Ron Rivera says Chase Young could be Redskins’ next Darrell Green
By Ian Cummings
Redskins head coach Ron Rivera recently held a virtual meet and greet with military families. At that event, he was asked who would be the team’s next Darrell Green.
Rivera was careful with his answer, as any comparison to Green was bound to carry tremendous weight. Green, who played with the Washington Redskins at cornerback from 1983 to 2002, logged 53 interceptions over the course of his 20-year career, garnering Pro Bowl honors seven times and All-Pro consideration in 1986, 1987, 1990, and 1991.
At the end of it all, Darrell Green was awarded a golden jacket, for the role he played in sustaining one of the NFL’s historic dynasties. Few fanbases respect a player the way Redskins fans respect Green. Rivera didn’t back down from the lofty comparison, but he didn’t name a defensive back in his reply. Instead, he chose rookie edge rusher and second overall pick Chase Young.
“We’ve got a pretty good one in Chase Young,” Rivera said, per Redskins.com’s Kyle Stackpole. “He’s pretty special, and I think in terms of a guy that could be a Darrell Green for his position, I think Chase has a chance. If he can stay healthy and have a good career, I think people will talk about him in the same vein as a Darrell Green.”
Young, of course, can’t be Darrell Green, the cornerback. But as Rivera alluded to, Young is a player who has the upside to match Darrell Green, the dependable veteran. Darrell Green, the Pro Bowler. Darrell Green, the All-Pro. Perhaps the Hall of Famer?
We won’t go that far just yet. Young hasn’t even played a down yet, and there are countless outcomes that he might endure on the NFL stage. But Rivera has enough confidence in Young’s ability and potential, to the point where he isn’t worried about the expectations becoming too much for the Ohio State product.
Rivera’s analysis might not be biased, either. Poll any number of draft analysts, and you’ll find that most agree: Young has perennial All-Pro potential on the edge. The tape matches up with the hype, as Young has a near-inhuman combination of explosiveness, bend, and speed to match with a long 6-foot-5, 260-pound frame. He’s the full package, and that’s one thing you’ll find he has in common with many of past NFL greats.
Next. Film review of Redskins fifth-round pick Keith Ishmael. dark
It’s worth noting that few, if any, of the Redskins’ defensive backs fit the distinction that Rivera sought to fill by answering this inquiry. But Rivera could have backed away from the question and cautioned against setting these kinds of expectations. He didn’t. Instead, he picked Chase Young. That means he’s excited, and it means you should be, too.