4 Commanders players who desperately need to develop in 2023
By Dean Jones
Jamin Davis – Commanders LB
It’s been a solid if not spectacular start to Jamin Davis‘ time with the Washington Commanders. Those in power were expecting an instant difference-maker when they selected him No. 19 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, which hasn’t materialized as yet despite the linebacker featuring prominently as a defensive starter.
Davis has the explosiveness and physicality to become more consistent over time. There were signs of growth in 2022 en route to the first 100-tackle campaign of his young career, but deficiencies in coverage and gap discipline against the run were also evident throughout his sophomore year.
This is more of a fine-tuning thing for Davis rather than any drastic makeover. But the need for him to progress into a supreme force cannot be ignored in Year 3.
The Commanders didn’t draft Davis for him to become a fringe asset. They should add to their linebacking options this offseason, so the former Kentucky standout can ill afford to stand still while others around him excel.
With the prospect of a lucrative fifth-year option coming his way in 2024, there is more than enough incentive for Davis to take a huge leap. And the physical attributes indicate this is entirely possible heading into the new campaign.