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5 top options for the Redskins first-round pick in 2019

By Jacob Camenker

STARKVILLE, MS - SEPTEMBER 29: Jachai Polite #99 of the Florida Gators celebrates a sack during the second half against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MS - SEPTEMBER 29: Jachai Polite #99 of the Florida Gators celebrates a sack during the second half against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 13: Jachai Polite #99 of the Florida Gators pressures quarterback Kyle Shurmur #14 of the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at Vanderbilt Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 13: Jachai Polite #99 of the Florida Gators pressures quarterback Kyle Shurmur #14 of the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at Vanderbilt Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

The Redskins could have a hole at edge rush, and either way, they need some depth. Preston Smith is hitting free agency, and it’s unclear whether or not the team will keep him around. But if they don’t, Jachai Polite would be a great replacement option.

Both Smith and Polite are very good athletes, but Polite has the tools needed to be the speed threat that Smith never really developed into. That would add another element to the defensive front, and it would definitely add strength to the pass rush.

As Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network noted, Polite has the makings of a solid speed rusher. Here’s what Crabbs said in an early-October scouting report on Polite.

More from Commanders News

"Jachai Polite illustrates flashes of brilliance as a speed rusher. Capable of releasing with suddenness from a two point stance and gaining large amounts of turf in steps two and three in order to gain leverage on the edge. Athletic ability translates beyond short area explosiveness and into lateral mobility and slipping blocks at the point of attack as well. Polite shows understanding of how and when to fold back inside against over-committed blockers and gain penetration into protection."

Polite could become a playmaker, and he would be a great foil to Ryan Kerrigan, who tends to win thanks to his motor, strength, and pass rushing moves as opposed to his pure speed. Having a different type of player would make the defense more versatile and give more flexibility to the team’s defensive coordinator.

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