With The First Pick
Fansided

Redskins: 3 challenges Chase Young faces in rookie season

By Timothy Rodriguez

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 28: Chase Young #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs past Tremayne Anchrum #73 of the Clemson Tigers in the first half during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 28: Chase Young #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs past Tremayne Anchrum #73 of the Clemson Tigers in the first half during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 24: Ryan Kerrigan #91 of the Washington Redskins lines up against the Detroit Lions during the first half at FedExField on November 24, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 24: Ryan Kerrigan #91 of the Washington Redskins lines up against the Detroit Lions during the first half at FedExField on November 24, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Crowded defensive line room

The “pick for need” crowd argued that the Redskins should be looking elsewhere instead of drafting Chase Young because they were already set on the defensive line, which is true. However, Young is simply too elite of a player to pass up on. Once in a decade players are hard to find, especially at a premium position like pass rusher.

The interior of the Redskins defensive line is phenomenal. In the middle, Daron Payne has emerged as a talented young player. On either side of him are Jonathan Allen and Matt Ioannidis to form one of the most lethal trios in the NFL. With these three pushing the pocket from the inside, the Redskins were already poised for greatness on the defensive line.

On the edge, where Chase Young will play, longtime Washington great Ryan Kerrigan has held down the fort for a decade. On the other side, 2019 first round pick Montez Sweat is looking to build off an encouraging rookie season. Washington traded up to select Sweat last year, showing how committed they are to the defensive line.

Naturally, Chase Young would start from day one and play the vast majority of the snaps. However, with Ron Rivera in his first season as head coach, there is a chance that he makes Young “earn his stripes” and give more playing time to the veterans. While this is unlikely because of how great Young is, it is certainly something to look for.

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