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Reviewing the Washington Football Team’s defense before the 2021 NFL Draft

By Jonathan Eig

Nov 26, 2020; Arlington, Texas, USA; The Washington Football Team defense celebrate a touchdown scored by defensive end Montez Sweat (90) against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2020; Arlington, Texas, USA; The Washington Football Team defense celebrate a touchdown scored by defensive end Montez Sweat (90) against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Football Team LB Jon Bostic. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Football Team LB Jon Bostic. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington Football Team LBs

Jon Bostic, LB (29)

Middle linebacker played the second-most snaps of anyone on defense in 2020.

Best: The Washington Football Team identifies an early-down MIKE, allowing Bostic to platoon as a blitzer and coverage backer on passing downs.

Worst: Washington doesn’t and Bostic has to play every down. His deficiencies upset the fans. Boos ensue.

Cole Holcomb, LB (24)

The surest thing the Washington Football Team has at linebacker.

Best: Pro Bowl alternate.

Worst: Washington never gets its linebacking corps in order and Holcomb is moved around to plug each new hole. His play suffers as a result.

Khaleke Hudson, LB (23)

Late round draft pick from 2020 who became a decent end-of-the-bench guy.

Best: Hudson grows into Kevin Pierre-Louis’ off-ball linebacker spot and plays more than 50 percent of the defensive snaps.

Worst: His lack of a true position on defense allows others to surpass him. Ends up getting plucked off the WFT practice squad at midseason.

Jordan Kunaszyk, LB (24)

One of Coach Rivera’s former Panthers. Provided some depth on special teams late in the season.

Best: Makes the roster. Continues as a steady special team contributor.

Worst: Is gone by August 1.

David Mayo, LB (27)

Recently added from the Giants to help shore up a very thin linebacking corps.

Best: See Jon Bostic. Mayo becomes part of that platoon allowing him to thrive primarily as an interior run stopper.

Worst: See Jon Bostic. Lack of depth forces Mayo to play on passing downs where he is repeatedly torched.

Jared Norris, LB (27)

Another former Panther.  Has been re-signed for 2021.

Best: Continues as a core special teamer but the lack of linebacker depth gives him a chance to pull a Kevin Pierre-Louis-type move and show late in his 20s that he is a capable defender as well.

Worst: Younger, more versatile players arrive in the draft and as much as Coach Rivera clearly like Norris, he will be out of a job come September.

RESERVED LIST

Josh Harvey-Clemons, LB (27)

The seventh-round pick from 2017 has defied the odds by lasting this long. COVID Opt-out in 2020.

Best: Takes advantage of the extremely thin linebacking corps to become the team’s top off-ball linebacker, a position he is reasonably well suited for.

Worst: Harvey-Clemons needs to make some plays. If not, he is likely to be surpassed by Khaleke Hudson and a draft pick.

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