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Washington Football Team training camp profiles: Edge rushers

By Ian Cummings

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 17: Ryan Kerrigan #91 of the Washington Redskins warms up before the game against the New York Jets at FedExField on November 17, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 17: Ryan Kerrigan #91 of the Washington Redskins warms up before the game against the New York Jets at FedExField on November 17, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – AUGUST 22: Nate Orchard #4 of the Miami Dolphins in action during the preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium on August 22, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – AUGUST 22: Nate Orchard #4 of the Miami Dolphins in action during the preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium on August 22, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

Nate Orchard

Experience: 6th season

Draft Status: 2015 second-round pick, 51st overall

2019 Stats: Five games, 14 total tackles, 1.0 sack, two tackles for loss, one fumble recovery, one pass deflection, two quarterback hits

2020 Outlook: Most fans probably remember Nate Orchard best for when he and Chris Odom, fellow midseason signings, terrorized then-Carolina quarterback Kyle Allen for three total sacks in the Washington football team’s win against the Panthers in 2019. The truth is, however, Orchard has been around for a while, and he’s made a career out of bouncing around from year to year.

Orchard was drafted in the second round back in 2015, and at times, he’s showcased potential that matches his draft stock. He was the NFL’s preseason sack leader in 2019, only to be released by the Dolphins, and despite his pedigree, he hasn’t been able to stay consistent as a contributor. He has experience on his side entering 2020, and he’s worked hard to persist as long as he has. But in a deep Washington edge group, he has to take advantage of the chances he gets.

Expected Role: Orchard is a bit undersized as a pure defensive end. His frame is passable, but he may be relegated to a pure pass rushing role, as he might not have enough length or grip strength to set a consistent anchor in run defense. Orchard’s subsequent lack of a multifaceted skill set may hinder his chances at making the roster, but he’s proven his ability before as a potential spark plug along the edge.

Status: Orchard is solely on the roster bubble for the Washington football team. He’s not the most versatile backup, and he’s never been consistent, but he has some measured utility as a pass rusher, and that’s simply more than what can be said for the players behind him. Don’t be surprised if Washington scours the waiver wire to try and find an upgrade for their fifth edge rusher spot, but for now, Orchard has a chance.

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