Dominique Hampton may be Washington Commanders' breakout linebacker in 2025, say coaches and fans
Dominique Hampton (via Getty Images)
Although all eyes this offseason have focused on Jayden Daniels and the much-watched 2024 rookie class, there is one name that is slowly building traction within the Washington Commanders locker room, and that is Dominique Hampton.
The second-year defender, once seen as a developmental project, is now drawing serious praise from position coaches who believe he could step into a key linebacker role in 2025. As chatter builds around the Washington Commanders' depth at linebacker, Dominique Hampton is emerging as a dark horse to watch.
Washington Commanders linebacker Dominique Hampton turning heads after offseason transformation
Taken in the seventh round of the 2023
NFL
Draft, Dominique Hampton was considered a project player—a guy who didn't fit the prototype of a safety or linebacker.
Having entered the University of Washington, he was better recognized for his physique (6-foot-2, 215 pounds then) and athleticism than for an established NFL role.
That script is beginning to change.
Now weighing in at 6 feet 3 inches and 220 pounds, Dominique Hampton has gained bulk and flexibility to go along with his new full-time linebacker role. In the estimation of linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr., Dominique Hampton has taken demonstrable strides both physically and mentally.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Play Chess on Your PC, Free
Play Classic Chess
Install Now
Undo
"Dom has really worked hard this offseason," Norton said. "He's really changed his body. And he's strong, he's fast. He's really upped his ability to communicate playing a middle linebacker. He has to do a great job of communicating. He's really upped his IQ about how to understand the defenses, because being in the middle and making different checks and calls, you have to be right. Now when he says something, he knows it's important because everybody's listening.
"
Although restricted to a single appearance as a rookie, Hampton's development has drawn parallels with the likes of Jeremy Chinn, with some insiders predicting he can, in the future, occupy that hybrid safety-linebacker position in Dan Quinn's scheme.
While the spotlight has been bright on Jordan Magee, who made a stir as a rookie, and edge rusher Javontae Jean-Baptiste, Hampton has gone under the radar. That probably won't happen for much longer.
The Washington Commanders are thin on proven depth at linebacker, and that could be a sign of the faith they have in young talent like Hampton.
Also read:
Jack Bech, Las Vegas Raiders rookie WR, is obsessed with the stability of the mountains
If Hampton keeps moving in the right direction, he not only might make the 53-man roster but push for rotational—or even starting—reps midway through the season. The Washington Commanders may have found a linebacker who can do more than just fill the gap—he could be a defensive stalwart in the making. As the 2025 season draws near, don't expect the Commanders' linebacker discussion to start—and stop—with Dominique Hampton.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
34 minutes ago
- Time of India
'You may be No.1, but I'm pretty good too': Harry Brook's brave knock earns praise as Jasprit Bumrah duel lights up Headingley
England's Harry Brook plays a shot during day three of the first Test. (AP Photo) Harry Brook may have fallen agonisingly short of a century, dismissed for 99 on Day 3 of the first Test against India at Headingley, but his knock earned plaudits for its maturity, audacity, and game awareness. The 26-year-old Yorkshire batter was the standout performer for England, helping them close in on the 400-run mark before being caught off Prasidh Krishna 's bowling. LIVE: India vs England 1st Test Day 3 Brook's innings, which came off 112 balls and included 11 boundaries and two sixes, was built on resilience and flair. He survived a nervy start, including a near-dismissal to Jasprit Bumrah in the final over of Day 2 and a couple of dropped chances on the third morning. Yet, he played with authority, especially against India's pace spearhead. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Former England cricketer and broadcaster Nick Knight was full of praise for Brook's approach, particularly his confident response to Bumrah's early challenge. Poll How significant was Harry Brook's near-century in the context of the match? Very significant Somewhat significant Not significant 'We are seeing the very best of Harry Brook,' Knight said during the lunch break on Day 3. 'The audacious shots, the strike rate, his general approach - this is a more refined version of him. I liked how he danced down to Bumrah early on and said, 'You may be No. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Our one of a kind Patented Cold Water Extraction Process Superior Ginseng Undo 1 in the world, but I'm pretty good too. I'm No. 2, so let's go.'' India lose momentum on Day 2 | England Fight Back at Headingley Knight highlighted Brook's maturity, noting, 'What I admired most was how he read the game situation and built partnerships. Bazball is refining itself constantly, and Brook showed how to blend aggression with awareness.' Brook's dismissal left him stranded just one short of a memorable hundred at his home ground, but his effort under pressure - particularly his duel with Bumrah - was a compelling display of modern Test batting, earning respect even in heartbreak. Follow all the live updates, scores, and highlights from the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
MS Dhoni shares exciting moment daughter Ziva receives Lionel Messi's signed Argentina jersey
MS Dhoni shares exciting moment daughter Ziva receives Lionel Messi's signed Argentina jersey (Image via Getty) Mahendra Singh Dhoni's daughter got a wonderful gift this week. The unique moment between two sportspeople of different sports made cricket and football fans ecstatic as the photo went viral on social media. A photo of MS Dhoni 's daughter, Ziva Singh Dhoni, wearing an autographed Argentina jersey that Lionel Messi had gifted her, went viral on 22 June 2025. This sweet gesture united three big names- MS Dhoni, Lionel Messi and little Ziva- and became viral in no time on social media. MS Dhoni's daughter Ziva Singh Dhoni receives Lionel Messi's autographed Argentina jersey MS Dhoni's daughter, Ziva, is once again breaking the internet, and this time, not for anything that features her, but because it relates to two of the most loved sports personalities in the world. In a latest update posted on her official Instagram account operated by her parents MS Dhoni and Sakshi Dhoni, Ziva can be seen wearing a Jersey of the Argentina national football team. It was autographed by Lionel Messi, with a message penned in Spanish — 'Para Ziva,' which translated to 'For Ziva. ' This Lionel Messi signed Argentina shirt has been personally donated by Leo Messi and so it's a rather unique gift. The jersey has since gone viral among fans who were moved by the sweet gesture between Messi and Dhoni's family. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The moment was shared on various platforms including Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, and garnered thousands of likes and comments. The post mentioned how Ziva has inherited the love for football from her father MS Dhoni. A: Dhoni, the retired Indian cricket captain, is fan of football. He is also the co-owner of Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League (ISL). His backing of Lionel Messi is no secret and this present now adds to the respect they obviously hold for one another as two of the planet's biggest sports stars. MS Dhoni and Lionel Messi connect through daughter Ziva's viral moment Ziva Singh Dhoni's viral photo featuring an autographed Argentina shirt by Lionel Messi has delighted cricket and football lovers alike. Additionally sharing the picture on her story, MS Dhoni's wife, Sakshi Dhoni, got even more attention. Many internet users have praised Messi's warm and simple gesture. After Argentina won the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Lionel Messi reportedly signed the shirt. Reportedly, Messi autographed multiple jerseys for renowned Indian sports stars including BCCI executives and legends like Dhoni at the time. Among Lionel Messi and MS Dhoni, this classic present to Ziva stands apart as a great show of respect. Follow all the live updates, scores, and highlights from the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
IND vs ENG: 'Feeling to wahi hai jo ... ': Rishabh Pant breaks silence on Sunil Gavaskar's 'stupid to superb' u-turn
Rishabh Pant (Getty Images) NEW DELHI: Six months ago, Rishabh Pant faced heavy criticism from legendary India batter Sunil Gavaskar , who had slammed him as 'stupid, stupid, stupid' following a reckless dismissal during the Boxing Day Test against Australia at the MCG. Fast forward to the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test at Headingley, and Gavaskar's tune has changed dramatically. After Pant's stunning century, he called it 'superb, superb, superb.' Pant's 134 against England marked his seventh Test century, making him the Indian wicketkeeper with the most hundreds in the format, surpassing MS Dhoni 's tally of six. It was also Pant's third Test hundred in England — a remarkable feat, as no other visiting wicketkeeper has scored more than one Test ton in the country. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! 'It feels so good. I have worked on my weaknesses, and tried to recover from setbacks so that you can make a good comeback. I changed some of my mistakes through my hardwork and focus, as well as being disciplined towards my cricket. It gives me a lot of satisfaction and feels very exciting,' Pant told Pujara in a video posted on social media. Pant celebrated the century with a front handspring — a gesture he's embraced since childhood. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo 'I had three celebrations in mind – of an OK sign on the eye (which footballer Dele Alli does), another was 'let bat do the talking'. Then I thought, I will quietly do the one I know well. I have been doing it from my childhood (handspring).' 'I trained in gymnastics in school. I am very used to it since childhood. Even if you wake up me up in the middle of the night, I can do this. After the accident, I had to work harder for doing this. I worked on it and it's now easy for me to do it,' said Pant in a chat with veteran India batter Cheteshwar Pujara ahead of Day 3. Sitanshu Kotak press conference: Big revelation on Shubman Gill Pant also shared his mindset in the moments leading up to the milestone, which he reached with a one-handed six off Shoaib Bashir over mid-wicket. 'When (Shoaib) Bashir was bowling in the previous over, I thought I should get to the hundred. I didn't want to play percentage cricket and take a risk. He was bowling well, so I respected it and took a single.' 'In the next over when he came, I told him before 'if you keep the field close-in, I will hit the big shot'. Luckily, I was batting on 99 and I was confident. The pressure was there, but I wanted to play on the merit of the ball.' Pant's comeback ton comes on the heels of a mixed IPL 2025 season with Lucknow Super Giants, though he did end the campaign on a high with a century against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Reflecting on his preparation for the Test series, Pant explained the technical and mental adjustments he made. 'In my mind, I wanted to cut down on a few shots (in preparation for Tests after IPL). I wanted to play in the V. If you have seen it, I haven't played a lot of shots to balls that were bowled wide. I wanted to play straight and rest of it would be seen after. In my mind, the thought process is always to try read the bowler's thinking – like what is he trying to do.' 'Once an idea is made, the thought from me is to put the bowler under pressure as I can hit him out. So playing with the bowler's mindset and trying to disturb him is important, as if you allow the bowler to hit the right areas, so he's always on the top. So playing with that, and then coming back to your zone – this balancing act is just getting more refined – and I am enjoying this a lot.' On his improved defence and discipline at the crease, Pant added: 'Mostly it's about the area – if the ball is in a good area, I try not to do too much. Like if a bowler is in a good spell or is working on a set-up, its fine. But when the bowler is not in rhythm, then I try to capitalise on it towards my side. When a bowler is bowling well, I try to defend well against him or leave, as that's the mindset.' Follow all the live updates, scores, and highlights from the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
