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Breaking down the Redskins inside linebacker depth chart for 2019

By Jacob Camenker

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 28: Josh Harvey-Clemons #40 of the Washington Football Team is congratulated by teammate Josh Norman #24 after a stop in the second half against the New York Giants on October 28,2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 28: Josh Harvey-Clemons #40 of the Washington Football Team is congratulated by teammate Josh Norman #24 after a stop in the second half against the New York Giants on October 28,2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 28: Josh Harvey-Clemons #40 of the Washington Redskins is congratulated by teammate Josh Norman #24 after a stop in the second half against the New York Giants on October 28,2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 28: Josh Harvey-Clemons #40 of the Washington Redskins is congratulated by teammate Josh Norman #24 after a stop in the second half against the New York Giants on October 28,2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Backup coverage linebackers: Josh Harvey-Clemons and Cole Holcomb

As mentioned, the Redskins have some young talent at linebacker and the injury to Reuben Foster could open the door for one, or both, of them to earn bigger roles with the squad.

As it stands, two of the top three players on the Redskins depth chart are primarily run stoppers. That will open up opportunities for players to rotate in as coverage guys. And both Harvey-Clemons and Holcomb will have a chance to make an impact.

Harvey-Clemons comes with more NFL experience having spent the last two seasons on the Washington roster. He played just under 19 percent of the defensive snaps for the team last year, totaling 22 tackles, a sack, and three pass breakups in that action. He was solid in coverage and the college safety surely will have a chance to improve heading into his age-25 season.

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Harvey-Clemons will probably be the top coverage guy off the bench to start the season and will also play a big role on special teams. Last year, he played about 72 percent of the special teams snaps and his long, athletic frame and tackling ability make him an ideal member of kick coverage units. That will also help him to stay on the roster.

Meanwhile, Holcomb was a fifth-round pick out of North Carolina. He was one of the more athletic linebackers in the draft and clocked a 4.48 time in the 40-yard dash at his pro day. He was also very productive in college, averaging 104 tackles per year over his last three seasons at UNC.

If Holcomb can bring that same solid overall ability and athleticism to the NFL, he could become a starter. However, the late-round pick may need some time to develop before that can happen. For the time being, he projects as a high-ceiling backup who could have a chance to start when the 2020 campaign rolls around.

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