The Washington Redskins entered this offseason with one primary goal, build their defense up from one of the worst in the league. The team spent the first week of free agency making moves in an attempt to bolster the unit and add depth.
The roster wasn’t the only thing under construction in terms of personnel this past week as several players have been continuing their offseason workouts. Among them is starting inside linebacker Will Compton, a team captain who may find his role ‘under-fire’ soon if the team looks to take another linebacker early in this years draft.
Getting tips from former Redskins great
After going undrafted, and then dealing with coming up through the Redskins practice squad and life as a backup for almost 3 years, Compton understands that he can be replaced at any moment. He actually spends some time on social media poking fun at himself as he realizes he doesn’t fit the “norm” for an NFL linebacker in size or speed, the latter of the two may cost him his starting job eventually.
Recently Compton has been working out with former Redskins linebacker London Fletcher, another guy the critics thought was too small and not fast enough. The details are a little sketchy at the moment on exactly what they’ve been working on, but Compton announced to the world via Twitter Tuesday that the two are in fact training together.
Can't thank @LFletcher59 enough for the last couple days
— Will Compton (@_willcompton) March 21, 2017
“You’re a product of your environment, surround yourself w/ the best.” Anonymous pic.twitter.com/5CyJmuNWYC
While working out with Fletcher won’t make Compton any more athletic or agile, it will give him the chance to learn some helpful tips from a proven linebacker who faced the same adversity.
Fletcher was known for making up for his lack of speed by using his top-level instincts to over-compensate. It helped Fletcher become one of the most respected players of his generation.
Compton not the only player channeling the past
As it turns out, Compton and Fletcher are not the only two who are pairing up this offseason.
According to the man himself, Darrell Green and Bashaud Breeland will be working together this offseason as well. While Breeland has been dealing with some issues lately via social media, he is still directed at becoming the best player he can be, Green can only help him more. It’s actually surprising the Redskins haven’t done this before with Green, or others, coming in to mentor a younger player who needs guidance can only benefit the organization as it shows unity.
FYI, I have a scheduled one on one training session with Mr. Breeland @salute_me17 later in the offseason. Skin2017! https://t.co/OG3wEssE0Z
— Darrell Green (@darrellgreen28) March 15, 2017
After seeing all the love among his fellow team mates and former players, linebacker Junior Galette took to Twitter to ask a couple of legends if they would help him. This could get interesting…stay tuned.
Compton Got Fletcher Breeland Has Greene what's up with Dexter or Charles Mann 👀👀
— Junior Galette (@JovaisG) March 22, 2017