Commanders LB Khaleke Hudson 'Full of Energy,' Working Up Depth Chart
Every NFL season, new players emerge as strong contributors and stars to make a name for themselves. Sometimes, that player comes seemingly out of nowhere... But usually offseason workouts are a good indicator as to how a player is developing... at least in the eyes of the coaching staff.
Washington Commanders linebacker Khaleke Hudson has caught the attention of defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio, who called his play during offseason workouts, "outstanding."
"I think gained he a little bit of confidence from that last outing against Dallas," Del Rio said. "He went out there and played really well, and so he’s coming to the offseason full of energy and getting a lot of reps because Jamin is not going.”
ESPN picked Hudson as a surprising player this spring.
"Hudson, a backup/special-teamer in his first three seasons, worked with the starters during the spring in part because Jamin Davis was recovering from offseason knee surgery and free agent signee Cody Barton was working with the backups as he learned the defense," ESPN's John Keim wrote. "Hudson impressed the coaches, however, building on a successful start in the regular-season finale. He played fast this spring -- as he did in the finale against Dallas. While Washington entered the offseason wanting to improve its linebacker depth, Hudson's one-game performance, as well as this spring, put that quest on hold."
The Commanders hope Hudson is the answer to their depth problem at linebacker. A 2020 fifth-round pick, he's played 41 games with four starts while playing about 85 percent of his total snaps on special teams. However, Hudson's strong and reliable performance this spring is making the case for more playing time.
Former first-round pick Jamin Davis missed much of OTA's due to a cleanup procedure on his knee but it likely to return for training camp. Washington also signed former Seattle Seahawks linebacker Cody Barton to a one-year deal in the offseason.
With the help of Davis, Barton and Hudson, the Commanders hope to reach the postseason for the first time since 2020. Even if the 25-year-old Hudson doesn't snag a starting spot, he could majorly benefit the defense in 2023.
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