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Simulating the Washington Redskins’ entire 2019 offseason

By Jacob Camenker

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 03: Josh Norman #24 of the Washington Redskins walks off the field after the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Redskins 28-13. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 03: Josh Norman #24 of the Washington Redskins walks off the field after the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Redskins 28-13. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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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) /

NFL Draft, Day 1

With all the free agents signed, there was one major hole left to address on defense prior to the draft. That came at the edge rush position. With Preston Smith gone, there is no true starter across from Ryan Kerrigan. That needed to change on Day 1 of the draft simulation, especially considering that Kerrigan’s prime will soon come to an end.

Thankfully, the 2019 NFL Draft class is loaded at the edge rush position, and many defensive linemen could go in the first round. With the No. 15 pick, the Redskins are in position to land whichever of the players falls into their lap to help improve their defense.

With the 15th pick, we were hoping that Clelin Ferrell would fall to us. Unfortunately, that never ended up happening. That said, landing Florida’s Jachai Polite with the pick is not a bad consolation prize at all.

Polite clocked in as the No. 3 option on my early list of players that the ‘Skins should target in Round 1. Polite, an excellent speed rusher, enjoyed a great year at Florida, racking up a career-high 11 sacks before deciding to go pro. His best skill set is his combination of excellent athletic ability and his effort. If he continues to play with a high motor at the NFL level, he should be a sure-fire success.

Polite would bring something to the fold that the team’s edge rush was lacking this year. That is speed. If the team can add a speed element on the outside to go along with Kerrigan and their big-bodied pass rushers on the inside, that defensive front will be extremely difficult to face in 2019.

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