5 NFL rookies who will dominate immediately in 2020
2. Chase Young, DE, Washington Redskins
Young was a no-brainer pick for the Redskins at No. 2 overall, as he joins a defensive line that is in line to sneakily be very good.
After good 2018 campaign for Ohio State (10.5 sacks, 14.5 tackles for loss, 75 pressures), Young reached another level last year (16.5 sacks, 21 tackles for loss, seven forced fumbles) as he essentially took home all the awards he could have (Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, the Chuck Bednarik Award, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy).
When projecting Young to be a double-digit sack “breakout” player this year, Joe Marino of The Draft Network easily lauded his skills and the situation he’s coming into.
"Where I get most excited about Young’s NFL forecast is thinking about how much he grew from 2018 to 2019. The statistical increases reveal notable gains in tackles for loss, sacks and forced fumbles, but he was far more refined with his vision and pass-rushing plan, which was the reason for the jump in production. Young enters a situation in Washington where the pass-rushing options already include Ryan Kerrigan, Montez Sweat, Jonathan Allen, Da’Ron Payne and Matt Ioannidis; Young is primed to immediately find favorable opportunities to attack the pocket. He’s going to be a problem for blockers from Day 1."
Quite simply, the opposition will double-team Young at their own peril and he’s primed to take advantage of those 1-on-1 opportunities. Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio has said the sky is the limit for the rookie, while also attempting to keep expectations in check.
Del Rio doesn’t have a great record as a head coach, but he has coordinated some good defenses and edge rushers have had great success in his system.
The more you know ⬇️
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) May 26, 2020
Jack Del Rio was hired as the Panthers DC in 2002. That year they drafted Julius Peppers 2nd overall. He went on to win DROY with 12 sacks and five FF.
Flash to 2020 with Del Rio as the Redskins DC, the team selected Chase Young 2nd overall.
Coincidence?
The transition to the NFL should be noted, but Young could refine his game even further to meet his immense talent. He is the front runner for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year until further notice.