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Ryan Kerrigan ranked one of Bleacher Report’s most unblockable pass rushers

By Jacob Camenker

CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 10: Linebacker Ryan Kerrigan #91 of the Washington Redskins gets to quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers and forces an incomplete pass on December 10, 2017 at StubHub Center in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 10: Linebacker Ryan Kerrigan #91 of the Washington Redskins gets to quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers and forces an incomplete pass on December 10, 2017 at StubHub Center in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /
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Ryan Kerrigan doesn’t always get a lot of love, but the Washington Redskins rush linebacker is one of the best and most consistent edge rushers in the NFL.

When Ryan Kerrigan was selected by the Washington Redskins with the No. 16 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, there were some skeptics who wondered if he would become a solid pro. Kerrigan had put up three strong years at Purdue and looked like a good pass rusher, but there were some concerns that he might not translate to the NFL. It was thought that his motor would make him an effective player, but he was not an ideal fit in the 3-4 defense. So, when the Redskins selected him, there was some concern about how he would play in that system.

To date, those concerns have been unfounded. Kerrigan has been one of the most consistent pass rushers in the NFL, and has logged 71.5 sacks in seven seasons since being drafted. Never has he had a season with less than 7.5 sacks and even more impressive, he has never missed a single game. He has started all 112 since coming into the league.

Despite the consistency that Kerrigan has put up, he is often overlooked when discussing the league’s best pass rushers. He isn’t quite as flashy as Von Miller and Khalil Mack, but his health and ability to put up quality performances each week stand out in a league that values that type of consistency and effort.

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Perhaps that is why Kerrigan finally got some recognition for his efforts. Kerrigan was recently ranked as the 12th most unblockable pass rusher by Bleacher Report’s Doug Farrar, who said the following of Kerrigan’s abilities.

"Kerrigan’s most obvious attribute is his speed to the turn around the tackle from the snap. He explodes out of his position in two-, three- and four-point stances, using his burst to establish the first move against his blockers and his agility and balance to stay quick when he’s turning to the quarterback. He’s also great with the inside counter, using tackles’ leverage against them when they’re too focused on his outside moves.And just when you think you’ve got him figured out from a technique perspective, Kerrigan will go to pure power and bull-rush his blocker right into the pocket. If you’re blocking Kerrigan and you don’t have your foundation together from his first move, he’s strong enough to send you to the ground quickly."

This description of Kerrigan is entirely accurate. His ability to leverage both speed and power and use them interchangeably makes it very difficult to predict what he will do on each snap. That is what leads him to be able to get so much pressure, and open up opportunities for his teammates on the interior to make some rushes as well.

Some may say that No. 12 is even too low for Kerrigan, but this list does contain players at all positions across the defensive line. So, this actually is a glowing endorsement of Kerrigan, as he is considered one of the best among both exterior and interior pass rushers.

Next: Re-evaluating the roles of the Redskins RBs

Kerrigan is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, in which he logged 13 sacks despite the injury-plagued Redskins defense. Perhaps he’ll continue to produce at a high-level for the Redskins for another year. And at the very least, he can be counted on to put up 7.5 sacks and protect the edge of the defense very well.

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