Throw the rumors of taking Tua Tagovailoa or trading the pick out the window. They were nonsense and the Washington Redskins made that no secret. The Redskins, who have done well in the draft over the last five years, landed the best player in the draft when they took Chase Young.
The Ohio State product joins a defensive front of Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Montez Sweat, and Matt Ioannidis. Ron Rivera is on the verge of building a special defense in D.C. with Jack Del Rio running the show. This is a pick that Redskins fans should be thrilled about.
Here are three bold predictions for Young in year one.
3. Young Wins DROY
This is not too bold considering he is the betting favorite, but let's get it out of the way early. Young has a great chance to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. It would be considered a shock if he does not win at this point.
Young will enter his rookie season with high expectations and he can make an immediate impact on the defensive line in D.C. It is too early to consider him for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, so the rookie award will have to do for now.
2. Eclipses 10 sacks, leads Redskins
The Redskins had four players with five or more sacks, with Matthew Ioannidis leading the way with 8.5 sacks. Sweat was right behind him with seven in his rookie season. Young has the ability to have double-digit sacks in his first season. To put it in perspective, Nick Bosa had nine sacks this season and Joey Bosa had 10.5 during his rookie campaign.
Young's impact will go beyond the stat sheet. He will likely face double-teams which will take heat off the other members of the defensive line. Teams will look to run plays away from where Young is lined up. Young will make plays that do not show up on the stat sheet, but the numbers will still be there.
1. All-Pro?
Can Young follow in the footsteps of Ezekiel Elliott, Quenton Nelson, and Darius Leonard and be named an All-Pro as a rookie? Leonard is a linebacker and finished with 163 tackles and seven sacks in his first season. It is extremely hard as an edge rusher to come in and perform at an All-Pro level immediately, but Young is expected to do big things.
Young has all the intangibles to be the next great pass rusher from Ohio State. His size, speed, strength, and work ethic speak for themselves. The Redskins have been in need of an impact player that can get them back on the map.
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