Redskins UDFA Watch: DL Ryan Bee stands out in Redskins loss
After one preseason game, Marshall defensive lineman Ryan Bee appears to be in the lead among the Redskins undrafted rookie this year. Can he make the final roster?
The Washington Redskins’ 30-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns in the preseason opener wasn’t pretty to watch. At times, there were massive mistakes for the offense including bad turnovers, poor blocking, and just general ineffectiveness. The defense had issues as well, particularly over the middle of the field, but they generally were able to keep the contest close until the end.
There were several standouts on the defensive side of the ball, including the ballhawking Jimmy Moreland, but one of the more understated performers was undrafted rookie Ryan Bee. At Marshall, Bee was a productive, consistent defensive lineman that looked like an ideal fit for a 3-4 defense. His 6-foot-7 frame and solid length gave him NFL size, and the only reason he wasn’t drafted was that he was just an average athlete. But after last night, Jim Tomsula may want to hang onto him.
With the team’s top three defensive linemen sitting out the game, Bee was given a chance to play quite a bit. And when on the field, he flashed.
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Bee’s first major play came just before the end of the first half. The Browns had one play before the half and were attempting a Hail Mary. However, Garrett Gilbert was under pressure at the time and was trying to scramble away from it to get off a throw. Bee was able to follow his movements, stay in front of Gilbert, and notch the first sack of his NFL preseason career by squaring him up and bringing him down.
As the second half went along, Bee continued to be disruptive and was able to make some tackles during the contest. Overall, he finished the day with 5 tackles, 1 sack, 1 TFL, and 2 QB hits while showing off a versatile skill set. This performance should help him improve his chances of making the roster.
Bee is still dealing with a crowded position battle and it will be difficult for him to get onto the 53-man roster. But there may be a bigger window of opportunity while Caleb Brantley misses time with a Lisfranc injury. If the team wants insurance for Brantley or just wants to carry a developmental defensive lineman to hold down the sixth spot anyway, Bee would seem to be the logical choice. The only one who could challenge him may be JoJo Wicker.
Next. Studs and Duds from Redskins loss to Browns. dark
Bee will have to improve on his preseason opener next week against the Cincinnati Bengals. But, for the time being, the undrafted rookie is building some solid momentum and of this year’s undrafted rookie class, he was the best performer in the first preseason game.