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Redskins: 5 dark horse candidates to make the 53-man roster in 2019

By Jacob Camenker

WACO, TX - SEPTEMBER 15: T.J. Rahming #3 of the Duke Blue Devils celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Baylor Bears during the first half of a football game at McLane Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
WACO, TX - SEPTEMBER 15: T.J. Rahming #3 of the Duke Blue Devils celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Baylor Bears during the first half of a football game at McLane Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /
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FOXBOROUGH, MA – AUGUST 9 : Marquis Flowers #59 of the New England Patriots looks on during the preseason game between the New England Patriots and the Washington Redskins at Gillette Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA – AUGUST 9 : Marquis Flowers #59 of the New England Patriots looks on during the preseason game between the New England Patriots and the Washington Redskins at Gillette Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

In the wake of Reuben Foster‘s season-ending ACL tear, the Redskins have an opening at the linebacker position. They could end up carrying a fifth linebacker on the roster as a result, and if they do, Marquis Flowers would be a sensible option.

The Redskins signed Flowers at the very end of last season. He signed on Dec. 26 to help provide depth after a number of injuries devastated the ‘Skins defense. While he was just a depth signing, he does have upside.

Flowers had a great 2017 campaign as a rotational player with the Patriots. He had 30 tackles and 3.5 sacks playing at linebacker and occasionally as an edge rusher. He’s versatile, has a long, athletic frame, and is still just 27 years old. He could find a home in the Washington defense, especially if he can prove that he can play the edge.

Flowers is unlikely to usurp a role from one of the younger players on the Redskins roster long-term. But, he could provide the team with short-term stability and experience on the bench. While Mason Foster and the recently-signed Jon Bostic may get more attention as the veteran options in the linebacker corps, Flowers shouldn’t be counted out, especially because he has the ability to play the edge in a 3-4 defense.

If Flowers can perform well in the preseason, don’t be surprised to see him on the roster come September. Nothing is guaranteed, but Flowers has a chance at what should be a wide-open position battle.

Next. Unheralded Redskins - LB Marquis Flowers. dark

Undrafted free agent BJ Blunt is another guy to watch at the hybrid linebacker position, but he may be better served as a practice squader to start his career.

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