Philadelphia Eagles: Ranking the off-ball linebackers of the NFC East

3. Washington Commanders

On paper, the Washington Commanders don’t have a very good linebacking corps. Like the 2021 Eagles, Ron Rivera’s squad largely used their defensive linemen to stuff the run and while that was effective, getting more out of their off-ball linebacking corps could be the difference between an elite unit and one that is just middle-of-the-pack.

Unfortunately, at least for Washington fans, the Commanders didn’t add an elite inside linebacker in free agency and only addressed the position with three UDFAs after going in different directions with each of their draft selections.

Still, the Washington Football Team used their final first-round pick under the name on a linebacker back in 2020, so maybe he is the key to making it all work?

Most important performer: Jamin Davis

When the Washington Commanders drafted Jamin Davis 19th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, it felt like a key addition to a team looking to establish a new defensive identity.

With great size at 6-foot-4, 232 pounds with long arms, and great athletic numbers, the Kentucky product has all of the physical tools to become a foundational NFL linebacker moving forward.

He just has to put it all together.

If Davis can go from a part-time starter who plays 58 percent of the team’s snaps to an every-down player, he may cover of a lot of deficiencies at other positions.