Redskins: Five things to watch at the 2020 NFL Combine

No. 4 – How will Kyle Smith differ from his predecessor?

Ron Rivera isn’t the only Redskins official speaking at the 2020 NFL Combine. Kyle Smith, who was recently promoted to Vice President of Player Personnel, will also make an appearance at the podium. He’s scheduled to go up on Tuesday, where he’ll speak to media at Podium 3 at 1:30 PM eastern time.

Smith’s performance will undoubtedly be juxtaposed with that of former Redskins football operations head Bruce Allen, who spoke at the Senior Bowl last offseason and raised questions with his “it means you’re close” comments. Allen was ultimately let go because of the way he ran the team, and Smith, with his work as the college scouting director in recent years, did enough to earn an opportunity as Rivera’s right-hand man.

Smith’s connection with A.J. Smith, a general manager with whom Rivera worked in San Diego, may have also played a factor, but the fact of the matter is, Smith’s 2020 offseason is a chance for him to lock down the general manager role for the future. Rivera gave him a chance, something that can’t be said for many other former Redskins employees. The NFL Combine marks another crucial junction on Smith’s trial run, and with good work in Indianapolis, Smith could put himself on the fast track to long-term job security.

It’ll be interesting to see how Smith differs from Allen with his presence at the microphone, in this sense. Allen seemed well-meaning, but was sometimes prickly, out-of-touch, and defensive toward his unsatisfactory record. The Redskins need a manager who’s more in-tune with reality, and on Tuesday, Smith can show that’s what he brings to the table.