Redskins All-Time Best/Worst Linebackers
This is part 7 in a series of posts in which I’ll list my choices for the Redskins all-time best and worst players at each position. Agree, disagree? Let me know in the comments. Today we cover Linebackers, next up are the Defensive Tackles.
Worst
#5 - Rick Hamilton
Hamilton was a 3rd round pick in the 1993 draft who lasted 1 season plus 1 game for the Redskins. He contributed 0 sacks and only 22 tackles for the burgundy and gold. 12-time Pro Bowl guard Will Shields was picked 3 players later.
#4 - Warrick Holdman
Holdman was basically a starter by default in his 2 seasons with the Redskins, appearing lost in the defense on many occasions. Averaged a paltry 3 tackles per game during his tenure.
#3 - Greg Jones
Drafted in the 2nd round of the 1997 draft…the Skins could’ve had Darren Sharper, Rhonde Barber or Jason Taylor. Jones lasted 4 seasons and played in 63 games…that’s the good news. The bad news is that he barely averaged 1 tackle per game during his Redskins career.
#2 - Michael Barrow
Barrow makes this list having never appeared in a game for the Redskins. He signed a 6 year $11.6 million dollar deal and then missed his entire first year due to injury. The Redskins cut ties with him before year 2.
#1 - Jeremiah Trotter
Signed in the prime of his career to a 7 year $36 million dollar deal he stunk up the joint for 2 seasons with the Redskins. The previous 2 seasons he was a Pro Bowler for the Eagles. Oh yeah, after leaving the Skins he again signed with the Eagles and made the Pro Bowl again the next 2 years.
Best
#5 - Ken Harvey
Harvey edges out Hall of Famer Sam Huff (Huff’s best seasons were for NYG) for #5 on this list. Harvey played 5 seasons for the Redskins earning 4 Pro-Bowl nods. His 41.5 sacks are 2nd among all Redskins linebackers. Also had 391 tackles and is one of the 70 Greatest Redskins.
#4 - Neal Olkewicz
Olkdog appeared in 141 games for the Redskins, good for 3rd all-time. Tackles were not an official stat when he played but it’s been reported he had nearly 1,500 during his career. 2-time Super Bowl champion and one of the 70 Greatest Redskins.
#3 - Wilber Marshall
Marshall played 5 seasons for the Redskins, averaging 5 sacks, 5 turnovers and 125 tackles a season…that is bad ass right there. Super Bowl Champion, Pro-Bowler and one of the 70 Greatest Redskins.
#2 - Monte Coleman
Coleman played 215 games over 3 separate decades and 16 seasons for the Redskins. #1 in career sacks for a linebacker with 43.5 and also had 1000+ tackles. 3-time Super Bowl champion and one of the 70 Greatest Redskins.
#1 - Chris Hanburger
Hanburger played in 187 games over 14 seasons for the Redskins. Sacks and tackles were not official statistics during his playing era but one can assume he is the Redskins all-time leader in tackles and near the top in sacks. Matthew McConaughey’s favorite player. 9-time Pro Bowler, 4-time All-Pro, 1972 NFC Defensive Player of the Year, one of the 70 Greatest Redskins and a Hall of Famer.
Cheers and Hail
