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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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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 01: Ryan Anderson #52 of the Washington Redskins after being ejected for a hit to the head during the third quarter during their game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 01, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 01: Ryan Anderson #52 of the Washington Redskins after being ejected for a hit to the head during the third quarter during their game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 01, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

3. LB/DE Ryan Anderson

In 2017, the Washington Redskins selected Ryan Anderson in the second round of the NFL draft with the hopes that he would be an excellent linebacker in the NFL. Although Anderson did not pan out to be the player they hoped he would be, he has shown growth each year when given more snaps on defense.

In Anderson’s first two seasons he was primarily used on special teams, only seeing the field on defense for less then 20 percent of the snap share each year. Last season, Ryan Anderson saw 49% of the snaps on defense in Washington. This year, that number should jump even higher than previous years.

In Del Rio’s 4-3 defensive scheme, Ryan Anderson could be used as a versatile piece on defense and line up as a defensive end or an outside linebacker in certain packages. This will give him more play time to continue to grow on his production from last season.

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Last season, Ryan Anderson accumulated four sacks, nine QB hits, and an impressive five forced fumbles. Producing these stats while playing less then 50% of the defensive snaps is an impressive accomplishment for a backup player primarily playing special teams. With all the talent the Redskins currently have at the defensive end position, Anderson may not be a starter this season, but look for him to continue to grow from last year and produce.

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