Everything you need to know about Commanders’ unknown linebackers

Drew White

White is the most complete linebacking prospect the Washington Commanders have on their roster. He was largely overshadowed at Notre Dame by Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, but he stepped up as a leader in 2022 and was highly productive. Like most of these players, White is not an elite athlete, but he is able to play all over the field – effective in coverage as well as against the run. He can occasionally blitz, though that would not be a strong suit.

Most of his teammates rave about White’s work ethic and leadership. If the Washington Commanders had a roster full of productive and highly-athletic linebackers, White might find it hard to crack the roster. But that is not the case in Washington.

I think we all recognize that special teams productivity will be a key factor in determining which, if any of these players makes the final 53. I don’t mean to discount that here, but for now, I am not considering it. That requires even more of a projection than figuring out how they will play on defense, because there is far less tape on these players as special teamers.

Besides, after two seasons of Kunaszyk and Jared Norris and Khaleke Hudson, I’m growing a little tired of backup linebackers who do not seem to have the skills necessary to actually be backup linebackers. They can’t exist only as special teamers. They need to show some productivity as regular defenders, even if they remain developmental players for a season or two.

I would expect Hudson to hold onto his spot this year, though that is by no means definite. But I would expect one of the bigger linebackers to challenge Mayo for a spot. Then perhaps, one or two of the other players listed above could wow the coaches in the pre-season and take a spot as well.

This of course, assumes that the Washington Commanders do not make any further moves with veteran free agents. I will continue to write down AJ Johnson’s name in hopes of willing his signing into reality. But if they do not bring in Johnson, or any of several other veterans still available, I will project right now that Eifler, Walker and White will fight their way onto the team, and that Gardner will give Hudson a real battle for another spot.

Should any serious injury befall either Holcomb or Davis, then heaven help us. Washington will need a lot of these guys to play well above their projections.