Lamar Jackson & Russell Wilson Issued Warning as Dan Quinn’s Lethal LB Jamin Davis Turns Edge Rusher at Washington Commanders

Plucked out of Kentucky, Jamin Davis hasn’t exactly set the gridiron alight for Washington Commanders as a linebacker. But now, he has a chance to redeem himself. In his contract season, Davis will have the opportunity to play off the edge and he is already excited, issuing a warning to QBs in the league.

Having picked Jayden Daniels in this year’s draft and signing linebackers Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu to the defense, Commanders are hoping for an improved showing next season. Wagner and Luvu’s arrival also changes the dynamic for Davis, who will now transition to play as edge rusher.

Talking to reporters on June 6, Davis said he is looking forward to the new role and credited assistant linebacker coach and pass rush specialist Ryan Kerrigan for improvements in play.

Davis added, “I feel like it’s given me a chance to just really cut it loose and just go hunt some quarterbacks honestly. So like I said before, I’m having real fun with it right now and just going to see where this thing takes me.”

Changing his position in the final year of his contract with the team is a bold move, but one that could help him stand out. With new head coach, Dan Quinn likely to start Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner on the inside next season, Davis moving to the edge makes sense.

Speaking on the decision, HC Quinn said, “We’re trying to really push him specifically on the versatility. So, you’ll see him working some with the defensive line, you’ll see him working with [pass rush specialist] Ryan Kerrigan on the side, and we’re adding parts to his game that maybe we didn’t use and we’re certainly trying to explore that.”

For now, Dante Fowler Jr., Dorance Armstrong, and Clelin Ferrell are the top three edge rushers for Commanders on the depth chart. But having Davis in solid rotational pass rusher role could boost the defense further.

Davis was selected with the No. 19 pick of the 2021 NFL draft by the Commanders. In his three seasons, he has appeared in 45 games, collecting 269 tackles, seven sacks, two forced fumbles, one interception, six pass deflections, and 21.5 run stuffs. Although the numbers look decent, just seven sacks with 27 total pressures since 2021, might indicate why Quinn and Commanders have signed new linebackers and explored a different role for the former Kentucky Wildcats star.

As such, Davis will have a lot to prove, something he admitted. “It’s just another chip on your shoulder. You go out there and you try to make some noise as much as possible and hopefully, you do what you can to stay here.” Davis said.

Having Davis as an edge-rusher also presents a catch-22 for QBs like Ravens’ Lamar Jackson and Steelers’ Russell Wilson. Of course, they cannot afford to be caught off guard by Davis giving up on the receiving end and deciding to play the role of a blitzer. They also need to be aware of his deep running route. Combining this two-pronged threat can disturb the starting QBs’ pocket awareness and compel them to make the wrong throws.

The challenge is enticing and Quinn will hope it works out for Commanders and Davis. But when could Davis go up against Jackson and Wilson in the next season?

When can Jamin Davis face Lamar Jackson and Russell Wilson in the new season?

The new season will present Commanders bounce back from the dismal 4-13 record last season. Having No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels and new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury on their roster, they will look to lead an offensive revival. With the linebacker situation also sorted, the Commanders’ fans have a lot to feel excited about.

Davis’ first test as an edge rusher could be against the Bucs in the first game of the season. As far as facing Lamar Jackson and the Ravens goes, Davis could be in the spotlight as early as 13 October. November 10, will see Dan Quinn’s troops host Steelers, in a match that could bring Davis and Wilson face to face.

There will be other interesting match ups awaiting Davis such as Dak Prescott and Jalen Hurts, especially after his warning that he will be coming after QBs in the next season.

Davis will hope his performances can help Commanders put up a challenge in NFC East as he seeks to become one of the sought-after free agents come the end of next season.