Redskins: The 2019 season is an opportunity for Jon Bostic to step up
By Kyle Hundley
Who is Jon Bostic, and what does he bring to the Redskins?
Jon Bostic played his college ball at the University of Florida. In four years there, he started 32 games, earning All-SEC honors in 2012. After a productive senior season, Bostic was chosen in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. He was known as a physical run-stopping linebacker who lacked elite speed and athleticism.
After two seasons in Chicago in which he failed to make an impact, he was traded to the New England Patriots. Less than a year later, he was traded again, this time to the Detroit Lions. He was injured before the season started and spent 2016 on injured reserve.
In 2017, Bostic signed a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts. He had a productive season in which he started 14 games and had over 90 tackles. Following the season, he then signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 2018, Bostic started 14 games and had over 70 tackles. However, he was released once the season was over.
Jon Bostic has a few strengths that he will bring to the Redskins’ defense, one of which is his versatility. He has played in a few different defensive schemes and can play multiple spots at linebacker. This will be beneficial if the Redskins run into injuries again.
His greatest strength, though, is his ability to communicate. Bostic prides himself on communication. His nickname used to be ‘the explainer’ because he would make the defensive backs’ calls before they would. Far too often, when coverages are blown, it is because of a simple miscommunication.
Jonathan Allen is the team’s defensive leader. Bostic needs to lead the defense from the middle of the field. Having that green sticker on as the mike linebacker means he is going to have to constantly make sure everybody is on the same page with their coverages and assignments if this defense is going function properly.