At the linebacker position, the Redskins find themselves with a mix of veteran leadership as well as young, unproven players.
The leader of this unit, as well as the entire defense, is 12-year veteran middle linebacker London Fletcher. Fletcher, 33, lead the team in tackles last year and should be poised for a similar performance this year. He is viewed as an extension of the coaches while being on the field, making sure players are in the right places and on top of their assignments.
Starting at weak outside linebacker will be Rocky McIntosh. McIntosh, 26, is still young and improving. He took strides in the defense last year, finishing second on the team with tackles, but needs to find a way to make more impact plays for a defense that was at the bottom of the league in forced turnovers.
The starting strong side linebacker position is still up in the air. For now, it appears there will be a three way battle during training camp between H.B. Blades, Alfred Fincher, and newly signed Robert Thomas.
All three fit about the same mold: undersized big hitters who don't particularly fit the strong side too well. Blades and Fincher have a step up on Thomas having been in the system before, but Thomas is a veteran and will have every opportunity to challenge for the spot. However, these may not be the only players competing for the spot. With the draft around the corner, the Redskins could take a linebacker with one of their early picks to come in and challenge for the job.
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