The Washington Redskins head into the 2020 NFL Draft with a tough decision to make. Trade down from the No. 2 overall pick or take a generational talent to upgrade their defense. Around the NFL, many believe the decision is already set in stone.
According to NBC Sports’ Peter King, the universal expectation around the league is that head coach Ron Rivera will select Ohio State edge rusher Chase Young when the Redskins are on the clock with the No. 2 overall pick.
While Washington currently doesn’t have a general manager, Rivera and team owner Daniel Snyder will be making the big decisions during the 2020 NFL Draft. Given Snyder is reportedly infatuated with Young, Rivera’s selection would certainly make his boss happy.
Of course, Rivera’s defensive background makes the top edge rusher an easy choice for the organization. The 6-foot-5 edge rusher dominated this past season with the Buckeyes, racking up 16.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss. During an incredible three-year collegiate stint, he compiled 40.5 tackles for loss and 30.5 sacks.
Not only is Young talent, but he’s confident in his abilities and he blew teams away during interviews. Better yet for Washington, the 21-year-old would only be playing a few miles from home and is exactly the kind of player the fan base can fall in love with.
The Redskins still believe in Dwayne Haskins, the No. 15 overall pick from the 2019 NFL Draft. If he can make significant strides in his second season and this defense takes off under Rivera with Young dominating from the first snap, Washington will finally have something to rally around.