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Washington Football Team: Post-preseason Week 1 final roster prediction

By Russell Shavatt

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA - JULY 28: (L-R) Kyle Allen #8, Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 and Steven Montez #6 of the Washington Football Team warms-up during the Washington Football Team training camp on July 28, 2021 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA - JULY 28: (L-R) Kyle Allen #8, Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 and Steven Montez #6 of the Washington Football Team warms-up during the Washington Football Team training camp on July 28, 2021 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) /
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Football Team defensive ends Montez Sweat and Chase Young. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Football Team defensive ends Montez Sweat and Chase Young. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Tackle (4): Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Matt Ioaniddis, Tim Settle

No questions and no surprise cuts here. The backbone of Washington’s defense is the interior defensive line. Having such high-end depth on this unit makes it one of the best in the league.

Defensive End (5): Montez Sweat, Chase Young, James Smith-Williams, Casey Toohill, Shaka Toney (R)

Montez Sweat recently stated that the season long goal for Chase Young and himself was to break the NFL record for most sacks between two teammates in a single season.

While Young and Sweat are both dominant edge rushers at times, the Football Team needs to figure out who can fill the Ryan Kerrigan role as a secondary sack specialist.

The combination of James Smith-Williams, Shaka Toney, and Casey Toohill must learn how produce with limited snaps similar to Kerrigan in 2020. It is still up in the air as of now with regards to who will be the primary fill in at the position. Smith-Williams likely locks up the edge number three role to start the season thanks to a strong work ethic and constant desire for greatness.

Rookie seventh-round pick William Bradley-King is the odd man out in this scenario. He doesn’t have the desired rush skills like some of his teammates, but he is a player worth keeping around to develop. The former Baylor standout is a prime practice squad candidate.

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