What to Watch OTAs: Will Cole Holcomb Take Charge of Washington D?

Cole Holcomb has verbally communicated his need to be the Mike linebacker for the Washington Commanders’ protection, and on Tuesday he’ll get his first likelihood to take cost of the unit in entrance of media at OTAs. 

Washington Commanders

Washington Commanders

Washington Commanders

Given how a lot of a spotlight defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio placed on sure gamers lacking this section of the offseason program and the way it impacted communication through the season, it is affordable to count on the staff will wish to have that place secured transferring ahead from right here. 

That is the primary query we’ll be looking for a solution to with Washington’s protection on Tuesday at OTAs, however there are extra. 

BUFFALO NICKEL

A linebacker-safety hybrid, the buffalo nickel has develop into a extra widespread place as groups have leaned into placing a number of receiving tight ends on the sector on the similar time. 

With Landon Collins not round to fill the function, who will it’s? 

Kamren Curl is a chance, however the staff may additionally flip to a extra athletic linebacker in the event that they really feel he’d do effectively. 

CHASE YOUNG

There’s been little secret about Younger being one of many extra public disappointments on the staff from final season. 

After profitable the Defensive Rookie of the Yr Award in 2020, hopes had been excessive final season, and the thrill across the unit as an entire was tied to these. 

Younger wasn’t on the town this time final yr, however he’s now. 

Coming off an ACL damage I do not count on to see a lot of him if something, however the truth he is in Ashburn is a constructive improvement alone. 

DRAFT CAPITAL

The Commanders have an entire lot of draft capital invested into their defensive entrance. 

2022 second-round choose Phidarian Mathis is simply the newest, and the bottom drafted participant among the many Prime 5 gamers we count on to see manning the trenches on Washington’s protection. 

Many have speculated the Commanders protection may characteristic extra five-man fronts due to Mathis’ addition, and Tuesday is the primary likelihood we get at seeing that potential in observe…or not.

Washington Commanders linebacker, Cole Holcomb

Washington Commanders defensive finish, Chase Younger

Washington Commanders defensive lineman, Phidarian Mathis

There’s loads to see because the Washington Commanders purpose to lift their defensive capacity as much as the shelf they reached for in 2021 however fell wanting. 

Along with these 4 storylines, there are questions on whether or not or not Del Rio’s protection will lean on extra man protection, and what final yr’s first-round NFL Draft choose Jamin Davis seems to be like in his second yr as an expert linebacker. 

Commanders Nation can be readily available for all of it, and report again right here with updates and observations following the primary OTA session open to the media, on Tuesday.