Washington Redskins Training Camp Profile: ILB Jon Bostic

2019 outlook with the Redskins

With Bostic, the Redskins added more security at linebacker. Losing Reuben Foster made them that much thinner, on top of losing a starting talent for 2019. Bostic gives them a linebacker with starting experience, and a player who provides good depth, but also the ability to file in as a serviceable starter at a moment’s notice.

There shouldn’t be overwhelming excitement for the potential that a defense with Bostic starting could hold, because at this point in his career, Bostic is a depreciating asset. He’s not always at full health, he’s not as rangy as he was in his younger years, and at 28 years old, while he still has one or two prime years left, time can be better invested in younger players.

That said, if Bostic gets some of his utility back, and strikes a cord with the Redskins defense, he could surprise. The recent history isn’t promising: Five teams in six years, and a striking lack of commitment from his suitors. But perhaps that past will put a chip on Bostic’s shoulder, and motivate him to prove himself. Crazier things have happened. Mellower things have also failed to pass.

For now, Bostic is a high-floor, low-ceiling acquisition who gives the Redskins some breathing room on the second level. It was a smart signing by Washington, in the wake of Reuben Foster’s injury, but if he gets substantial snaps in the place of a promising young player like Shaun Dion Hamilton, then the team’s sensibility would be put into question.