Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated spent a day in Ashburn, Virginia, last week on his training camp tour, previewing the Washington Commanders.
While Breer’s eyes were on rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and head coach Dan Quinn, Breer had several other observations in his latest column for SI.
But one of his observations stood out more than most. Here’s what Breer said of sixth-round pick Dominique Hampton.
Fifth-rounder Dominique Hampton is adjusting nicely to linebacker, and undrafted free agent Tyler Owens, a long, rangy safety, looks like he’ll make the team, play on special teams, and have a future on defense.
Has Hampton switched positions from safety to linebacker?
In Quinn’s scheme, it’s common for one of the safeties to play in the box at times. That will be Jeremy Chinn’s role in 2024. But Breer called Hampton a linebacker. It’s no surprise he’s working with the linebackers, but if he’s officially changed positions, that could be a way for him and Tyler Owens to make Washington’s 53-man roster.
Hampton certainly has the size and athleticism, at 6 feet 3 inches and 220 pounds. Markquese Bell filled a similar role for the Cowboys under Quinn.
Quan Martin, Chinn, Jeremy Reaves, Percy Butler, Owens, Hampton and Darrick Forrest are all battling for what is likely five safety spots. If Hampton is a linebacker, that allows the Commanders to be more creative.
It will be interesting to see where Hampton lines up in this weekend’s preseason game against the Miami Dolphins.