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Redskins: 5 dark horse candidates to make the 53-man roster in 2019

By Jacob Camenker

WACO, TX - SEPTEMBER 15: T.J. Rahming #3 of the Duke Blue Devils celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Baylor Bears during the first half of a football game at McLane Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
WACO, TX - SEPTEMBER 15: T.J. Rahming #3 of the Duke Blue Devils celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Baylor Bears during the first half of a football game at McLane Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /
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MURFREESBORO, TN – OCTOBER 20: John Urzua #19 of the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders looks to pass while under pressure from Ryan Bee #91 of the Marshall Thundering Herd in the third quarter of a game at Floyd Stadium on October 20, 2017 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
MURFREESBORO, TN – OCTOBER 20: John Urzua #19 of the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders looks to pass while under pressure from Ryan Bee #91 of the Marshall Thundering Herd in the third quarter of a game at Floyd Stadium on October 20, 2017 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Often, undrafted free agents are given chances on 53-man rosters if they impress in the preseason. This makes sense, as they are considered to be unknown commodities with upside. That’s exactly what Ryan Bee profiles as.

Bee went undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, but he signed with the Redskins quickly after the draft concluded. Bee had a great collegiate career at Marshall, logging 18 total sacks are producing at least four in each of his four seasons, and could have a chance to become a well-rounded player at the NFL level.

I recently wrote about Bee in a Redskins UDFA Spotlight, and after watching him play, I really like a few aspects of his skill set.

Washington Commanders
Washington Commanders /

Washington Commanders

"If there’s one thing that Ryan Bee brings to the field, it’s effort and energy. When he is on the field, his motor is always going, and he never gives up on a play. Bee has solid technique as well. He plays with really good pad level and his hands are always active at the point of attack. His footwork is very good too, and that should certainly help him to get a leg up on the competition, as he will be able to win with his technique and length at the line of scrimmage. Speaking of his length, Bee has a great frame for the NFL level at 6-foot-7. He is only 280 pounds (more on that later) but he has excellent size and as many say, size cannot be taught. So, if Bee shows good technique with his big frame, that could give him a chance to impress and showcase the upside that he has."

The potential is there for Bee, and if he’s given a chance to work with Jim Tomsula, he could have a chance to become a contributor in the defensive line rotation. It will be hard to stash a talent like Bee on the practice squad if he finds success as a pass rusher in the preseason, so his best fit could be on the active roster.

The one thing that could block Bee from getting onto the roster is the glut of talent they already have on the interior defensive line. With Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Matt Ioannidis, Tim Settle, and Caleb Brantley already seemingly locked into the roster, Bee would have to convince the team to keep a sixth D-lineman.

It could happen, especially if Bee showcases his immense upside. But because of the challenges he may face, he only comes in third on the list despite being the team’s best undrafted free agent.

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