Ryan Kerrigan helping Jamin Davis in his new role as a pass rusher

Jamin Davis is entering a critical point in his career. Washington’s fourth-year linebacker is adjusting to a new position this season, which also happens to be a contract year for the 2021 first-round pick.

Through three seasons, Davis has had his share of ups and downs, leading the team to unsurprisingly decline his fifth-year option for 2025.

The Commanders hired a new coach this offseason. Dan Quinn replaced Ron Rivera — the man who drafted him. Despite the change, Davis is excited about playing under Quinn and receiving a fresh start.

Washington added two starting linebackers in free agency — Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu — leaving Davis’ role in question. However, Quinn believed Davis’ athleticism could be beneficial at edge rusher. Considering the Commanders’ need for a quality pass rush, it could prove to be a wise move.

The good news for Davis is he has some help. Franchise legend Ryan Kerrigan, who holds the team’s all-time sack record, is now the assistant linebackers coach/pass rush specialist. Before Day 2 of training camp practice, Quinn spoke of Davis’ development and Kerrigan’s assistance.

“Well, coming into it, I wanted to find out what were all the unique things he could do,” Quinn said. “So, in the spring, alright, I want to see him guard a tight end. Now, I want to see him guard a back, and then now, let me see as the pass rush goes. How do you utilize this size and length that he has? And so, part of that experiment is to see, let me see more rush.”

Quinn then discusses Kerrigan’s involvement.

“What’s nice is having a guy like Ryan Kerrigan here that can work specifically on the skills that we’re going to ask Jamin to do,” Quinn said.

“So, you’ll him before and after practice. Sometimes, you’re going to see small moments, like in micro-teaching sessions for five or 10 minutes a day with somebody that, over time, can add up. When you keep doing that over and over, you’re skills are going to increase. And, so, Ryan and Jamin are closely connected because when you have to play more than one position, there’s a burden that comes with the player……….So, Ryan has been an integral part of Jamin’s development as an end of the line rusher.”

Some believe Davis could be on the roster bubble because Quinn moved on from him as an every-down linebacker. However, in hearing the coach talk about Davis, it’s clear he believes he can thrive in this role. If Davis can become a quality pass rusher, it will help Washington in 2024 and Davis next spring when he becomes a free agent.