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Redskins 53-man roster projection: New-look ‘Skins rely on youth, upside

By Jacob Camenker

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 29: Kelvin Harmon #13 of the Washington Redskins communicates during their game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on September 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 29: Kelvin Harmon #13 of the Washington Redskins communicates during their game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on September 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: Linebackers Ryan Kerrigan #91 and Montez Sweat #90 of the Washington Redskins sack quarterback Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys in first half action at FedExField on September 15, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: Linebackers Ryan Kerrigan #91 and Montez Sweat #90 of the Washington Redskins sack quarterback Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys in first half action at FedExField on September 15, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) /

Edge Rusher (3)

Montez Sweat, Chase Young, Ryan Kerrigan

This group is pretty much set in stone. Sweat was a first-round pick in 2019. Young was selected No. 2 overall in 2020. They figure to be the long-term starters for the Redskins and should create a dynamic, athletic edge-rushing duo.

Kerrigan, a first-round pick from 2011, will stick around for at least one more season as well. The nine-year Redskin has averaged 10 sacks per season and made 139 consecutive starts to begin his career. He only missed his first game in 2019 after suffering a concussion and missed four total games with that issue and a calf injury.

But Kerrigan is still a solid pass rusher. He’s consistent, well-rounded, and he could end up starting for the ‘Skins depending on how they want to rotate him in with Sweat and Young. He also adds leadership to the defense which will be big during Rivera’s first season in Washington.

For those that feel this is light for the edge rusher spot, you’d be correct. But it’s worth noting that some other players in later slides (notably Jonathan Allen, Ryan Anderson, and Caleb Brantley) can all provide some depth at the position if needed.

There are a few other options that could be considered here. Jordan Brailford and James Smith-Williams, two seventh-round picks in 2019 and 2020 respectively, could earn the fourth rusher role if Anderson is considered to be a linebacker for the most part.

Ryan Bee (6-7) is also an intriguing talent and the second-year Marshall man could make the roster as an inside/outside player if he can improve after spending most of the season on the Redskins practice squad.

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