Finding long-term playmakers at linebacker remains on the to-do list for the Washington Commanders in 2025, so it’s good news a hidden gem with hybrid skills is set to “get more attention” at the team’s training camp.
It’s 2024 NFL draft fifth-round pick Dominique Hampton. He’s tipped as one to watch when veterans report to camp on Tuesday, July 22, by Commanders.com Senior Writer Zach Selby.
The latter believes Hampton is getting used to switching from safety to linebacker. Selby’s belief is based on an endorsement from linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr., who indicated “Hampton has come a long way since his rookie season. He’s changed his body, improved his speed and increased his strength. He’s also improved his knowledge of the scheme, which will obviously be useful if he is to have a role in his second year.”
Selby pointed out how Norton and the Commanders want Hampton and another second-year breakout candidate to make “meaningful progress to stabilize the position for years to come.”
The need for stability is heightened by starting middle linebacker Bobby Wagner being 35. Meanwhile, fellow starter Frankie Luvu appears set to focus more on his role as a pass-rusher.
It leaves the Commanders needing some new athletes to pick up the slack in general linebacker play. If a newbie has the versatility to replace former safety/’backer Jeremy Chinn, then all the better.
Dominique Hampton Can Play Hybrid Role for Commanders
Chinn fulfilled a key role on last season’s defense. Namely, as somebody who allowed the Commanders to play nickel personnel, two linebackers and five defensive backs, even on early downs.
Having Chinn in the box lent Commanders’ defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. some flexibility against the run. This stop against Devin Singletary and the New York Giants, highlighted by Matt Holder of SB Nation’s Silver & Black Pride, showed the value of this hybrid position.
Replacing the 17-game starter who bolted to the AFC in free agency won’t be easy, but Hampton is a viable candidate. His 6-foot-3 and 220-pound frame makes the former Huskies star suited to playing closer to the line of scrimmage.
Hampton can also get downhill in a hurry, something he learned during extensive work on special teams last season. Finally, the 24-year-old’s a useful hitter, so he fits the template for a position head coach Dan Quinn valued during stints with the Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys.
The likes of Keanu Neal and Jayron Kearse played the box safety, coverage linebacker crossover role. Hampton will need to prove he’s competent enough against the pass to do the same, but if he can’t, the Commanders have other candidates capable of taking the job.
Commanders Looking for Younger Athletes at Linebacker
Quinn is casting a wide net to find more speed and greater range at linebacker. His search led the Commanders to Kain Medrano, this year’s sixth-round pick.
One former Commanders head coach trashed the selection, “but Whitt mentioned during OTAs that he could operate as more of a hybrid/safety because of that skill set,” per Selby.
Medrano and Hampton can add something different alongside Wagner, who is still playing at a high enough level to be deemed award worthy. Putting a roving athlete next to Wagner would also allow Luvu to concentrate more on rushing the passer.
It’s something the 28-year-old has been working on with franchise sack leader Ryan Kerrigan this offseason. Their work was noticed by 106.7 The Fan’s Lynnell Willingham during minicamp.
Turning Luvu loose on the pocket more often will require a sideline-to-sideline tackling machine behind him to cover any gaps. Hampton is already taking positive steps toward being that guy.
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