We are all entrenched in the confines of ‘Mock Draft Season’ in the NFL, as all but two teams are now into their offseason and focusing on preparations for what comes ahead.
While some of the top prospects in the NFL are competing at the Senior Bowl this week, others are getting ready for the combine where they will be able to perform at the biggest job interview in their lives to date. For many teams, what takes place at the NFL Combine will go a long way to determine who they draft with their first pick in April; for the Redskins, it’s pretty much a foregone conclusion that they will select Ohio State defensive end Chase Young.
In ESPN’s Mel Kyper’s latest mock draft, he yet again has the Redskins selecting Young with the No. 2 overall pick, which comes as no surprise. During the predraft process that has gotten underway over the past few weeks, many are debating whether or not Young or LSU quarterback Chase Young is the best overall prospect in the draft. Many think that Young is the No. 1 guy, but the Cincinnati Bengals’ need for a QB will likely drive them to take the Heisman Trophy-winner with their first pick. That leaves Young to fall to Washington, and it seems almost impossible that they’ll draft anyone but him.
If you scanned Washington’s depth chart, you probably wouldn’t pick out an edge rusher as its top need. It might not even be in the top three. And yet, the Redskins absolutely can’t pass on Young — unless they get bowled over with an offer from a team trading up. With 16.5 sacks in 2019, Young was truly dominant, and he’ll make an instant impact at the next level. Yes, Washington has veteran Ryan Kerrigan, who has one year left on his contract, and just took Montez Sweat (seven sacks as a rookie) in the first round, but Young has All-Pro talent and is my top-ranked prospect overall. New coach Ron Rivera will love him.
Of course, some other team like the Miami Dolphins could offer a load of draft assets and picks in order to move up in the draft, convincing Washington to give away the second pick, but many think that the Redskins will turn down any offer they may receive. If you have the chance to take Chase, you take him.
