NFL free agency 2019: Top 50 available players

By Conor Myles | Feb 6, 2019

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 31: Houston Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) lines up before the snap during the NFL game between the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans on December 31, 2017, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 11: Washington Redskins linebacker Preston Smith (94) during the second half of an NFL game between the Washington Redskins and the Tampa Bay Bucs on November 11, 2018, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

18. Preston Smith, OLB

Today’s NFL calls for more pass rush, and Preston Smith is just reaching the peak of his potential in that category. The 26-year-old edge rusher has started every game the last three seasons for the Washington Redskins after the team made him their second-round pick in 2015.

Smith’s 28 sacks throughout 64 games won’t pop out to most, but his increase in pass-rush productivity, according to Pro Football Focus, shows that the edge rusher is only continuing to improve. Smith recorded 38 quarterback hurries, which was an improvement of 20 compared to the 18 he posted in 2017.

The Redskins should look to keeping Smith paired with Ryan Kerrigan, but the rival New York Giants could swoop in should the outside linebacker hit the open market.

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