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Redskins: Three defensive players primed for a breakout season in 2020

By Charles Garner

ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 22: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons is sacked by linebacker Montez Sweat #90 of the Washington Redskins and Ryan Anderson #52 in the first half of an NFL preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 22, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 22: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons is sacked by linebacker Montez Sweat #90 of the Washington Redskins and Ryan Anderson #52 in the first half of an NFL preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 22, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 23: Montez Sweat #90 of the Washington Redskins looks on against the Chicago Bears at FedExField on September 23, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 23: Montez Sweat #90 of the Washington Redskins looks on against the Chicago Bears at FedExField on September 23, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

No. 1 – Redskins DE Montez Sweat

In the 2019 NFL Draft, Montez Sweat was projected to be an early first-round pick, but medical issues caused his stock to fall. Even with the concerns, the Washington Redskins decided to trade their 2019 and 2020 second-round picks to the Indianapolis Colts to move up and select Sweat.

While Montez Sweat did not start the last season off as some had hoped, his pass rush skills started to grow toward the end of the season. In his first 10 games, Montez Sweat compiled only 2.5 sacks with zero forced fumbles. However, in his final six games, Sweat had 4.5 sacks with two forced fumbles. This growth is something to be happy about going into next season.

In this year’s draft, the Washington Redskins hold the No. 2 overall pick. If this pick does end up being Chase Young like most people believe, Sweat would be one of many on the defensive side of the ball to benefit from this selection. Pairing Sweat with Chase Young is only one of the many factors that will help Sweat elevate his game this season.

The addition of new defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio is another offseason move that will help Sweat excel next season. Last season, under Greg Manusky, Montez Sweat and Ryan Kerrigan were dropping back into coverage entirely too much for their skillsets. Under Jack Del Rio’s new 4-3 scheme, I expect Montez Sweat to be rushing the passer much more often than last season.

Whether the Redskins do select Chase Young in this year’s draft or not, look for Montez Sweat to continue growing from last season with a breakout year in 2020.

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