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Redskins: Four players that could make fireworks during the 2019 season

By Jacob Camenker

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 26: Landon Collins #21 of the New York Giants heads for the endzone and scores a touchdown in the first quarter against the New York Jets during a preseason game on August 26, 2017 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 26: Landon Collins #21 of the New York Giants heads for the endzone and scores a touchdown in the first quarter against the New York Jets during a preseason game on August 26, 2017 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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STARKVILLE, MS – NOVEMBER 4: Ross Comis #2 of the Massachusetts Minutemen is sacked by Montez Sweat #9 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the first half of an NCAA football game at Davis Wade Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MS – NOVEMBER 4: Ross Comis #2 of the Massachusetts Minutemen is sacked by Montez Sweat #9 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the first half of an NCAA football game at Davis Wade Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images) /

1. EDGE Montez Sweat

Of all the players that could make splash plays next year, Sweat sticks out as the one with the most potential. And it’s easy to see why.

The Redskins pass rush was already very strong coming into the offseason. They combined for 46 sacks which was good for seventh-most in the NFL. This year, they have made few changes to their defensive front, but they have swapped Sweat in for Preston Smith.

Though Smith was good at getting pressure, he only had four sacks in his final season in Washington. Sweat has the upside to do much more as a rookie thanks to his unique blend of elite athletic ability and length. In many ways, he is like Smith but was more consistently productive at the college level. So, he should have immense upside in the Redskins defense.

NFL teams won’t treat Sweat as the focal point of the pass rush for Washington. Considering that he was treated as such at Mississippi State (along with his fellow first-round pick and college teammate, Jeffery Simmons), he should have a good chance to see more one-on-one matchups in the NFL. And with those opportunities, he should have a chance to produce.

Next. Breaking down the Redskins safety depth chart. dark

Sweat won’t be guaranteed to get double-digit sacks, but he has the skills needed to be a big-time producer. With a lot of opportunity in front of him, he could make some huge splash plays, so it will be exciting to see if he can create some fireworks in his first season in the burgundy and gold.

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