fell victim to the injury bug that has been plaguing the team for the better part of the last two years.
Now, with Foster down, the ‘Skins may have an extra opening at the linebacker position. They seemed likely to carry five at the position so with Foster out, another spot has opened up. There is plenty of competition for the back-end roster spots, and special teams is often a tiebreaker. But, if the team wants to find role players to fill in for Foster, they may have to look for some versatile young players with upside.
BJ Blunt would qualify as one.
Blunt signed with the Redskins as an undrafted free agent, but he has a solid chance to make the roster. That may not have been the case before Foster’s injury, but if Blunt can show enough and put his best skills on display, Jay Gruden may consider him for a role on the 53-man roster, if not, the practice squad.
With that said, here’s an in-depth look at Blunt as a player and what he could offer the Redskins as an undrafted free agent.
About BJ Blunt
A defensive back, Blunt was originally ruled ineligible for a lack of credits, and he had to attend a community college before ultimately enrolling at McNeese State, his initial plan. Blunt was a three-star recruit coming out of high school.
In 2017, Blunt joined the Cowboys and was eventually converted to the linebacker position. Thanks to his instincts, he was able to thrive at the spot. He showed rapid development en route to 43 tackles in his first year and only improved in 2018.
Blunt was able to play linebacker and rush off the edge a bit with McNeese in 2018. He managed 76 tackles and nine sacks in his final season with the Cowboys and really showed well at the East-West Shrine Game. He put himself on the map that point and some thought that he could end up being drafted late in the 2019 NFL Draft.
However, Blunt ended up going undrafted and signed with the Redskins ahead of camp. He was one of the first names ESPN’s John Keim heard after the draft, so that likely means that the team thought highly of him. Of course, things can change, but that is a good sign.
And when looking at Blunt’s tape, it’s easy to see the qualities that the Redskins like.
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.
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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.
What Blunt can improve
While Blunt is a strong hitter and works hard on the field, he isn’t a great tackler. He can sometimes let the ball-carrier drag on for an extra yard or two, and that issue is partially related to his size.
Blunt is on the small side for a linebacker, measuring in at just a hair over 6-0 and having just a 220-pound frame. He will need to bulk up a bit and add some strength to become a better tackler if he is to succeed as an undersized player. And if he plans on trying to play the edge occasionally, adding 10-15 pounds is a must.
One reason that Blunt has to bulk up a bit is that his athletic ability isn’t good enough to get by at the size he’s at. He clocked a 4.74 time in the 40-yard dash at his Pro Day (per DraftAnalyst.com) and that isn’t a good time at all, especially for a smaller player. That would have ranked seventh-slowest among inside linebackers at the combine.
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Of course, 40 times aren’t everything, but being just an average athlete with below-average size will make things a bit more difficult for Blunt. In fact, those two factors combined could be what ultimately makes or breaks his roster chances.
One other concern is that Blunt will be seeing a major jump in competition going from playing against FCS foes to NFL level play. Not all can make that transition seamlessly. Blunt did well at the Shrine Game against higher-caliber foes, but it may take him a bit more time to develop at the next level.
Blunt’s flaws are part of what made him go undrafted, and there are certainly some concerns. That said, Blunt still has a path to the roster and can make a case that he fits in with the Redskins.
How Blunt fits with the Redskins
At first, Blunt’s path to a spot on the Redskins roster would have relied mostly on his ability off the edge. But now, with the injury to Reuben Foster, the need for help at middle linebacker could be key as well. Blunt can play both positions, and that will give him a chance to find a role.
Blunt’s main competition in Washington will be with some veteran roster hopefuls. Jon Bostic and Marquis Flowers both signed with the ‘Skins this offseason and both could push Blunt for a job. Bostic has experience as a starter in multiple schemes, and he is good against the run. He will have a chance to battle Mason Foster for the role as a two-down thumper, but considering that he is virtually the same player as Foster, he figures to be insurance for him more than anything else.
Meanwhile, Flowers has the same type of versatility that Blunt possesses, but he has a longer and more athletic frame. In his best year with the Patriots, Flowers totaled 3.5 sacks and 30 tackles while playing as an off-ball linebacker and off the edge. Blunt will have to do the same to make the team over Flowers, who holds an edge right now for that specific role.
That said, Blunt has the bend off the edge and explosive ability needed to be a difference maker. If he can prove to be a great special teams player, that may put him over the top, as he would represent a young, potential-packed hybrid linebacker for the Redskins to develop. But, he will need to prove that he is at least comparable to the other veterans available to have a chance.
Blunt will play hard and he will get his chance to make plays off the edge in the offseason. If he can showcase enough ability there, that should do enough to make the ‘Skins consider him for a roster spot, especially if they’re going to be relying on their depth players at linebacker after Reuben Foster’s injury.