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Washington Football Team training camp profiles: Linebackers

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 15: Jon Bostic #53 of the Washington Redskins takes the field before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField on September 15, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 15: Jon Bostic #53 of the Washington Redskins takes the field before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField on September 15, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – SEPTEMBER 09: Donald Payne #52 of the Jacksonville Jaguars in action against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on September 9, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – SEPTEMBER 09: Donald Payne #52 of the Jacksonville Jaguars in action against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on September 9, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images) /

Donald Payne

Experience: 4th season

Draft Status: 2017 undrafted free agent

2019 Stats: Nine games (five starts), 61 tackles, one sack, one pass defense

2020 Outlook: Payne was signed to kick off training camp for Washington, and the addition was a smart one. Payne is a good special teams presence and while he hasn’t been great in extended action as a linebacker, he was at least productive in 2019.

Payne probably shouldn’t be relied on as a key player on defense. But as a special teamer and a potential backup, he could make it work. It’s just a matter of whether or not he’ll have enough time to prove himself to his new coaching staff.

Expected Role: Core special teams player. Payne did start five games for the Jacksonville Jaguars last year, but he was rated as the worst qualified linebacker by PFF last year. That’s not the be-all, end-all for Payne, but it’s clear that he’s better served as a special teams player and run-stopping backup — if he makes the team.

Status: Payne’s late signing puts him outside of the roster bubble. He’s another piece of the competition that Rivera has emphasized this offseason. He could have a chance to make the team, but with so many special teams contributors ahead of him, it seems likely that he will just end up being a camp body.

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