Jamin Davis’ NFL Journey Hits Another Crossroad as Raiders Move On
The Ron Rivera era in Washington was defined by a defense-first philosophy and a string of high draft picks aimed at building a physical, fast, and aggressive unit. But as the Commanders continue their reset under general manager Adam Peters, the results of that previous regime’s roster-building strategy are becoming clearer - and in some cases, harder to watch.
One of the most notable examples? Linebacker Jamin Davis.
Drafted in the first round with high expectations, Davis was supposed to be a cornerstone of Washington’s defense - an athletic, rangy linebacker out of Kentucky who could fly to the ball and grow into a modern-day defensive centerpiece. But that vision never materialized. Whether it was scheme fit, development, or just a misread on his ceiling, Davis never quite found his footing in D.C.
By the time Peters took the reins, the writing was already on the wall. None of Rivera’s first four-round picks remain on the roster.
Some were gone before Peters arrived. Others, like Davis, were quickly moved on from.
His shift to an edge-rushing role didn’t take, and by the 2024 season, he was waived - another early-round pick that didn’t pan out.
The Commanders, meanwhile, moved forward with veterans like Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner, who brought stability and leadership to a linebacker room that had been in flux for years. That duo’s arrival essentially closed the book on Davis’ time in Washington.
But the story didn’t end there.
Davis bounced around the league in 2024, catching brief stints with the Packers, Vikings, and Jets. None stuck.
Then came a shot with the Raiders, who initially stashed him on the practice squad before giving him a shot on the active roster. In Week 11 against the Cowboys, Davis saw the field - logging three tackles while playing just under 20 percent of the defensive snaps.
It was a glimpse of opportunity, but a short-lived one.
Ahead of their Week 14 matchup with the Broncos, Las Vegas released Davis. Whether he returns to their practice squad remains uncertain, but the trend is hard to ignore: a former first-round pick now struggling to stay in the league, let alone find a consistent role.
It’s a tough pill to swallow for a player who once had the tools - speed, length, and upside - that teams covet in today’s linebackers. But the transition to the NFL is rarely linear, and Davis’ development was hindered by scheme changes, role shifts, and a lack of continuity around him.
Rivera saw something in Davis, but the infrastructure to support his growth never materialized. By the time the Commanders began to stabilize their defense, Davis was on the outside looking in.
Now, his NFL future is murky. He’s no longer seen as a starter.
He’s a depth option at best, and even that’s becoming a hard sell for teams in need of linebacker help. If he can’t stick on a Raiders team that’s been searching for defensive answers all season, it’s fair to wonder where - or if - he’ll get another chance.
There’s still time for Davis to rewrite the narrative. But right now, he’s on the edge of the league, and the opportunities are getting fewer and farther between.