Leaders in each Redskins position battle ahead of preseason Week 2
Inside Linebacker
This position battle is the one with the least clarity at the moment. The depth chart remains unchanged for the time being, but if the starters don’t play a bit better as the preseason goes along, the young talent could overtake them.
Hamilton is the lone carryover starter from last year’s linebacker corps, but he was only a starter at the end of the season (four games). He had a rough go of it in the first preseason game and looked a step slow, but he was strong enough in camp to hold onto his starting job after one mediocre showing. However, he will have others breathing down his neck if he doesn’t step up in preseason Week 2.
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2. Jon Bostic
Bostic was a late addition to the Redskins’ roster, but he overtook Mason Foster quickly and the team cut Foster as a result. Bostic is mostly a two-down run-stopping linebacker but he does have some athletic ability. He’s still favored to start the season as the starter while making way for the young talent in passing situations. But if either of the younger players show potential as a three-down linebacker, Bostic’s role could be reduced.
3. Cole Holcomb
Holcomb looked very solid in the Redskins’ preseason opener and flashed the athletic ability that made him a fifth-round pick. He made four tackles in the preseason opener and he showed off good instincts and tackling ability. He could become a starter quicker than expected if he continues to perform well.
Harvey-Clemons played quite a bit in the preseason opener and he also looked very good in coverage. The former safety logged two pass defenses and it wouldn’t surprise me if he earns a role in rotation with Bostic to play on passing downs and in obvious passing situations. Both Harvey-Clemons and Holcomb have made strides in their game to make this one of the most interesting position battles.