Washington Redskins: Top 30 players in franchise history

One of the most criminally underrated players of the modern generation, Ryan Kerrigan isn’t often mentioned in the same conversation as players like Von Miller and Khalil Mack. In a sense, there’s a reason for it. He’s not as athletic as either player, and he doesn’t have trademark moves. For Kerrigan, there’s only one trademark: Consistency. But he’s as consistent as they come.

Drafted by the Redskins with the No. 16 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, burst out of the gate, logging 7.5 sacks and four forced fumbles in his rookie campaign. He followed up that season with two more with 8.5 sacks, and in 2015, he reached a career high 13.5 sacks, while also accruing five forced fumbles.

Now, in 2018, Kerrigan is coming off a year in which he arguably provided his greatest value, keeping the Washington pass rush respectable amidst a slew of injuries. After registering 13.0 sacks in 2017, Kerrigan now sits at 71.5 sacks in his career. Three or four more years of consistent production (which we’ve come to expect from the 29 year old), and he’ll be in the 100.0 sack club. Of the 32 players to reach that esteemed mark in NFL history, 13 are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

On top of his pass rushing prowess, Kerrigan also has a penchant for pushing the turnover battle. In seven seasons with the Redskins, Kerrigan has 22 forced fumbles and three interceptions, all of which have gone for touchdowns.

Kerrigan is one of the league’s most under-appreciated players. To make the leap from the Hall of the Very Good to the illustrious Pro Football Hall of Fame, he’ll need more team success. But he’s proven he can hold up his end of the bargain, time and time again.