2020 NFL Draft: Chase Young can push for the No. 1 overall pick

After two very strong performances to start 2019, Ohio State edge defender Chase Young will make a strong push for the No. 1 overall selection in April.

Coming into the 2019 season, Ohio State edge rusher Chase Young was high on many analysts’ draft boards. The athletic ability was off the charts, but some wanted to see him develop more of nuance as a rusher and a plan of attack once he got going.

It’s safe to say that Young has come out swinging in the 2019 season. Last week against FAU, he had 1.5 sacks and 1.5 tackles for loss. Against Cincinnati, Young added two more sacks. He also blocked a field goal on special teams. Analysts are already comparing his start to that of Nick Bosa’s in 2018.

Young has always been known for having great bend on the edge. He is super quick off the snap and turns the corner so well at the top of his arc, using that bend and athletic ability to dip under the tackle and generate pressure instantly. That first step quickness is hard to defend at any level.

On this play, Young once again gets a great jump off the line of scrimmage and uses his rip move to get an edge around the arc to get a straight line to the quarterback. He can be very good in the NFL with these types of moves.

Young also is quick enough to shoot through gaps to defend the run and strong enough to hold the edge with good hand placement. He disengages from blocks quickly to make tackles in the run game as well.

Since 2000, a quarterback has been the first overall selection 13 of 19 times. However, don’t count out Young to go No. 1 come draft time. His athletic tools are off the charts, and if he continues to play at this level all season, he will firmly place himself into the conversation of No. 1 overall pick.