This would be a shocking turn of events.
The Washington Commanders are embarking on an intriguing new era. Dan Quinn is putting his strategies into motion over training camp. Players are vying for prominent roles or roster spots. Not everyone will be successful.
Most starting positions seem locked in unless there's a drastic change of course. Several depth spots are up for grabs. Players are fighting to get noticed and cement their respective statuses under Quinn and his exceptional staff team. There might even be room for a few surprises along the way.
One player under the microscope more than most is Jamin Davis. The former first-round selection is being deployed differently after the Commanders signed Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner in free agency. He's spending his time as an edge rusher - a move with the scope to make better use of the outstanding athletic intangibles at his disposal.
Hopes are high that Davis can excel with his newfound responsibilities. However, one analyst wasn't entirely convinced based on what he's seen so far.
Analyst believes Jamin Davis could be cut by the Commanders before Week 1
During an appearance on John Keim of ESPN's podcast. Craig Hoffman from Team 980 didn't seem convinced that Davis' roster spot was safe. He didn't write off the Kentucky product entirely, but he felt there was enough evidence to suggest it's a situation worth monitoring in the coming weeks.
"What [Dan] Quinn said on Thursday morning was really clarifying. We want this guy to be third-down, two minute, he is adding to our stable of pass-rushers. And if that's the goal, okay, that seems smart because I saw him try to set an edge on Thursday as a full-time defensive end, and boy did that not go great. I think the problem right now is he's not getting any reps at linebacker. He is an edge full-time right now. I think Jamin Davis could be in a little bit of trouble here because it's not like they're practicing him at linebacker and saying in special situations you'll be here. They're trying to convert him to an edge and I don't know if it's going as well as it needs to for him to make this team. Now if he's a dog on special teams and can be a pass-rusher, those are two valuable things. So I'm not saying he's dead in the water after a couple days practice, but I do think it is worth watching and I definitely do not think his spot is safe."
- Craig Hoffman
This would be a bombshell of epic proportions. Davis has plenty of talent but comes into the campaign with a big point to prove. Convincing the coaching staff he's worthy of substantial involvement in the face of widespread defensive improvements is crucial.
There was always going to be a period of adjustment attached to this position switch. Davis was tasked with manning the defensive second level almost single-handed thanks to subpar linebacker signings and underachieving draft picks throughout Ron Rivera's tenure. Moving to the edge is a different set of responsibilities entirely, so a bedding-in period is needed before a true assessment can be formed.
The Commanders opted not to trigger Davis' fifth-year option this offseason. Adam Peters has no emotional attachment to players drafted by the previous regime. If the Long County High School product cannot transition effectively and others shine, a situation could emerge where he's deemed surplus to requirements.
That's a worst-case scenario in no uncertain terms. Davis has the tools to become a factor with Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. leading the defensive charge. In the event he cannot muster enough, Peters would be wise to start taking calls for a potential trade to ensure the Commanders get something back in return.
If Davis is removed from the equation - which does seem unlikely all things considered - he'll be yet another high-end draft pick that couldn't see out his rookie contract. The stakes are high entering Year 4 of his professional career, but it's nothing he shouldn't be well aware of already.
