The Washington Commanders are gearing up for the 2024 NFL season with a bold strategy of transforming linebacker Jamin Davis into a hybrid edge-rusher reminiscent of the Dallas Cowboys star defender Micah Parsons. Commanders Head Coach Dan Quinn is behind the ambitious plan. Quinn was Parsons’ defensive coordinator in Dallas for the past three seasons.
Quinn and his Washington staff hope to salvage Davis’ career by utilizing his athleticism and versatility.
How well Davis does with the tall task of mimicking Parsons will go a long way toward his future in Washington. Davis was drafted by the Commanders in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft by Ron Rivera. Coincidentally, Parsons was drafted the same year, seven spots ahead of Davis. Despite his versatility, Rivera and then-defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio set Davis out to be a Mike linebacker.
Davis struggled at the position as a rookie and got shifted to the Will linebacker in 2022. Yet, Davis remained stagnant, leading to criticism by coaches. With Rivera fired and Quinn in place, the Commanders declined the fifth-year option on Davis, leaving the possibility of the Kentucky product’s final year in the Burgundy and Gold.
Parsons has become one of the most dynamic defensive players in the league. Parsons plays all over the front seven of the Cowboys defense, including on the edge to rush the quarterback. He recorded 40.5 career sacks and earned Rookie of the Year and All-Pro honors.
How does the team’s plan look for Davis? Dan Quinn explained in large that Davis will slide to linebacker on first and second downs during training camp. Then he will slide to the defensive end on third-down situations, according to John Keim of ESPN.
Quinn added that mixing Davis between both positions was always the plan. However, early struggles in training camp put his status into question, according to Ben Standig of The Athletic.
“Jamin Davis, a 2021 first-round pick, faces an uphill battle based on his initial camp struggles as an edge rusher. Coaches haven’t abandoned the notion of keeping Davis at linebacker. Impressing on special teams would significantly improve his chances.”
Davis stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs 234 pounds. He seemingly has the physical stature to emulate Parsons. Yet, his skill set may not match, despite guidance from defensive line coach Darryl Tapp and assistant linebackers/pass rusher specialist and Washington all-time sack leader Ryan Kerrigan.
Even at linebacker, there is some trepidation. Opposing quarterbacks had a 101.3 QB Rating and 65.9% completion rate when targeting Davis in pass coverage. The Commanders added veterans Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu as linebackers. Therefore, Davis may have limited opportunities at either linebacker spot.
The month will be critical for Jamin Davis. He is a questionable pick of the previous coaching staff, who has struggled to settle to comfortability at any position.
