After selecting quarterback Dwayne Haskins with the 15th overall pick in the first round of this year’s NFL draft, the Washington Redskins made an aggressive move to get back into the first round. Washington gave up this year’s second-round pick (No. 46 overall) and their 2020 second-round pick to move into the Indianapolis Colts’ No. 26 spot. In doing so, Redskins team president Bruce Allen and his staff filled a void left by the departure of OLB Preston Smith, adding Mississippi State edge rusher Montez Sweat.
But the former Bulldog will likely do more for the Redskins defense than a typical edge rusher would.
His athletic prowess will create matchup nightmares for opposing team’s offensive lineman with his 4.41 speed. The Burgundy and Gold ranked sixth in the NFL last season, averaging 2.9 sacks per game. With Sweat opposite veteran OLB Ryan Kerrigan, the Redskins should become more consistent about putting pressure on quarterbacks in 2019.
Sweat is a versatile player with an explosive first step that allows him to cover a great deal of distance in a hurry. He does a great job of using his hands to set up blockers before clubbing or ripping off a block in pursuit of the QB.
Although he has great pass-rush abilities, the 22 year-old is also particularly gifted at setting the edge against offensive tackles, using his long length to disengage from them and challenge the ball carrier.
Washington ranked 17th against the run in 2018, allowing 116.2 rushing yards per game and allowing opponents to average 4.5 yards-per-attempt. Sweat’s combination of sure open-field tackling and quickness in getting to running backs should significantly improve the Redskins’ stats in this season.
The Georgia native finished 2018 with 53 combined tackles, 14.5 tackles for a loss, 12 sacks and a forced fumble. Washington already had a dynamic front seven and, with the addition of Montez Sweat, the unit could become quite the force with which to be reckoned in the NFC East.