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Washington Football Team: Analyzing the team’s linebackers in 2021

By Ken Johannesen

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 25: Jon Bostic #53 of the Washington Football Team leaves the field after being ejected from the game for a hit on Andy Dalton #14 of the Dallas Cowboys (not pictured) during the second half at FedExField on October 25, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 25: Jon Bostic #53 of the Washington Football Team leaves the field after being ejected from the game for a hit on Andy Dalton #14 of the Dallas Cowboys (not pictured) during the second half at FedExField on October 25, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OHIO – APRIL 29: A fan holds a jersey after NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Jamin Davis as the 19th selection by the Washington Football Team during round one of the 2021 NFL Draft at the Great Lakes Science Center on April 29, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – APRIL 29: A fan holds a jersey after NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Jamin Davis as the 19th selection by the Washington Football Team during round one of the 2021 NFL Draft at the Great Lakes Science Center on April 29, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Outside Linebackers

The outside linebackers changed a bit on Wednesday afternoon after the release of Josh Harvey-Clemons.  After taking a voluntary Covid opt-out in 2020, the team decided to move on from him at this juncture.  We’ll divide the outside linebackers into two categories – strong side (SAM) and weak side (WILL).

SAM Linebackers

  • Cole Holcomb
  • Landon Collins
  • Jamin Davis
  • Justin Phillips
  • Jordan Kunaszyk
  • Free Agent (?)

Cole Holcomb is set to be the starting SAM linebacker for 2021, but we list rookie Jamin Davis as a possibility for now.  Landon Collins will continue to take snaps as a strong safety, but look for him to line up at SAM in many sets.  Jamin Davis could see a few plays at SAM, but he is a WILL for now.  After Holcomb and Collins, the depth is very thin and it wouldn’t be surprising to see a free agent signed sometime within the next few weeks or sooner.

Phillips and Kunaszyk could be on the roster bubble.

2021 SAM Prediction

  • Cole Holcomb – 87 tackles, two fumble recoveries, three sacks, five tackles for lost yardage, six quarterback hits, one interception.
  • Landon Collins – 78 tackles, one forced fumble, two sacks, three tackles for lost yardage, two quarterback hits, two interceptions.

WILL Linebackers

  • Jamin Davis
  • Khaleke Hudson
  • Jordan Kunaszyk
  • Free Agent (?)

Jamin Davis is the likely starter at WILL, but he could see time at the SAM and possibly on the inside.  But let’s be honest.  The Washington Football Team needs to add some quality depth sometime soon.  Failure to do so could produce another subpar season for the linebackers, especially on the outside.

2021 Prediction

  • Jamin Davis – 72 tackles, three forced fumbles, two interceptions, six tackles for lost yardage, four sacks, five quarterback hits.  NFL Rookie of the Year runner-up.  Pro Bowl alternate.
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