The Washington Redskins have recently strung together several solid drafts that have yielded valuable defensive pieces. With the second overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Washington’s selection of Chase Young out of Ohio State adds another dynamic cornerstone.
Redskins use their round one pick (No. 2 overall) on Ohio State edge rusher Chase Young. #NFLDraft2020 pic.twitter.com/xOJpc9VOpW
— SportsJourney.com (@SportsJourney) April 24, 2020
This marks the fourth straight year in which the Redskins have selected a defensive player with a first-round pick in the draft joining Montez Sweat ( No. 26 overall 2019), Daron Payne ( No.13 overall in 2018), and Jonathan Allen (No. 17 overall 2017).
Chase Young’s selection marks the fourth straight year in which the #Redskins have selected a defensive player with a first-round pick in the draft joining Montez Sweat (No. 26 overall in 2019), Jonathan Allen (No. 17 overall in 2017) and Daron Payne (No. 13 overall in 2018).
— Lake Lewis Jr (@LakeLewis) April 24, 2020
Despite acquiring significant talent over the past three years, the Redskins defense still struggled to find consistency in stopping opposing teams’ offenses. Washington was second to last in stopping the run, allowing 146.2 yards per game, and 18th against the pass allowing 238.9 yards per game.
Most feel that a good portion of these deficiencies stemmed from poor design of the defensive scheme along with a lack of consistent offensive production. This often left the Redskins defense on the field for a considerable amount of time.
With that said, what does the addition of Chase Young mean for Redskins defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio’s defense?
The first thing that stands out when watching the former Ohio State standout’s film is his versatility. Young isn’t just a physical player that can rush the passer extremely well, but he can also be a factor in the running game.
#Redskins get an versatile player in Chase Young. They can move him around and make it difficult on offensive coordinators. That's not including the other dynamic talent on the defense. Definitely going to be fun to see what recipes Jack del Rio will come up with #NFLDraft2020
— Dujunnea Bland (@NotBland21) April 24, 2020
When it comes to defending the run, he is proficient in understanding where he needs to be without over-pursuing. He does an excellent job of setting the edge and has the strength and athletic capability to take on pullers and squeezing gaps. Young’s strength in this area will come in handy since Washington struggled mightily to stop the run last season, giving up 4.7 yards per rush attempt.
Young also has tremendous power and does a masterful job of using his hands to shed or counter blocks. His skillful hand usage enables him to maintain separation allowing him to change directions and react favorably as the play develops.
Additionally, the Maryland native has great anticipation with a very quick first step at the snap with no wasted motion, giving him the ability to get downhill in a hurry. Young has a plethora of combinations that he can use in rushing the passer, making him a nightmare to contend with one-on-one.
The burgundy and gold are getting a generational talent in Chase Young that could prove to be the final piece of the puzzle in building a stifling defense for years to come. Young’s presence gives Del Rio the ability to mix things up schematically which will make it difficult for defensive coordinators to key in on one guy. With the likes of Montez Sweat, Ryan Kerrigan, and Ryan Anderson, the Redskins will present a matchup conundrum.
Young finished his college career at Ohio State with 98 combined tackles, 40.5 tackles for a loss, 30.5 sacks, and nine forced fumbles.
So what are the #Redskins getting in Chase Young? In 2019 at Ohio State, Young ranked No. 1 in the nation in tackles for loss per game (1.91), No. 1 in sacks (16.5) and sacks per game (1.50), No. 2 in forced fumbles (six) and No. 4 in total tackles for loss (21.0). 👈🏾
— Lake Lewis Jr (@LakeLewis) April 24, 2020