Washington Redskins: Why Terrance Plummer Is the Team's Best Undrafted Signing

A major hole lies in the middle of the Washington Redskins defense, a hole that will likely need to be filled by an undrafted free agent. 

Washington has issues at inside linebacker. Last season, the Redskins allowed 27.4 points per game, which was 30th in the NFL, according to NFL.com. The team also ranked 19th with 357 yards allowed per game. The list of troubling statistics goes on and on, but the moral of the story is that the Redskins need a change.

That change will most likely come from undrafted free agent Terrance Plummer. He is Washington’s best undrafted free agent signing because he is the best player at the team’s most notable position of need. Plummer proved during three productive years at the University of Central Florida that he—unlike most of Washington’s current linebackers—is durable and can tackle consistently. 

Washington has had tackling issues at least since 2013. Jim Haslett, Washington’s defensive coordinator from 2010 to 2014, even admitted that his defense had been playing "some ugly football" in a 2013 Washington Post article by Mark Maske.

He told Maske that he had to "do a better job in getting these guys to tackle," but judging by the rest of his time with Washington, he could not get the job done.

That’s where Plummer comes in.

The Redskins made improvements everywhere else on defense, signing three physical defensive backs and adding three proven veterans on the defensive line through free agency. But Plummer must step in and prove that his 317 tackles in three years at UCF were no fluke and he can have similar production in the NFL.

Plummer’s skill set and versatility fit Washington’s needs.

He’s a proven tackler who can also force turnovers and get to the quarterback. During his senior season, Plummer had four sacks, two fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, an interception and six pass break-ups. That same year, the Redskins had 22 fewer sacks than opponents and a minus-12 turnover ratio, according to NFL.com. 

Another positive quality of Plummer's is his durability. Both of Washington’s starting inside linebackers last season, Perry Riley and Keenan Robinson, missed at least two games with an injury, according to ESPN.com. Plummer played at least 13 games in each of his final three seasons at UCF, despite making at least 99 tackles each of those seasons.

But durability is more of an incentive than a way to earn a spot on the field.

Plummer has weaknesses that he must improve on if he wants to earn any significant playing time. At his pro day, he ran a 4.90 40-yard dash, which is not even close to prototypical for an NFL inside linebacker. For comparison, 2014 All-Pro linebackers Luke Kuechly and Bobby Wagner both ran under a 4.60 before being drafted.

Not all successful inside linebackers must be fast, though.

James Laurinaitis of the St. Louis Rams, for example, ran a 4.88 at the combine, but has not missed a game and has made at least 109 tackles in each of his first six seasons.

Before his pro day, Plummer told Ryan Gillespie of USA Today that he had entered Tom Shaw’s Performance Training Center to shed weight and improve his speed and pass-coverage ability. According to Tom Shaw’s website, he has trained 10 Super Bowl MVPs, 142 NFL first-round draft picks and nine No. 1 picks.

Tom Brady is quoted on the website’s home page as saying, "Coach Shaw is the best in the business."

It seems that Plummer has taken the proper steps toward turning himself into a more complete NFL linebacker. If he can improve his agility, speed and coverage ability, Plummer could become an asset for the Redskins where they need it most.

Washington linebackers struggled immensely in coverage last season—Giants tight end Larry Donnell’s three-touchdown half on Thursday Night Football serves as a prime example.

If Plummer can earn a spot in Washington’s training camp, he will have to stand out in a crowded pool of contestants. He will be competing with Robinson, Riley and Will Compton, all veteran members of the team, and potentially three other rookies.

At least six players will be fighting for two spots on the field, so Plummer needs to draw attention to himself through hard work and playmaking during minicamps and OTAs.

Plummer has history on his side. The Redskins have seen other undrafted linebackers succeed in their ranks. Four-time Pro Bowler London Fletcher is one example.

The skill set and college experience that Plummer will carry into Redskins Park will help him shine. He has a unique opportunity to earn a significant role and fill a serious void in the middle of Washington’s defense.

Expect Plummer to find a niche with the Washington Redskins. There are plenty of holes to be filled and if his Twitter account is any indication, Plummer is excited and has already begun his journey toward the top of the depth chart.