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Redskins: Three defensive players primed for a breakout season in 2020

By Charles Garner

ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 22: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons is sacked by linebacker Montez Sweat #90 of the Washington Redskins and Ryan Anderson #52 in the first half of an NFL preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 22, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 22: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons is sacked by linebacker Montez Sweat #90 of the Washington Redskins and Ryan Anderson #52 in the first half of an NFL preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 22, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 24: Shaun Dion Hamilton #51 of the Washington Redskins lines up against the Detroit Lions during the second half at FedExField on November 24, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 24: Shaun Dion Hamilton #51 of the Washington Redskins lines up against the Detroit Lions during the second half at FedExField on November 24, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

No. 2 – Redskins LB Shaun Dion Hamilton

Shaun Dion Hamilton is another player I believe will benefit from Washington switching to a 4-3 defense. In the last two seasons under Greg Manusky, Dion Hamilton was never given the opportunity to fill a starting role, but still managed to produce for the team. While only playing in 14 games this season on defense and special teams, Dion Hamilton still managed to accumulate 49 tackles and one sack, forced fumble, and interception.

According to PFF, Dion Hamilton posted an impressive 89.7 coverage grade in 2019, which ranked second among qualifying linebackers, and a 77.1 passer rating allowed, which ranked sixth. Good coverage linebackers are an asset in the NFL these days, and the Redskins seem to have a young player that is in line for a starting role next year.

While Cole Holcomb and Thomas Davis both look to be locks to start when looking at the Redskins linebacking core, the third starting position seems to be up for grabs. With Reuben Foster being a huge question mark on the defense because of injury, Ron Rivera and Jack Del Rio may lean on Shaun Dion Hamilton to fill a starting linebacker role.

Last season, the Washington Redskins defense ranked 18th in passing yards allowed per game. If Shaun Dion Hamilton can produce like he has been in previous seasons, he will be a much needed asset in pass coverage heading into next season.

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