Commanders player gets colossal confidence boost ahead of crossroads season

There aren't many on the Washington Commanders roster who can feel a sense of security heading into the 2024 campaign. A new regime led by aggressive general manager Adam Peters is constantly evaluating the situation and has the financial means to make changes this season if needed. They've also put themselves in a strong position to become bigger players in the coming years depending on how things unfold.

Jamin Davis is under more pressure than most. The linebacker isn't needed much at the defensive second level after the Commanders signed Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner in free agency. Washington also got more than they bargained for from rookie Jordan Magee over the preparation period so far - something that could potentially see him involved more than originally anticipated.

Davis is spending most of his time transitioning to an edge-rushing role. The reports have been mixed so far. Some in the media even suggested the former first-round pick's roster spot could be under threat unless there's a dramatic surge in the coming weeks.

Commanders DC Joe Whitt Jr. praises Jamin Davis during position switch

That doesn't seem likely, especially considering Dan Quinn's intent to get him among the linebackers on first and second down if needed. Davis got another glowing reference from defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., who pulls no punches but seems pleased enough with his progress based on comments via the team's website.

"You've got to give credit to [Assistant Defensive Line Coach] Ryan Kerrigan first. He's doing a great job of working with him, but Jamin's has been very willing to learn from a very good coach. And you see him each day getting better from just being a guy that can possibly rush the passer, to being a guy that can play the run. 'Alright, I understand stunts' and definitely rush the passer is what we wanted to see. He is a big man that has power and I've been pleased with what he's doing and his buy-in to looking at doing a little bit something different."

- Joe Whitt Jr. via Commanders.com

This should serve as a big boost for Davis. Whitt wouldn't dish out this praise if it wasn't warranted - he's not that type of coach. Having one of Washington's most ferocious pass-rushers of all time steering him on the right path means there are no excuses not to make a go of this position change.

Getting Davis reps as a pure edge rusher over preseason would be wise. This is a chance for the Commanders to see how far he's come and how much more refinement from a development standpoint is needed. The athletic intangibles are there to thrive. However, there are nuances to learn before confidence can increase.

This is a crossroads campaign in every sense of the term for Davis. It's a journey into the unknown in a new position with his contract up for renewal in 2025 after the Commanders declined his fifth-year option. It's a high-stakes situation, but the player is in the best possible hands.

Worrying about the future beyond 2024 isn't going to do Davis any favors. He needs to make the best out of this situation, embrace the challenge, and prove he's capable of coping with these newly-acquired responsibilities. After that, everything should take of itself.

And who knows, perhaps Davis can earn himself a ton of money on his next deal along the way.

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