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Redskins: Top standouts from 2019 training camp so far

By Jacob Camenker

CHAPEL HILL, NC - SEPTEMBER 17: Bug Howard #84 of the North Carolina Tar Heels makes a fingertip catch against Jimmy Moreland #37 of the James Madison Dukes during the game at Kenan Stadium on September 17, 2016 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - SEPTEMBER 17: Bug Howard #84 of the North Carolina Tar Heels makes a fingertip catch against Jimmy Moreland #37 of the James Madison Dukes during the game at Kenan Stadium on September 17, 2016 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 17: Cole Holcomb #36 of the North Carolina Tar Heels forces a fumble by Connell Young #5 of the Western Carolina Catamounts during the second half of their game at Kenan Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 17: Cole Holcomb #36 of the North Carolina Tar Heels forces a fumble by Connell Young #5 of the Western Carolina Catamounts during the second half of their game at Kenan Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

3. LB Cole Holcomb

When the Redskins decided to part ways with Mason Foster ahead of training camp, it showed faith in their younger players at the linebacker position. And evidently, their investment is starting to pay off.

In the early stages of training camp, Holcomb has shown excellent dedication to his craft and a desire to get better. It’s not surprising that the athletic and productive prospect out of North Carolina is making a splash, but it’s more about how quickly he’s been able to do it.

Jay Gruden has praised Holcomb on a number of different occasions and as outlined by our own Russell Shavatt, Holcomb will have a chance to continue to prove himself in the preseason if he can do a few different things.

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"Per ESPN’s John Keim, Jay Gruden had nothing but positive things to say about the former University of North Carolina product.  The coach said that Holcomb has been “excellent,” and that he “wants to be great and has the tools to be great.”  Gruden specifically referred to Holcomb’s power, speed, and instincts in describing what his best traits are. The biggest items that Cole Holcomb will need to focus on throughout camp and the preseason are: his communication skills at the linebacker position, and the ability to adjust to opposing offenses regarding the variety of looks they might use in game against the defense."

If Holcomb can continue to show off these skills that he has displayed in camp while also showing his dedication, he will have a chance to quickly emerge as a role player in the defense. He may still be behind Bostic and Hamilton in the linebacker battle but as a rookie, he may have a chance to get more playing time on defense than some initially expected.

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