Could Landon Collins make the switch to linebacker after all? It appears Washington is taking steps to convince Collins to change positions from safety this upcoming season.
According to John Keim of ESPN, Washington is talking to Collins about switching positions.
“I initially dismissed [Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah] as a possible pick, even though I know they liked him in this range (19th pick overall). But I know they’re talking to Landon Collins about a move to the same position. … This potential move doesn’t take JOK off their list,” Keim stated during his podcast.
Collins initially shot down the idea of moving to linebacker on social media, saying “not happening…”
However, Washington head coach Ron Rivera had a much different tone earlier this month.
“That was Landon,” Rivera said. ““Our plan for Landon is to have him here, have him compete and have him be a part of what we’re doing going forward,” Rivera said.
Collins has been a strong safety throughout his NFL career. While he excels in stopping the run, he struggles in pass coverage. He suffered a season-ending torn Achilles in Week 7 of last season. Rookie Kam Curl stepped into the starting lineup in his place and excelled against the run and pass.
Last season, Collins had 41 tackles and two sacks in seven games before his injury.
Washington would like to keep Curl at strong safety and add a free safety to play alongside him. That could force Collins, who is entering year 3 of a six-year, $84 million deal further back on the depth chart.
Ideally, Collins sliding to linebacker keeps him on the field. It also will highlight his strengths while minimizing his weakness. It will be interesting to see how much he can be swayed into switching positions.
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