Welcome to DC: Washington Football Team’s newest players

Defense

James Smith-Williams – DE – 6’4”, 265 – Rookie

The Washington Football Team’s final draft pick in 2020, James Smith-Williams faced an uphill battle to make the final 53. There was likely room for one young pass rusher, but with several other players either equal to, or even ahead of him, he had to be very impressive in camp.

Smith-Williams was considered a very gifted athlete whose development in college was slowed by injury. Thus, his playmaking and technique never seemed to catch up to his great speed and power. Recent glowing reports about his work ethic and attitude from special teams coach Nate Kaczor and veteran long snapper Nick Sundberg suggested his star was rising. Smith-Williams should be a special teams stalwart this season and could develop into a rotational pass rusher.

Chase Young – DE – 6’5”, 264 – Rookie

What more do you need to know? The Washington Football Team’s first pick in the 2020 NFL Draft is expected to make an instant impact along the defensive front. He has all the tools to become a dominant every-down player, and his development is key to the Washington Football Team’s success, both immediate and long-term.

Thomas Davis, Sr. – OLB – 6’1”, 235 – 16th season

A mainstay for coach Ron Rivera during his days in Carolina, Thomas Davis brings instant leadership and maturity to a mostly-young Washington Football Team linebacking corps. Despite his age, he was very productive for the Chargers in 2019, which earned him a contract in Washington. In the best-case scenario, Davis may begin the season as a starter, but will eventually be surpassed by younger players, allowing him to become a situational player and mentor.

Khaleke Hudson – OLB – 6’0”, 220 – Rookie

Hudson was drafted in the fifth round, and appears to be the type of hybrid player that is thriving in modern defenses. Physically, he slots in between a classic outside linebacker and a strong safety, with the speed and strength to man either position. He should be a real asset on special teams and should offer defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio a great deal of flexibility in designing various gimmick defenses.

Kevin Pierre-Louis – OLB – 6’0”, 231 – 7th season

Pierre-Louis has bounced around from team to team throughout his NFL sojourn, mostly contributing on special teams. Last year in Chicago, he got more time playing on defense and he made the most of it, looking like a real playmaker at OLB. The Washington Football Team is hoping that was no fluke and that he can become a starter, or a valuable rotational player on defense, while also proving leadership on special teams. Everything about his profile reminds me of Monte Coleman.

Ronald Darby – CB – 5’11”, 193 — 6th season

Ronald Darby was a free agent signee who has played for Philadelphia the past three years. He has outstanding speed and has been a quality corner — when healthy. During his first two seasons in Buffalo, he looked to be one of the best young corners in the league. But he never made it through a season in Philly unscathed. His ability to stay on the field will have a major impact on Washington’s pass defense this season. When healthy, he should be a starter on the outside.

Kendall Fuller – CB – 5’11”, 198 – 5th season

Drafted by Washington in the third round in 2016, Fuller was the main piece in the trade that brought Alex Smith to town. Now he returns to a retooled secondary, where his wide range of skills should pay instant dividends. Fuller can play outside or he can play the slot. With all the moving pieces in the Washington Football Team’s secondary this season, Fuller is the one who should rarely come off the field.

Kamren Curl – S – 6’2”, 198 – Rookie

Kamren Curl was the first of Washington’s two seventh-round draft picks in 2020 and he had to beat out several more experienced safeties to win a spot. His speed is average, but he seems to play fast and hit hard, and that seems be what Ron Rivera is looking for on defense. Curl will contribute mostly on special teams to begin the season, but given the recent spate of injuries that have plagued the Washington Football Team’s secondary, it’s likely he will find his way into defensive packages before too long.

There are some exciting names on this list. For the vets, they have a chance to start anew. For the rookies, it is the beginning of a lifelong dream. Welcome to Washington. You now have an awful lot of passionate fans rooting for you.