The Washington Commanders made big changes on defense this offseason. It was a group of which much was hoped last time around. They couldn't get close to meeting expectations and the alterations were vast in pursuit of improvements.
Some significant additions to the linebacking corps provide extra flexibility for head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. as part of their creative scheme. The duo is renowned for maximizing each player's best physical attributes positively. Hopes are high this can quickly become an area of strength and make things easier for the offense along the way.
Much has been made of Jamin Davis' potential usage with Quinn and Whitt leading the charge. The Commanders are deploying him at the defensive second level, as a stand-up edge rusher, and even with his hand in the dirt as a defensive end in certain situations.
Commanders have high hopes for Jamin Davis after position changes
Fans have been crying out for Davis to be utilized differently. The former first-round pick made the best out of a bad situation with no help around him over the last two years. It wasn't enough to get his fifth-year option triggered by general manager Adam Peters, but Whitt believes he's got the athletic intangibles needed to become a pass-rushing threat based on comments via ESPN.
"He's a big, strong, fast man that has the ability to bend. We have a history of playing guys in positions they might not normally be used to. He's a willing guy that's excited about it."
- Joe Whitt Jr. via ESPN
Davis is going out of his comfort zone under the new regime. It's something he's not used to. Looking at how Micah Parsons thrived during a similar transition with the Dallas Cowboys should be motivation enough to give it absolutely everything.
The fact Whitt mentioned Davis' excitement about his newfound responsibilities is positive. He's got the size, explosiveness, and initial burst off the line of scrimmage to ensure this position switch goes well. The Commanders are also desperate for an injection of energy on their pass-rush after trading Montez Sweat and Chase Young before the 2023 deadline.
There's a growing sense within the franchise that Davis can be that. Quinn praised the player's commitment and willingness to take on coaching. The head coach acknowledged it's been a crash course in differing responsibilities for the Kentucky product, but he's relishing the challenge of something new and more beneficial to his productivity in a competitive environment.
"We're trying to really push him on the versatility. If that's something that he can add value for himself and for the team, then we'll dig in and that'll take a while as well. That's not something that's in one practice or in one week to say, 'OK, it's there.' I've been very impressed by his work ethic."
- Dan Quinn via ESPN
Davis isn't short of motivation to put together a much-improved campaign on the edge. He's in a contract year after the Commanders took the wait-and-see approach. If those in power like what they see, expect the former first-round pick to get a bumper deal next spring to cement his long-term future in Washington.
It could go the other way for Davis. But these glowing references over organized team activities and Washington's mandatory minicamp represent a tremendous foundation from which to flourish in 2024.
If everything clicks for Davis, he'll be a pass-rushing force most teams won't see coming.
