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Redskins training camp roster projection after cutting Mason Foster, signing Corey Robinson

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 16: Linebacker Mason Foster #54 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after tackling running back Marlon Mack #25 of the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter at FedExField on September 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 16: Linebacker Mason Foster #54 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after tackling running back Marlon Mack #25 of the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter at FedExField on September 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/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) /

Inside Linebacker (4)

Jon Bostic, Shaun Dion Hamilton, Cole Holcomb, Josh Harvey-Clemons

Mason Foster being cut changes the dynamic here and opens up a roster spot on the 53-man unit. While the Redskins could carry five linebackers, keeping four seems more likely, especially given the young talent they have here.

Foster was made expendable by the signing of Bostic, who performed well in minicamp after agreeing to a $2 million deal with the squad. Bostic is younger, cheaper, and more athletic than Foster and will likely fill the same role as a two-down starter for the team.

light. More. Riggo's Rag Podcast - Analyzing the release of Mason Foster

Bostic will play next to Hamilton, who should have a chance to emerge as a three-down linebacker in his second year. In limited starting action last year after supplanting Zach Brown in the starting lineup, Hamilton proved to be a cerebral player and has the traits needed to become a playmaker. It will be interesting to see how he progresses this offseason.

With Foster gone, the top backups will be third-year player and former college safety, Josh Harvey-Clemons, and fifth-round rookie Cole Holcomb. Both players are very athletic and Harvey-Clemons figures to challenge for a role in coverage alternating with Bostic. Meanwhile, Holcomb had good production at North Carolina despite being slightly undersized. He may need time to develop, but his athletic ability will give him the upside of a three-down starter in the future.

There are a couple of other options that could make the team. Undrafted rookie BJ Blunt was a strong tackler at McNeese State and could make a case to survive the cut to 53 if he plays well on special teams.

Additionally, veteran linebacker Marquis Flowers can play on the edge or as a standup linebacker, so he can’t be counted out. He’s only 27, so if he can show well on the edge and in the linebacker corps, that may do enough to earn him a back-end roster spot.

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