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Ranking the Commanders’ in-house replacements for Chase Young

By Jerry Trotta

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 31: Chase Young #99 of the Washington Football Team reacts to a play in the third quarter of the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on October 31, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 31: Chase Young #99 of the Washington Football Team reacts to a play in the third quarter of the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on October 31, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

1. James Smith-Williams

Smith-Williams was quietly very productive filling in for Young last season all things considered. In 14 games (six starts), the 2020 seventh-rounder compiled 30 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 11 pressures, four tackles for loss and five QB hits. He added eight run stops and a respectable 64.2 run-defense grade from PFF to boot.

In sum, Williams is the Commanders’ top in-house replacement for Young. He might not be a three-down starter in the NFL, but he proved in 2021 that he has the potential to be a dependable backup.

Second-stringers might not get a ton of love, but Smith-Williams can make a nice career for himself as a rotational edge rusher. Approaching his third season, the North Carolina State product has the physicality and ingenuity to wreak havoc on the edge, but, like Obada, can kick inside on passing downs.

The versatility plays with Ron Rivera so Commanders fans should expect to see a heavy dose of Smith-Williams while Young finishes his rehab. Even when Young returns, JSW has established himself as a key part of the DL rotation.

Next. Who are the Commanders' boom and bust candidates in 2022?. dark

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