With the star-studded defensive line that already exists in Washington, it will be hard for players on the edges to find a spot where they can make a difference. When competing with numerous former first-round picks, even getting an opportunity to get reps at the position and prove that you deserve some time there is an uphill battle.
When you consider that playing on the DL isn’t a normal position for Ryan Anderson, who slotted in as an outside linebacker in Washington’s 3-4 scheme the last few seasons, it may be even tougher to earn his shot going forward.
However, through just a single padded practice — Anderson was held out of Tuesday’s action with a minor injury — the scouting report on this fourth-year player is glowing, according to his new coach.
Rivera said Ryan Anderson "fits right in" with the rotation at DL. He has a versatile set of skills that allows the coaching staff to move him around on the defense. And Anderson has done good things with that so far.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 19, 2020
Being able to work his way into a rotation that includes Chase Young, Montez Sweat, Ryan Kerrigan, Daron Payne, Jonathan Allen, and Matt Ioannidis is going to be a huge challenge for Anderson, but it will be a major accomplishment if he’s able to transition to the new spot and get the job done. If the Day One report for him is any indication of what we can expect going forward, there will be a spot for Anderson on this potentially dominant defensive front.
